Organic Cinnamon - More than a Nice Spice

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of some species of the trees.Cinnamomum. This aromatic spice can be traced back to Egypt as early as 2000 BCE where it was a prized import. Among ancient nations, Cinnamon was a highly valued gift fit for Monarchs and even Gods.

What did the ancients know? Why was cinnamon such a prized possession?

Modern studies and scientific research have actually led us full circle to why cinnamon is such a valued spice since time immemorial.

In addition,enlightened minds have clearly showed us why it is advisable to live a chemical-free life. In this world of free flowing pollutants, we must build that island of purity. Health and wellness experts advise the use of organic products to wring maximum benefits from our diets.

"Organic" must become a way of life.

God Bless You Cinnamon!

Those nasty coughs and colds are not life threatening, but make you so uncomfortable that you can’t go through a normal day. Soaking a cinnamon stick in warm water, adding a little honey and sipping this drink few times a day helps soothe that kitch-kitch in your throat.

Bye Bye Tummy Troubles

Cinnamon improves digestion and absorption.It is also great for soothing cramps. Try Cinnamon Tea - this can simply be organic cinnamon sticks or a little powder added to regular tea. Half a teaspoon of organic cinnamon powder added to yoghurt/curd can soothe the raw feeling that diarrhoea can give you.

Natural Anaesthetic

Cinnamon contains Cinnamaldehyde (or cinnamic aldehyde) which makes it a natural anaesthetic. Cinnamaldehyde inhibits the release of an inflammatory fatty acid from blood platelets.This makes it a great anti-inflammatory.

Cinnamon, applied topically, also helps in relieving pain in certain cases.

Half a teaspoon of organic cinnamon powder mixed in a little water to form a paste and applied to the forehead can relieve a sinus headache. Experts recommend a paste of ginger, honey and cinnamon powder to alleviate post workout soreness and even arthritic pains.

Cinnamon is a good source of manganese which helps to build bones and other connective tissue - so helpful in osteoporosis.

Anti-Microbial and Anti-Allergic.

Terpenoids are one of the healing compounds in cinnamon.These are strongly anti-fungal and antimicrobial. Diterpenes in volatile cinnamon oil have been successfully used to fight bacteria like oral Candida (thrush). They also exhibit anti- allergic properties.

Preservative Action

The antimicrobial properties of Cinnamon also makes it a good preservative since it stops the growth of yeasts and fungi.This small spice actually combats much bigger problems.

The Heart of the Matter

Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon has been a subject of intensive research. It has been found that it prevents unwanted clumping together of blood platelets and has a huge potential in treating cardiovascular diseases which are essentially caused by the restricted flow of blood to and from the heart.

Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid in cinnamon also cause a reduction in triglycerides (fats in the blood), LDL cholesterol and overall cholesterol levels.This is great for a healthy heart.

Diabetes Control Too: Several studies have shown that cinnamon extracts can lower not just cholesterol, but blood glucose levels as well. A new compound from Hydroxycinnamic acid has been isolated and dubbed an insulin potentiating factor. It enhances the secretion of insulin (the hormone that uses sugar); this results in lowering blood glucose.

This C can even fight the Big C: Cinnamaldehyde are flavonoids which give cinnamon its distinctive flavour and odour. Laboratory synthesis of these has clearly proved that they are inhibitors of angiogenesis. Simply put,angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels.This is what aids in the transition of tumours from the benign to the malignant.Thus, cinnamon extracts can actually aid in anti- cancer activity.

Also Boosts Brain Function: Its unique essential oils have this spicy sweet smell which enhances your mood too. It is used in aromatherapy to make one feel contented and uplifted

Here’s one such recipe for boosting your day:

Bay Rum and Cinnamon Aftershave: Not only does this have a delightful spicy scent, it also has antibacterial properties, and cinnamon helps stop bleeding from little nicks and cuts.

Fill a screw-top jar with dried bay leaves.

Add 2 broken cinnamon sticks and 1 tablespoon of cloves.

Pour in enough dark rum to cover the herbs

Let this mixture steep for 14 days or longer, shaking it daily. Strain through a sieve and coffee filter, bottle the liquid, and use a splash of it after shaving.

Who would have thought that this common and popular spice has so much goodness hidden in it?

You can add it to dishes like pulaos,use it in baking like in cinnamon rolls and buns, infuse it in teas.Could anything be better?

YES! Organic cinnamon for the best of the best! Double the benefits!