Cinnamon is a popular spice and herbal remedy. The University of Michigan Health System states that cinnamon has been used for thousands of years to help treat diarrhea, rheumatism and certain menstrual conditions. Cinnamon contains several significant active constituents that help account for its beneficial health effects. Before supplementing your diet with cinnamon, talk with your doctor about the possible benefits and drawbacks of this popular herbal remedy.
Plant Information
The cinnamon tree thrives in tropical conditions in various parts of the world, including Madagascar, Brazil, India, China, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. The bark of the cinnamon tree, which has a pungent taste, is used medicinally in the form of oil, powder or sticks. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that the bark of the cinnamon tree is rich in essential oil and is used as a flavoring agent and spice, as well as a medicinal agent.
Actions
Herbal medicine expert Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that cinnamon has numerous actions when taken medicinally. Cinnamon, notes Smith, has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal action. Cinnamon is an anodyne, or an agent that relieves your pain. Cinnamon is a gastrointestinal tonic, causes you to sweat and causes your tissues to contract. Smith adds that cinnamon is a warming, diffusive stimulant that helps to prevent nausea. Cinnamon may also enhance the action of insulin.
Uses
Cinnamon is used to treat a wide range of health problems. Cinnamon has been used to treat loose bowels, flatulence, nausea and vomiting, coldness of your skin and extremities, diarrhea and dysentery. Cinnamon may also be helpful in treating colds, flu, chills and the causes of passive bleeding, such as nosebleeds, excessive menstrual flow and bleeding associated with fibroids. Cinnamon can help to arrest passive bleeding in your kidneys and pulmonary and gastrointestinal tracts too.
Considerations
Consider speaking with your doctor before taking cinnamon as a dietary supplement. Although it has numerous beneficial health effects, cinnamon may also cause unwanted side effects in some people. If you have a high fever, acute inflammatory condition and stomach ulcers, or if you are pregnant, you should avoid using this herb unless you are under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. Do not use cinnamon in lieu of medical care in cases of excessive bleeding.
Member Comments