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Common Name
Cinnamon
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Botanical Name
Cinnamomum verum
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Part Used
Stem bark outer
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Clinical Summary
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Monograph
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Alcohol
50%
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Dose
20 to 40mL weekly
True cinnamon, also called Ceylon cinnamon, is an exotic spice native to Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon). It is a warming tonic used to increase general circulation and can be especially useful when someone has chronically cold hands and feet. It can also benefit acute situations like colds and the flu in which the person feels shivery and cold. Cinnamon can help ease digestive issues like indigestion and cramping and because of its mild astringency it will help firm loose bowels and is an effective diarrhoea remedy. Numerous clinical studies have shown that cinnamon can dramatically benefit people with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Cinnamon has a strong antioxidant capacity and can be used to decrease inflammation caused by oxidative stress.
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Traditional Use
It has a long history of use as a culinary spice in many cultures and additionally, in native Ayurvedic medicine it is considered a remedy for respiratory, digestive and gynaecological ailments. It's history as a medicinal plant goes as far back as the Ancient Egyptians and Chinese. As the availability across Europe increased it was then adopted by herbalists for medicinal uses. It was traditionally used as a flavouring agent and digestive tonic in cases of diarrhoea, anorexia and dyspepsia. It was also used for rheumatism and menstrual disorders. Not to be confused with cassia (Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl or synonym Cinnamomum aromaticum Nees) which is cheaper, has a stronger flavour and is often marketed as ‘cinnamon’.
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Actions
Hypoglycaemic, hypoinsulinaemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, immunomodulator, astringent, antidiarrhoeal, carminative, hypolipidaemic
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Indications
• Digestive disorders including flatulent dyspepsia, nausea and diarrhoea
• Bacterial and viral infections including the common cold and influenza
• Fungal infections including tinea pedis and candida
• Diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Hyperlipidaemia
• Possible cancer prophylaxis and treatment adjuvant
• Oxidative stress and inflammatory disorders -
Energetics
Pungent, sweet, astringent, heating
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Use in Pregnancy
There are no known problems with the use of cinnamon during pregnancy and lactation provided that doses do not greatly exceed the amounts used in food.
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Contraindications & Cautions
None known.
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Drug Interactions
Caution with antidiabetic drugs
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Ginger, Thyme, Clove, Garlic