Cinnamon – A Winter Warmer
An exotic spice originating in Ceylon, the quills are made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Cinnamon was used in Ancient Egypt to make medicinal ointments and perfumes and is widespread in the Ayurvedic tradition. It differs from Cassia or Chinese cinnamon that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Cinnamon is a warming remedy suited to many winter ills. It is primarily used for respiratory infections and digestive problems. Cinnamon has also traditionally been used for lowering blood sugar but the supporting research has been conducted on the Chinese species. Cinnamon increases the peripheral circulation helping to warm the hands and feet in cold weather. Research has found cinnamon to be antiseptic, having an action against certain bacteria and fungi.
Cinnamon is particularly useful for colds. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used especially for colds that feature fatigue and heavy mucous congestion. It is considered a diaphoretic, a herb that promotes sweating and helps the body to eliminate toxins whilst lowering fevers. It also helps to relieve nasal congestion.
Cinnamon also aids and strengthens digestion helping to relieve bloating and flatulence. It is also used in the treatment of diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. It is reputed to be an aphrodisiac!
My favourite recipe for a cold is to add a cup of water to a saucepan along with 1 quill of cinnamon, an inch or so of sliced ginger and boil for 10 minutes. Strain and add the juice of ½ a lemon, add sugar or honey to taste. Drink once cooled sufficiently. Note that this recipe may be too heating for a very feverish condition.
Cinnamon has caused skin and mucosal allergy in sensitive individuals. Medicinal doses should not be used whilst pregnant or breast-feeding. Ginger may irritate indigestion, gastric ulcer, and gallstones, and high doses can increase the effects of blood thinning medications such as warfarin. Ginger is traditionally considered to be too heating to use in pregnancy. It should be remembered that cautions with herbs and spices apply to medicinal doses and not to ordinary culinary usage!
Before using herbal remedies consult your GP, pharmacist or Medical Herbalist if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or taking medications. Seek advice from a medical professional if your symptoms are severe or persist.
Bibliography:
Bartrum, T. ‘Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine’ (1995) Grace: Dorset
Commission E Monographs – American Botanical Council website www.herbalgram.org
Griggs, B. ‘Cinnamon Spice’ Herb Magazine, 2001(7): pp8-9
Hedley, C. & Shaw, N. ‘Herbal Remedies’ (1996) Parragon: Bath
McIntyre, A. ‘Herbal Treatment of Children – Western and Ayurvedic Perspectives’ (2005) Elselvier: UK
Ody, P. ‘The Herb Society’s Complete Medincinal Herbal’ (1993) Dorling Kindersley: London
Cinnamon is a warming remedy suited to many winter ills. It is primarily used for respiratory infections and digestive problems. Cinnamon has also traditionally been used for lowering blood sugar but the supporting research has been conducted on the Chinese species. Cinnamon increases the peripheral circulation helping to warm the hands and feet in cold weather. Research has found cinnamon to be antiseptic, having an action against certain bacteria and fungi.
Cinnamon is particularly useful for colds. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used especially for colds that feature fatigue and heavy mucous congestion. It is considered a diaphoretic, a herb that promotes sweating and helps the body to eliminate toxins whilst lowering fevers. It also helps to relieve nasal congestion.
Cinnamon also aids and strengthens digestion helping to relieve bloating and flatulence. It is also used in the treatment of diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. It is reputed to be an aphrodisiac!
My favourite recipe for a cold is to add a cup of water to a saucepan along with 1 quill of cinnamon, an inch or so of sliced ginger and boil for 10 minutes. Strain and add the juice of ½ a lemon, add sugar or honey to taste. Drink once cooled sufficiently. Note that this recipe may be too heating for a very feverish condition.
Cinnamon has caused skin and mucosal allergy in sensitive individuals. Medicinal doses should not be used whilst pregnant or breast-feeding. Ginger may irritate indigestion, gastric ulcer, and gallstones, and high doses can increase the effects of blood thinning medications such as warfarin. Ginger is traditionally considered to be too heating to use in pregnancy. It should be remembered that cautions with herbs and spices apply to medicinal doses and not to ordinary culinary usage!
Before using herbal remedies consult your GP, pharmacist or Medical Herbalist if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or taking medications. Seek advice from a medical professional if your symptoms are severe or persist.
Bibliography:
Bartrum, T. ‘Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine’ (1995) Grace: Dorset
Commission E Monographs – American Botanical Council website www.herbalgram.org
Griggs, B. ‘Cinnamon Spice’ Herb Magazine, 2001(7): pp8-9
Hedley, C. & Shaw, N. ‘Herbal Remedies’ (1996) Parragon: Bath
McIntyre, A. ‘Herbal Treatment of Children – Western and Ayurvedic Perspectives’ (2005) Elselvier: UK
Ody, P. ‘The Herb Society’s Complete Medincinal Herbal’ (1993) Dorling Kindersley: London
