Honey & Cinnamon For Illness

Many traditional cultures have recognized cinnamon and honey for their potential health benefits. Honey is loaded with antioxidants and appears to have antimicrobial capacities. Cinnamon has antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. Research has begun to validate previous claims of some of the possible health benefits.

Cinnamon and Ulcers

A 2010 study published in the “Journal of American Science” compared the effects of cinnamon extract to Zantac, an antiulcer drug, on rats. Researchers found that cinnamon extract reduced the volume of gastric juice compared to control groups given alternative treatments. Cinnamon extract also reduced ulcer size in the rats and increased the pH level in the stomach acid. Researchers concluded that cinnamon has antiulcer properties comparable to traditional antiulcer drugs with far fewer side effects.

Cinnamon and Diabetes

Cinnamon may help improve insulin sensitivities, according to a 2010 study published in “Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics.” Rats fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet along with cinnamon showed a significant change in glucose infusion compared to the rats that did not receive cinnamon. Cinnamon also prevented a specific type of fat from accumulating in the rats. Another study published in 2006 in “European Journal of Clinical Investigation” examined the effect of cinnamon on patients with type-2 diabetes. Researchers concluded that cinnamon had a moderate effect on reducing fasting glucose levels in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control.

Honey and MRSA

Traditional cultures used honey as a dressing for wounds, and current research suggests that honey may be effective in treating moderate burns. A study presented at the Society for General Microbiology’s 2009 meeting found that honey has strong antibacterial properties. Researchers grew meticillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA, in a laboratory. Researchers added manuka honey to the MRSA to determine if the honey had any effect. Manuka honey killed the MRSA, although researchers are unclear how the honey’s antibacterial properties work.

Honey and Digestion

Honey may help in digestion. Researchers have investigated the effect of manuka honey on inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, in rats. According to 2008 research published in "Phytotherapy Research" found that honey provided protection against damage of the colon caused by illness. Researchers induced IBD in rats and treated some with honey; the honey reduced inflammation in the colon. Researchers also found that honey restored lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant limits. However, researchers also note that further studies are needed, especially on human subjects.