Cinammon Packs a Punch

For anyone who bakes, you know that cinnamon is a common ingredient used to add a warm, spicy flavor. What you may not know is that cinnamon possesses some remarkable properties that ancient Chinese and Indian healers discovered as early as 2700 B.C. Over the centuries, cinnamon has been used to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments including stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, uterine cramps, infant colic, and flatulence. Originally grown in southern Asia and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), early travelers first brought cinnamon to Egypt, where its preservative power was used in their embalming recipe. The phenols in cinnamon inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for decay. Later the Romans found it useful as a spice, a perfume, and a treatment for indigestion. Pliny the Elder wrote in the first century A.D., that 350 grams of cinnamon was worth over five kilograms of silver. As an aside, Emperor Nero; after murdering his wife, ordered that a year's supply of cinnamon be burned as a sign of remorse. You can see that cinnamon was a prized possession among the ancient cultures.

In more recent times, it was discovered to be a powerful antiseptic which explains why it is found in toothpaste and dental floss. It has also been found to kill a number of disease causing bacteria including those that cause urinary tract and vaginal yeast infections. Its antiseptic power has also been tested on minor cuts and scrapes. Perhaps the best known benefit of cinnamon is its ability to aid in the digestion of high fat treats such as cakes, cookies, and ice cream. Put in more medical terms, it boosts the release of an enzyme called trypsin in the digestive tract, which breaks down fats. More recent studies have shown that cinnamon enhances the ability of insulin to metabolize glucose, helping to control blood sugar levels. Despite the fact that these studies have not yet been tested on humans, many diabetics are adding a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to their daily diet, proclaiming favorable results. By aiding the effectiveness of their insulin, diabetics can help prevent the onset of coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. Lastly, a study by Alan Hirsch, M.D. at the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago found cinnamon scored high as an aphrodisiac for males. Your results may vary.

Try this soothing Cinnamon infusion recipe:
3 sticks Cinnamon
6 Cloves
Small peice of dry Ginger (not powder)
1 ball of Nutmeg
2 tbsp Anise

Boil a teapot of water and add ingredients. Simmer for 10 minutes. Before serving, add some Pine Nuts and Walnuts and a dash of Brown Sugar to taste. This will make your house smell wonderful and inviting as well as providing you with a relaxing and warming drink.

One word of warning about the use of cinnamon is that it should not be confused with cinnamon oil. The oil extract from cinnamon bark and twigs is quite potent and can cause irritation and redness when applied to the skin. Do not ingest the oil either because it can cause nausea, vomiting, and possibly kidney damage. Stick to using cinnamon powder in culinary doses. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor about safe amounts to use.