Health Benefits Of “Cinnamon” Herbal Nutrition Supplements 

Genus: Cinnamomum     Species: C. zeylanicum or C. verum
Also know as: Cassie, Ceylon cinnamon, Saigon cinnamon
Parts used: Dried inner bark

Cinnamon as a kitchen spice.
Cinnamon delights the taste buds and benefits other parts of the body as well. As with many culinary spices, it is a powerful antiseptic; a reason for flavoring toothpastes and mouth wash. It kills decay and disease causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Try sprinkling some on a minor cut or scrape, after properly washed. Cinnamon contains the natural anesthetic oil eugenol, which might help relieve the pain.

 Cinnamon grew originally in Southern Asia and played a major role in ancient trade. By the 17th century, Europeans considered it primarily a kitchen spice. In healing it was used only to cover up the bitterness of other healing herbs.

As time passed, this spice slowly regained its former reputation. Various physicians prescribed it for stomach cramps, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, infant colic, and uterine problems. It has gentle astringent actions useful for vomiting and diarrhea.

Cinnamon
(Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
This spice does more than add flavor to toast, cookie dough and stirred into hot apple cider. Once you have consumed the herb, it helps break down fats in your digestive system, possibly by assisting the activity of some digestive enzymes.

 In powder form, culinary amounts of this spice are not toxic. However, allergic reactions are possible. Although cinnamon oil is another story. On the skin it could cause redness and burning. Used internally can cause nausea, vomiting and possibly even kidney damage. DO NOT ingest cinnamon oil.

This herb is on the Food and Drug Administration’s list of herbs generally regarded as safe. As with any herbal supplement, cinnamon herbal supplements should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with a health professional first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.

Cinnamon is not grown in the United States. Most of it comes from Asia and the West Indies. The tree reaches a height of 30 feet. Collectors strip the bark from young branches, no more than three years old.

SUGGESTIONS:
 Other herbs containing antiseptic actions include balm, chamomile, chaparral eyebright, meadowsweet, saw palmetto, thyme and white willow.