Herbs - Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum).

What Is It?

Cinnamon is a tree native to various tropical regions of the world, and has been used since the times of the ancient Chinese. It is a popular sweet spice used widely in cooking, and the inner bark (sticks) and leaves are used in herbal medicine..

Action

It contains a variety of compounds including volatile oil, coumarins and tannins. The oil contains active constituents known as terpenoids such as eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. These give the herb medicinal properties. It is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-histamine, carminative (wind relieving), antispasmodic, anti-worm, anti-diarrhoea, warming and a stimulant to the stomach.

Uses

Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

• Colds and influenza
• Colic
• Candida infection
• Diarrhoea
• Flatulence
• Heartburn
• Heavy menstruation
• Indigestion
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Poor appetite
• Poor digestive function
• Rheumatism

Other information

The bark is available as sticks to be ground as needed or can be bought as a ready ground powder which can be used to make a tea and taken up to three times per day. A qualified herbalist will be able to make other preparations including tinctures. The oil is sometimes used topically to treat body lice and scabies.

Cautions

• Some sensitive people may develop allergic reactions when exposed to the herb. It is sensible therefore to use small amounts in order to assess your own reaction.



• It should not be used during pregnancy according to the German E Monograph, obviously a small amount used in cooking is unlikely to cause any problems.



• The aromatherapy oil is contra-indicated during pregnancy.



• At the time of writing there are no well-known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications from eating blackcurrants or using seed oil capsules.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.