Cinnamon: Health Benefits and Other Uses

Some herbs seem to be taken for granted and cinnamon is a top elusive herbal phenomenon. This pungent, peppery spice has been associated with holiday recipes and autumn home scents but you may not know that cinnamon has some impressive medicinal properties as well. 

These health benefits and other uses of cinnamon may raise an eyebrow and have you hunting down a jar at your local supermarket to keep at home for the many uses it offers. 

Outranks Superfood Antioxidants

When cinnamon was studied as a potential antioxidant the results were staggering. It turns out that this unassuming spice scored higher than superfoods garlic and oregano. 

The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, cited that,

“The spices and related families with the highest antioxidant capacity were screened, e.g., clove in the Myrtaceae, cinnamon in the Lauraceae, oregano in the Labiatae, etc., representing potential sources of potent natural antioxidants,”

As these and other spices were studied, cinnamon had the most potent packed antioxidant potential than all the others. 

Sprinkle cinnamon on breakfast foods, add to savory recipes or salads, or mix into smoothies. 

Reduces Inflammation 

Cinnamaldehyde is one of the major active ingredients in cinnamon which has been linked to a variety of benefits. The National Library of Medicine posted the study, ‘Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cinnamon Extracts, et al’ which was published in Food & Function stating that, 

“Chronic inflammation is a contributing factor in many age-related diseases. In a previous study, we have shown that Sri Lankan cinnamon (C. zeylanicum) was one of the most potent anti-inflammatory foods out of 115 foods tested…If therapeutic concentrations can be achieved in target tissues, cinnamon and its components may be useful in the treatment of age-related inflammatory conditions.” 

Some topical applications with cinnamon as the main ingredient have shown to be highly effective on reducing inflammation. Take cinnamon as a food or supplement along with using it as a salve and inflammation may significantly decrease.

Cardiovascular Curative

If diet and exercise are implemented on a regular basis, adding cinnamon may assist in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The powerful properties in this herb have been thoroughly studied showing optimal results that support heart health.

Healthline reported that,

“Cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, the world’s most common cause of premature death. In people with type 2 diabetes, 1 gram or about half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to have beneficial effects on blood markers. It reduces levels of total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while “good” HDL cholesterol remains stable”

Fight Cancer 

Cinnamon is yet another example of how plant-based applications are often the key to preventing, and in some cases, eradicating disease. As cancer continues to threaten every living thing, it is the adding of this spice to your ‘good health toolbox’ that could have big results. 

Many studies have proven the anti-cancer effects of cinnamon. An archival paper in Cancer Letters and posted by PubMed reported that,

“…our data indicate that cinnamaldehyde induces the ROS-mediated mitochondrial permeability transition and resultant cytochrome c release. This is the first report on the mechanism of the anticancer effect of cinnamaldehyde.”

Anti-fungal / Anti-bacterial

There are scores of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription remedies for fungus or bacteria when all you may need is cinnamon. Cinnamon oil (potent with cinnamaldehyde) has been linked to being vaporized and inhaled resulting in treating respiratory infections caused by fungi. 

Published in Allergy. the study ‘Cinnamon Bark Oil, A Potent Fungitoxicant Against Fungi Causing Respiratory Tract Mycoses’ stated that,

“Cinnamic aldehyde has been identified as the active fungitoxic constituent of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) bark oil. The fungitoxic properties of the vapours of the oil/active constituent against fungi involved in respiratory tract mycoses,…It is concluded that these inhalable vapours appear to approach the ideal chemotherapy for respiratory tract mycoses.”

This super spice has also shown to prevent the growth of such dangerous bacterias as Listeria and Salmonella.

It’s Also a Disinfectant

Claimed to be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, spraying cinnamon in a room could be highly beneficial in reducing surface and airborne bacterias. Alternative Daily offers this recipe on how to make a disinfectant spray with cinnamon.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water

24 drops Ceylon cinnamon oil

4 oz glass bottle with atomizer

Directions:

Add water and cinnamon oil into a glass bottle.

Add atomizer cap and shake vigorously.

Spray the area and leave on for 30 seconds before wiping clean with a damp cloth.

Shake the bottle before every use, as the cinnamon oil will settle. Additionally, store it in a cool, dark area and keep cinnamon disinfectant away from heat and sun to extend its shelf life.

If you don’t have cinnamon in your home go out and get some soon. You won’t regret the health benefits and other uses of this incredible spice.