The tree which yields is part of the Lauraceae family and is a native of Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
Have you ever wondered why in our country are not found cinnamon trees? Here they fail to grow because the climate is not to their liking.
The tree, then, is an evergreen that can reach 15 meters in height. The trunk is sturdy, smooth, characterized by an intense aroma bark (in fact it is the inner part of this that is used to get the spice, green elliptical leaves are topped with small flowers of white-yellow color). The fruit is a purple berry that contains a single seed.
For centuries cinnamon medicinal uses are known, for example, I quote the Chinese who in 2700 BC They advised the use against dysentery and fever . The ancient Romans used it as an aphrodisiac while in Egypt it is used as an antiseptic in embalming processes.
How do you distinguish the cinnamon from Malaysia from China? The first is of a lighter color and is much more expensive, while the second has a more sour aroma and a lower cost. The second quality is also widespread in India, but also is less sweet and has torches as thick and short, in fact, is considered less valuable. This spice is obtained as mentioned above from the inside of the stems and bark of the branches, is then allowed to dry.
Cinnamon: the beneficial properties
Cinnamon is a spice rich of useful properties and beneficial for the body.
Let's see what it contains:
- water;
- proteins;
- sugars;
- fibers;
- ashes;
- minerals: calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium;
- phytosterols;
- Vitamin B1, which keeps the functional nerve tissue;
- Vitamin B2, it helps the metabolism;
- Vitamin B3, regulates blood sugar levels in the blood;
- Vitamin B5, which helps metabolize proteins correctly;
- Vitamin B6 helps the proper functioning of brain activity;
- Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and essential for the proper functioning of the immune system;
- Vitamin E, has anti-aging effects;
- vitamin K, promotes proper blood clotting;
- Vitamin J, helps the good transmission of nerve signals;
What are the benefits of cinnamon health?
- Adjust the pressure: an herbal tea with cinnamon is very useful for those suffering from high blood pressure;
- antiseptic: cinnamon able to eradicate fungi, viruses and bacteria (in fact it can also be used as a disinfectant;
- Flu: is recommended to reduce fever, freeing the airway and defeat the common cold as it stimulates the immune system.
- Regularizing the cycle: the cinnamon tea is helpful in regularizing the menstrual flow;
- Antidiabetic if you have diabetes with blood sugar swings, an infusion of cinnamon is helpful to regulate glucose levels in the blood;
- It helps metabolism: cinnamon is useful to break, hunger and improve the functioning of the metabolism, also has digestive;
- Antioxidant: cinnamon has the anti-aging properties that slows cellular aging;
- Regulates cholesterol levels: it is very useful to regulate cholesterol levels in the blood;
- It helps against arthritis pain: it appears that regular use of cinnamon helps to fight arthritis pain;
- It prevents cancer: reducing the spread of cancer cells;
- It promotes bowel regularity: cinnamon is allied bowel as high in fiber;
- Fights Alzheimer's: it seems that this spice has the property of improving the cognitive stimuli, also it seems to have given good signals even in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
In addition to the kitchen, where it is used in the preparation of many sweets, cinnamon is very useful for health:
- The cold cinnamon infusion, it can be used as a mouthwash for small affections of the oral cavity.
- As for diabetes or cholesterol, you can drink the tea (beware if you usually have low pressure is not recommended), or it can add a pinch to foods.
- The essential oil of cinnamon is for external use only and is excellent as: antiseptic, tonic, carminative (to be massaged on the stomach not to swallow!), As a mouthwash (just a few drops diluted in a glass of water. DO NOT eat!) , for anti-stress foot baths and as a compress against wasp stings.
- A very useful and very interesting remedy for those suffering from diabetes, and metabolism of lazy intestine is the lassi, made though with the greek yogurt that contains less sugar. The diluted with half a glass of water and add a pinch of salt and two cinnamon. Drink preferably between meals.
- In cosmetic use this spice can be added to the clay to create purifying face masks, or it can combine with sugar and lemon for a gentle facial scrub and finally with the infusion you can rinse your hair for a strengthening effect.
Herbal tea with cinnamon
The most common remedy of course is the herbal tea with cinnamon.
To prepare it takes 0.5 / 1g of cinnamon to boil in 250 ml. It brings to a boil the water, leave to infuse for 5 minutes, filtered and drink.
Cinnamon: Contraindications
Cinnamon has no side effects? The answer is yes, like anything else the rest. This spice should be taken in small doses, never in excess, if you do not want to run into inevitable problems such as:
problems in people who experience allergy;
- tachycardia;
- skin rash;
- urticaria;
- dysentery;
- sweating;
- migraine.
for hiring tips
- It should not be taken simultaneously with NSAID drugs.
- Do not give to children.
- Recommended intake if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Refrain people suffering from low pressure.
- Refrain those suffering from liver disease due to the high coumarin content.
CAUTION: cinnamon contains coumarin, which in high doses can be toxic to the kidneys and liver, we recommend a moderate and not prolonged use.
I remind the reader that this article wants to be informative only, therefore does not contain medical prescriptions. Before taking any natural remedy to seek the advice of the doctor.
