Cinnamon
Useful properties and uses of Chinese cinnamon
Description of cinnamon
The cinnamon tree is an unusual evergreen tree that varies in height from 7 to 15 meters. On average, the trees do not exceed 8-9 meters. On tetrahedral stems with blunt edges, there are oval leathery leaves approximately 10 cm long. They have deep arcuate veins. The leaves are green above, and always grayish below. Beautiful small flowers are elegantly collected in small umbellate inflorescences at the ends of the branches. They are located in the leaf axils.
Simple calyx perianth simple has a whitish-green tint. It has a fleshy consistency and consists of six leaves. Often no more than 10 stamens. The fruit of such an extraordinary plant is represented by an ovoid drupe, which boasts a light brown, ribbed, fusiform bone.
The main natural habitats of such a wonderful cinnamon are tropical rainforests, since in these areas the average annual temperature is about 26 ° C warm. Plant propagation is carried out by layers and seeds.
Useful properties of cinnamon
The main active ingredients of cinnamon are tannins and mucus, as well as a special essential oil containing cinnamaldehyde. Numerous preparations based on such a plant are indicated for oral candidiasis of resistant forms in all HIV-infected patients. Long-term use of cinnamon drugs significantly reduces the concentration of triglycerides, glucose and cholesterol. Confirmed to be effective in the treatment of second degree diabetes. High fungicidal activity
Numerous preparations have been shown to be excellent tonics. They are effective for loss of appetite, relieve fatigue remarkably, and accelerate blood circulation. Such excellent fortifying agents will help you stay healthy during the period of massive colds. With hypertension, it is recommended to use ordinary cinnamon in combination with yogurt.
It should be mentioned that drugs containing cinnamon are often prescribed for frigidity, impotence, pain in the knees and lower back, as well as for renal failure and shortness of breath.
Cinnamon is a miracle cure for sores in the throat, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea and flatulence. It is indispensable for getting rid of frequent dizziness, with inflammatory processes of the eyes, with dangerous heart pains, with nausea and vomiting. It should be mentioned that cinnamon has antispasmodic and tonic, as well as antiseptic and antiemetic properties. It is excellent for improving digestion and preventing colds. Cinnamon oil is considered a wonderful gastric remedy.
Essential oil and various plant extracts are almost always found in ointments with a special warming and irritating effect. Special cinnamon drops are indicated for heavy menstruation, and can also quickly relieve toothache. In addition to strengthening the stomach and regulating the menstrual cycle, the plant greatly facilitates childbirth. In oriental medicine, cinnamon is used to improve health and mood. It is also a powerful antidote, as it is able to remove putrefactive products from the intestines.
Application of cinnamon
Tea from the bark of the incomparable cinnamon tree is indicated for insufficient secretion of important digestive juices, with flatulence, with mild spastic conditions of the intestines, as well as with a feeling of fullness in the stomach. To prepare such a wonderful drink, you will need 1 tsp. chopped bark, which should be filled with a glass of fairly hot water. The product must be infused for at least 25 minutes. The optimal dosage is to consume three cups a day before each meal.
In herbal medicine in France, the cinnamon tree is considered a powerful aphrodisiac that greatly enhances sex drive. The plant is indicated for anxiety, asthenic and serious depressive conditions. Taking certain medications on a regular basis will help reduce intoxication after heavy drinking. It is enough to take a couple of drops of oil along with a spoonful of honey. The oil can also be used in tea for colds and flu.
To relax smooth muscles with spasms, it is recommended to take an infusion consisting of 1 gram of dry cinnamon powder and 150 ml of water. In no case should the daily dose exceed 4 grams. You should always use the infusion before meals. For colds of a viral nature, such an infusion can be added to regular tea.
Types of cinnamon
The unique substance coumarin contains in different quantities absolutely all types of cinnamon.
Chinese cinnamon. The homeland of this species is South China. However, it is cultivated both in Indonesia and Laos. For medicinal use, the bark is cut into small strips about once every 7-8 years. In addition, after drying, the bark can be used as a delicious seasoning. It has a rough, reddish brown surface. The thickness of such a fragrant bark cannot be more than 2 mm. This species has a very sweet tart astringent taste with pungent notes and a pungent aroma.
Camphor cinnamon. This type of tree with a gnarled branched trunk can reach 40 meters in height and 5 meters in diameter. It has nondescript greenish flowers located on a long stem. Purple fruits are always surrounded by an interesting goblet receptacle. Such an evergreen plant from the Laurel family blooms in May and June. It is commonly found in China and Japan. Today it is cultivated on the entire Black Sea coast. The fruit is represented by a bluish drupe.
Ceylon cinnamon. The name speaks for itself, Ceylon is considered its homeland. For use as a seasoning and for the creation of medicines, the bark is removed from the tree in narrow long strips. After drying, the fragile bark with a delicate aroma takes on a yellowish brown tint. Its taste is burning and warming with sweetish notes. The thickness of the plates usually does not exceed 1 mm.
Contraindications for cinnamon
Intestinal or stomach ulcers are the main contraindications for use. Moreover, it is not recommended to use cinnamon during pregnancy. Side effects with long-term use are not known, however, you should not overestimate the dosage yourself. In concentrated form, cinnamon oil can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, provoking profuse sweating and heartbeat. Some people experience diarrhea when ingesting the herb.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).