Cinnamon: Temperament, Benefits and Ceylon vs Cassia
Cinnamon’s profile, its hot and dry temperament, the difference between Ceylon and cassia, traditional uses and Dr Kalan’s advice.
Cinnamon is valued for healthy ageing, and several studies suggest it can help lower blood sugar. Placed in corners of the house where pests gather, it is traditionally used to keep away moths and grubs.
Profile
- Latin: Cinnamomum
- German: Zimt
- English: cinnamon
- Spanish: canela
- French: cannelle
- Family: Lauraceae (laurel family)
- Species: Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon), Cinnamomum cassia (cassia) and others
- Temperament: hot and dry
- Correctives (muslih): tragacanth gum, mastic
- Constituents: vitamins B6 and C, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, coumarin, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl acetate, eugenol, eugenol acetate, methyl eugenol and linalool. Their quality varies with the age of the tree, the region and how often it is harvested.
- Native range: South and South-East Asia
- Grown in: Sri Lanka, Vietnam, southern China, southern India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Madagascar and Brazil
- Soil: tropical, wet and humid
- Harvest: from trees at least three years old, about three to six months after flowering
- Parts used: the inner bark of the trunk and branches, and the leaves
- Forms of use: spice, extract, essence, essential oil, hydrosol
Ceylon or cassia?
There are many species of this evergreen tree. The best known are Ceylon and cassia (Chinese) cinnamon. Ceylon is the better kind: it is less sharp and lighter in colour.
Cassia contains much more coumarin, which in large amounts can harm the liver, so it is not recommended to use cassia on its own or in large quantities. The cheap cinnamon sold in most markets is usually cassia. The two differ greatly in quality and price; cassia is much cheaper.
Traditional uses
- Relieves gas
- Used to help resolve hot and cold abscesses of the internal organs
- Applied with honey to acne
- Included in traditional eye remedies
- Beneficial in chest complaints
- Good for the liver and stomach
- Diuretic
- Eases kidney and bladder pain
- Used as a sitz bath (sitting in the cooled decoction) for uterine complaints
- Helps with difficulty passing urine
- Regulates irregular periods
- Eases abdominal and muscle spasms
- Antioxidant
- Historically used against snake and scorpion venom (a venomous bite is always a medical emergency)
Dr Kalan’s advice
Using cinnamon on its own is not recommended, because it can cause absorption problems and allergic reactions. In hot temperaments in particular it increases bile (safra) and makes itching worse.
For indigestion and bloating, for back, leg, muscle, joint and foot pain, for “cold” kidneys and a slow metabolism, a mix of ginger, turmeric, red pepper and black pepper with cinnamon warms the body and helps. For strongly phlegmatic people, galangal can be added to the mix.
In heavy periods caused by heat, cinnamon increases bleeding and is not recommended, especially for people with a bilious temperament. In pregnancy, large amounts or cinnamon on its own are not advised; very small amounts in the spice mix above are fine.
In cold seasons and climates, brewing cinnamon with ginger, cardamom, galangal and cloves is very helpful for rheumatic complaints and for aches and problems caused by phlegm. Tea drinkers can add it to the pot when brewing black tea.
Several studies suggest cinnamon can help lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Combined with rosehip, it is especially helpful for people with type 2 diabetes. Adding cinnamon to food and tea is very useful for people with insulin resistance: it slows the digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, so sugar enters the blood less suddenly. If you take diabetes medication, check your blood sugar and talk to your doctor.
It helps make heavy food (ghaza-ye kasif) lighter (ghaza-ye latif), and its pleasant aroma masks heavy smells such as tail fat.
Traditionally, cinnamon is set out where there are pests to prevent grubs and moths. Brewed cinnamon water sprayed on plants or poured on their soil keeps insects away.
Ceylon cinnamon with ginger, turmeric, red pepper and black pepper is traditionally used to lift the mood and to support recovery from viral illnesses such as flu. It strengthens immunity and acts as a natural antimicrobial.
It is said to strengthen the eyes and is helpful for teeth and gum problems.
Its active compound cinnamaldehyde has a calming effect. Traditionally cinnamon is used for “cold” conditions such as low mood, memory decline, arthritis and rheumatism; its oil in particular eases pain caused by cold.
Simmering orange, apple and cinnamon in water fills the room with a lovely scent. Adding a piece of cinnamon while cooking helps keep food fresh.
Cinnamaldehyde has strong antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic and antifungal activity in laboratory studies, and supports the immune system. Cinnamon oil is used for mouth infections.
Ground cinnamon loses its strength day by day, so it is better to keep it as sticks and grind as needed.
Safety
- Prefer Ceylon cinnamon for regular use; keep cassia to small culinary amounts, especially if you have liver problems.
- Cinnamon can add to the effect of diabetes medicines and blood thinners.
- Cinnamon oil is very strong: always dilute it before putting it on skin or in the mouth.
This article is for information only and is based on traditional medical sources and general health knowledge. It is not a medical diagnosis, treatment or prescription and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have a health complaint, take regular medication, are pregnant, or are considering this for a child, consult your doctor before applying anything. Herbal products can interact with medicines.
