Healing Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet as well as one of the oldest spices known to man. It’s loaded with antioxidants, is an anti-inflammatory, can lower blood sugar levels, reduce risk factors for heart disease, protect against cancer and, especially appropriate for this season, helps fight respiratory infections.

There are two types of cinnamon: Ceylon, which is referred to as the “true” cinnamon, and Caisia, which is the one commonly found in our markets. Because of the large amount of the compound “coumarin” found in the Caisia variety, it is not recommended to be taken in large doses.

HOME TIPS
Courtesy of Mercola.com, here are some of the benefits of Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil. Because of its potency, It’s recommended that whenever applied topically, it is blended with a carrier oil or lotion. Its germicidal properties make it an excellent disinfectant for cleaning appliances and all the surfaces in your home.

• For a mouthwash, add 1-2 drops of Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil to water and gargle. 
• In a diffuser, Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil will ease chest congestion and bronchitis. 
• For a mood elevator, combine 3 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil, 3 drops Bergamot and 3 drop Ylang Ylang. 
• Cinnamon is one of the “secret” ingredients in our Bindi Ayurvedic Body Oil. Whether for self-massage or spa massage, it will ease muscular aches, help reduce stress and provide an energy boost. This unique ingredient also improves circulation, aids in removing blood impurities and helps fight viral infections, coughs and colds. 

HEALTH TIPS 
Thanks to Health.com for these suggestions using Ground Cinnamon:

• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to a filter with your ground coffee, or add to steamed milk along with some honey and cocoa powder for a delicious latte. Tea drinkers, enjoy a cup of TARA Ayurveda Vata or Pitta Organic Tea, both of which contain cinnamon. 
• Sprinkle cinnamon on a bowl of warm oatmeal along with some chopped walnuts and maple syrup. For a low cal, fat busting treat, sprinkle cinnamon on slices of baked apple. 
• For a throat soother and to calm a scratchy cough, soak cinnamon sticks in cold water for several hours, and then sip. A water soluble fiber in cinnamon called mucilage, coats and soothes the throat. 
• Cinnamon is a featured herb in TARA Herbal-Ease® Uni Packs and Neck Pillows. Heat the pillows and enjoy the warming and soothing benefits of moist heat therapy. 

FOR THE FEET
Anti-oxidant rich cinnamon softens rough, tired skin. Here's a great recipe for a footbath from Elizabeth TenHouten's book, Cooking Well-Beautiful Skin:

• Juice of 5 lemons 
• 1 T olive oil 
• 1/4 cup whole milk 
• 1/2 cup water 
• 2 T ground cinnamon (or add 7-10 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil)

Soak feet for 15 minutes.