I have fond memories of mother buying cinnamon bread topped with frosting as a treat. We also liked to sprinkle cinnamon powder and sugar on bread instead of jelly. Now we make all our own bread and invariably add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the mix. We always get compliments about the flavor from others.
The use of cinnamon goes far back in history. Ancient books, including the Bible, contain cinnamon in recipes, especially because of its aroma. It was mentioned in Chinese writings as far back as 2800 BC. Cinnamon was used in embalming in ancient Egypt and Rome. Medicine and flavoring were other reasons Egyptians used cinnamon. A person’s social rank could be determined by the number of spices he owned.
The word cinnamon comes from the Greek kinnamomon that, in turn, comes from the word Ceylon. Cinnamon is the bark of the cinnamon tree. A rolled up piece of bark we call a cinnamon stick is officially called a quill. It can be purchased as quills or in the more useable form of a powder. Cinnamon gets its scent and flavor from a chemical compound called cinnamaldehyde.
Actually cinnamon is produced only in Ceylon, now called Sri Lanka, and they produce over 11,000 tons a year. That amount would fill a hundred and fifty million large spice bottles! But if you buy cinnamon powder in the US you are probably buying cassia, also called Chinese cinnamon. If you want to find the sweeter, more refined tasting Ceylon cinnamon, go to a local spice shop.
Though it is true that cinnamon is most commonly viewed as a spice, it contains many health benefits. Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol. Other studies suggest that cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
The January 17th, 1995 issue of Weekly World News contained a list of 21 health problems or diseases that can be cured or at least helped by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists. These included toothache, common colds, insect bites, arthritis, heart diseased, and bladder infections.
The Maryland division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that cinnamon reduces the spread of some cancer cells including lymphoma and leukemia. Cinnamon also has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. Some found cinnamon reduced their arthritic pain. Cinnamon is an excellent inhibitor of food spoilage and bacterial growth, meaning it a natural food preservative.
Cinnamon helps fight E. coli bacteria and is a boost to brain functions. It is rich in calcium, fiber, iron, and manganese, and can help prevent colon cancer by removing bile from the digestive track. The fiber it contains also helps reduce the problems related to constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
Cinnamon contains antiparasitic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It helps in fighting off yeast infections in the mouth and vagina, and reduces the risk of stomach ulcers and head lice. Its healing ability comes from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark.
A cinnamon based hand sanitizer is called thieves oil because grave robbers would use it to rid themselves of the demons of bubonic plague by dousing themselves in it. {It is made from equal amounts of cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, lemon, and clove with rosemary therapeutic grade essential oils You make it mixing equal amounts of rosemary therapeutic grade essential oils and eucalyptus, cinnamon bark, lemon, and clove}. This is mixed with a carrier of olive oil or jojoba.
In addition to the active components in its essential oils and its nutrient composition, cinnamon has also been used for its warming qualities. It gives relief from the symptoms of the onset of a cold or flu, especially when mixed with some fresh ginger in a tea. For women this concoction has provided relief from some symptoms of PMS.
Overdosing on cinnamon can be toxic so use it with caution. Cinnamon does not replace needed medications either. Fresh cinnamon should be stored in sealed glass containers in a cool dark place. As long as it smells like cinnamon, it is still fresh.
Cinnamon strengthens the health of the whole body. But please be sure you buy cinnamon powder from a store that sells bulk herbs so as to receive all the advantages this amazing spice has to offer.