Traditional Use and Health Benefits
This pungent distinctive smelling spice has a history of use stretching back to the dawn of time. Used by the ancient civilisations of Egypt China and Rome the bark is native to Sri Lanka.

Cinnamon was equally prized for its exquisite taste and medicinal properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it was used as a remedy for colds flu and digestive disorders. The ancient Egyptians used its oil in the embalming process of mummies – probably due to its pleasant odour and preservative qualities.

The beauty of this spice is the many ways in which it can be used – as a stick ground into powder or for its richly warming essential oil. Cinnamaldehyde is the potent phytochemical responsible for rendering the taste rich flavour and aroma of Cinnamon. It is also responsible for many of the medicinal and health benefits of this versatile spice.

Cinnamon Benefits
Type 2 Diabetes

Well known for its blood sugar lowering properties Cinnamon has been extensively studied for its anti-diabetic effects.

Cinnamon can improve sensitivity to insulin one of the key hormones in regulating metabolism and energy. Insulin resistance is the pre-cursor to type 2 diabetes and studies show that Cinnamon can significantly reduce insulin resistance increasing insulin sensitivity which in turn helps to lower blood sugar levels.

One 2008 study at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center USA found that chromium and polyphenols in Cinnamon improved insulin sensitivity in women with insulin resistance associated with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

There are other mechanisms by which Cinnamon can lower blood sugar. It decreases the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream after a meal by interfering with certain digestive enzymes slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract.

Furthermore a 2001 study found that a compound derived from Cinnamon (methylhydroxychalcone polymer or MHCP) functions as a mimetic for insulin – meaning it mimics the effect of insulin on cells.

Finally there is much research showing that this super spice can lower fasting blood sugar levels with many of the studies agreeing that people with type 2 diabetes who supplement with Cinnamon can experience significant positive effects on blood sugar markers.

Heart Health

Various studies back up the traditional use of Cinnamon to protect the heart from many of the conditions that can lead to the malfunction of this all-important organ.

With powerful antioxidant properties it offers protection to blood cells against the free radical damage that leads to damaged blood vessels. Additionally cinnamaldehyde – the active ingredient in Cinnamon – has been found to reduce platelet aggregation lowering the risk of blood clots.

It is also effective in reducing hypertension or high blood pressure. A 2010 study at the “Faculty of Health and Human Science” of type 2 diabetic patients found that an intake of 2g of Cinnamon daily was able to regulate glucose and blood pressure.

Finally there is preliminary research to show that cinnamophilin - an extract from Cinnamon - may help treat arrhythmia and regulate heartbeat.

Brain Health

An extract of Cinnamon was found to inhibit the build up of “tau” in the brain in a study at the Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology University of California. If this protein becomes abnormal it can destroy nerve cells instead of supporting them which is why it can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases most notably – Alzheimer’s.

Another study found that Cinnamon may be beneficial to patients with Parkinson’s Disease. It was discovered that treatment with Cinnamon helped to protect neurons normalise neurotransmitter levels and improve motor function although more research is needed.

Oral Health

As a natural antibacterial agent Cinnamon can protect and fight against the oral bacteria responsible for dental cavities halitosis and gingivitis (gum disease) and other mouth infections.

According to a study published in the December 2011 issue of the journal Acta Biomedica Cinnamon essential oil proved nearly twice as effective against Streptococcus mutans a bacterium that leads to dental plaque formation as clove oil which is more commonly used as an oral antiseptic and pain reliever. Cinnamon oil was also more effective than a broad-spectrum antibiotic against ten different species of bacteria that cause dental cavities. Researchers concluded that Cinnamon oil shows greater potential for promoting oral health than clove oil.

Typical Use
Cinnamon Powder

½ to 2 teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder can be added to either sweet or savoury foods/smoothies. It can also be added to herbal teas and used as an ingredient to make a delicious Chai.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Can be used in the bath or vapourised in an oil burner. It can be added to a massage oil or cream. Use 6-8 drops per bath and 10 -18 drops per 30ml of carrier oil. Se