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The Chinese already knew about the cinnamon tree as far back as 2500 B.C. it was just as valuable as gold. The Ancient Egyptians also used it for embalming mummies. Cinnamon was also appreciated among Israelites. Moses was told to use it and other spices to make the holy ointment with which the sanctuary’s objects and priests were anointed.
Cinnamon was one of the spices that indirectly contributed to the Discovery of America since Columbus sailed towards the west to make the journey to India shorter. It was the cinnamon tree and other appreciated Eastern products from India. During the 17th and 18th centuries, cinnamon became the most profitable spice for Dutch traders.
Cinnamon, still highly valued in modern cuisine, has remarkable medicinal properties. Some people consider it an aphrodisiac. However, since there is no scientific evidence of this, we think that cinnamon acts by suggestion.
Cinnamon Tree Scientific Facts
- Other names: Ceylon cinnamon, Laurus Cinnamomum L.
- French: Cannelier du Ceylan.
- Spanish: Canelo, cinamomo.
- Environment: It grows wild and is cultivated in southeast Asia, especially in Sri Lanka (the former Ceylon), India, Madagascar, and the tropical regions of South America.
- Description: This tree of the Lauraceae family grows up to 10 m high. From its young branches, an inner dun bark is obtained. It has large, oval-shaped leaves and white or yellow flowers. The whole plant has a pleasant scent.
- Parts of the plant are used medicinally: Once fermented, the inner bark of young branches is known as cinnamon.
Healing Properties and Indications
The bark of the cinnamon tree contains essential oils, cinnamal dehide, tannin, terpenes, calcium oxalate, starch, and traces of mucilage. Combining all these substances barks digestive, stomachic invigorating, and appetizer properties. It increases the secretions of gastric and intestinal juices and stomach motility.
Cinnamon’s stimulating action on the body increases appetite and enhances digestive functioning. It is especially recommended for people suffering from a lack of appetite, a bloated stomach caused by gastric atony (dilated stomach), and flatulence caused by a lack of gastric juice.
On the other hand, its use is advised against gastro-duodenal ulcer sufferers since a feature of this ailment is excess gastric juice, which determines ulcer formation. Cinnamon’s tannin content gives it a mild astringent effect. Cinnamon can produce skin allergies in sensitive people.
How to use cinnamon
- Seasoning: Both cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon are used as a seasoning in different cookery recipes.
- Infusion: When a more intense effect is required, prepare an infusion with one or two cinnamon sticks about 10 cm long per cup of water. Add a couple of lemon slices if wanted. It is more effective when not sweetened. Drink a cup after each meal.
Chinese Cinnamon
Besides true Ceylon cinnamon, Chinese cinnamon is obtained from the bark of a similar tree, the Chinese cinnamon tree. It has a more spicy, less delicate flavor, but it has the same medicinal properties as Ceylon cinnamon. In his book Book of Nature, John Russell wrote in the 15th century: “Cinnamon is for noble classes and Chinese cinnamon for village people.”
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 442,443. Print. [Cinnamon tree]
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/
- PharmEasy Blog: https://pharmeasy.in/blog/10-incredible-health-benefits-of-cinnamon/