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Healthy Spices – Can Cinnamon Cure the Common Cold

Cinnamon figures among the most ancient spices in world. This small evergreen tree is cultivated in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Egypt, Brazil, Indonesia and India. It is prepared in two ways. It is prepared either by drying the cinnamon bark and rolling it into sticks (quills), or by crushing it into powder. Cinnamon’s peculiar taste and smell stems from cinnamaldehyde, a substance contained in the bark’s oil.

Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon are the two most widely used sorts. The former is the most common variety available in shops, while the latter costs more and is therefore on sale at specialty shops.

We all know that cinnamon is used as a condiment in making food and various drinks, but it is also believed to be beneficial for our health. In China, cinnamon has been used for long time to treat various illnesses, such as diarrhea, menstrual pains, nausea, the common cold, and flatulence. Furthermore, cinnamon is thought to contain properties that boost strength, circulation, and stamina in humans. Interestingly, it is especially beneficial for those who suffer from cold feet. Indian traditional medicine also employs cinnamon to treat indigestion, colds and diabetes.

Scientific research has shown the existence of a possible link between cinnamon and better levels of blood sugar. In a study made public in 2003, it was shown that people suffering from diabetes who consumed cinnamon pills every day reduced their cholesterol, blood glucose and triglycerides levels considerably.

In addition to being beneficial for treating diabetes, initial studies carried out in the laboratory and on animals suggest that cinnamon has other benefits. It may also play an anti fungal and antibacterial role in treating diseases, such as thrush, yeast infections and ulcers in the stomach.

Never take cinnamon doses on your own as it can be potentially harmful to your health. Always consult your physician before you decide to use cinnamon to treat any condition. It is especially important to keep in mind that cinnamon should not be taken together with diabetes pills or other medicines that alter the levels of insulin or blood glucose in your body. The cinnamon that is most commonly available in stores (Cassia cinnamon), contains coumarin. Coumarin is a substance that may harm your liver if consumed in high quantities. When buying cinnamon oil, you should pay particular attention to the package usage directions. Some cinnamon oil is meant for aromatherapy and some cinnamon is meant for consumption. High amounts of cinnamon may also be harmful to pregnant women and should therefore be avoided.

Its good to know, that a tasty spice such as cinnamon can also be good for you. Thats not to suggest, that you should begin consuming two or three cinnamon rolls on the way to work each day. Its important to consider the whole food your consuming. Dipping apple pieces in cinnamon makes for an interesting taste treat. Using cinnamon as a flavor enhancer for cooked vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes is one way to make an old side dish seem new again. Used in these nutritious ways, cinnamon can be a part of your healthy lifestyle.

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