Cinnamon is an herb native to Southern Asia, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Although it is primarily known in the United States as a spice for pumpkin pie, oatmeal and cookies, this herb might offer healing benefits. Cinnamon bark can be used to make a spicy, fragrant tea to treat several conditions. Check with your physician before using cinnamon tea to treat or prevent any illness or condition.
Infection Prevention
Cinnamon bark contains eugenol, a chemical that might offer antiseptic benefits, according to Castleman. Eugenol might help destroy bacteria and fungi that can cause infection and illness. Cinnamon tea might be particularly effective for preventing wound infections caused by fungi and bacteria on the surface of your skin, as well as Candida albicans, the fungus commonly responsible for vaginal yeast infections.
Digestive Aid
The eugenol found in cinnamon tea might help prevent nausea and stomach pain caused by indigestion, according to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." It might aid in the break down of fats from food sources that are difficult for your body to digest. Eugenol also might increase the production of digestive enzymes necessary for preventing indigestion.
Pain Relief
Cinnamon tea might help relieve several types of pain. The eugenol in cinnamon tea might act as a natural anesthetic, according to Castleman, and help relieve abdominal cramps, pain from wounds and rashes and joint pain caused by arthritis and fibromyalgia. Cinnamon tea also might help reduce pain related to toothaches and gum disease.
Hypertension
Eugenol might help relieve hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to Castleman; however, the mechanism for cinnamon tea's potential effect on blood pressure is not known and scientific research on the link between eugenol and hypertension is not conclusive.
Considerations
Although concentrated cinnamon oil is toxic and might cause nausea, vomiting and kidney damage, cinnamon is not considered toxic. The FDA considers cinnamon generally safe, according to Castleman, but heavy consumption of cinnamon tea occasionally might cause diarrhea.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., et al.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
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