Cinnamon ~ Materia Medica by Jyll Renee’
February 19, 2011 by Jyll Renee', Master Herbologist
Filed under Herbology, Supplements
Botanical name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Common name: Ceylon cinnamon
Habitat: The cinnamon tree is an evergreen tree with light brown, papery bark and leathery leaves. The tree shows small, yellow-white clusters of flowers in the summer, after which oval, purple berries appear.
Info: The bark of cinnamomum zeylanicum is generally considered better quality than cassia bark from c. cassia a close relative. Cinnamon has been valued as an aromatic spice since ancient times and as a medicine to treat colds, to warm the digestion, and to ease flatulence, also used to ease menstrual cramps.
Cinnamon is a warm spice with a sweet, calming nature that is used to enhance blends for cold conditions, such as colds, chills, arthritis, and rheumatism. On a cold winter night, when you feel chilled all over, one of the familiar rolled cinnamon sticks can top off your tea while it is steeping. It will warm you as you drink it, and you’ll derive some fabulous health benefits. Cinnamon is anti-septic to fight bacteria, viruses, fungal and yeast infections. It’ not only a anti-E coli but a digestive aid and anesthetic as well. All that disease resistance from a simple cinnamon stick used for flavoring, how about that?
Therapeutic uses:
Internal use:
- Cinnamon is used internally to stop digestive problems – especially when accompanied by flatulence and cramping, as well as diarrhea, vomiting and gastroenteritis
- Its warming action is used to treat colds and flu as well as arthritis and rheumatism
External use:
- None noted
Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Use:
- Cinnamon leaf oil is less likely to cause skin reaction, than the oil made from the bark and bud
- NOTE: the essential oil made from the bark is considered a dermal toxin, irritant and sensitizer and should not be used in aromatherapy.
- When used extremely sparingly the oil can have a strengthening effect on the feeling of weakness. Its warming action is great when treating influenza.
- It has positive effect on the digestive and lymphatic systems and tones the body
- On the skin it has an astringent effect and it helps to tighten loose skin
- Should not be used in bath as it can irritate mucous membranes.
Properties: analgesic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, cardiac, carminative, emmenogogue, insecticide, stimulant, stomachic and tonic
*This herb should not be used by pregnant women, or anybody suffering from stomach or duodenal ulcers. Use cinnamon essential oil in very small quanities as it could sensitize the skin, and in high concentrate can cause convulsions.
Ref: www.ageless.co.za/herb-cinnamon
20,000 Secrets of Tea, Victoria Zac pg102
Submitted by: Jyll Renee’, Master Herbologist (Click here to learn more about Jyll Renee.)
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Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist.