LEARNING AT THE POTTER'S WHEEL

ALSO KNOWN AS:
Cinnamomum verum
Chinese Cinnamon

PARTS USED
Outer & inner bark, leaves, plant, essential oil

PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTS
Alpha-pinene, benzaldehyde, beta-carotene, beta-pinene, borneol, calcium, camphor, caryophyllene, chromium, cinnamaldehyde, copper, courmarin, cuminaldehyde, eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, iodine, iron, limonene, linalool, manganese, mannitol, mucilage, 1,8-cineole, phellandrene, phosphorus, potassium, tannin, terpinolene, vanillin, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C, and zinc

PROPERTIES & USES
Cinnamon is a warming herb which aids peripheral circulation. The diluted essential oil applied to the skin helps improve capillary circulation. While warming to the body Cinnamon is also antipyretic, meaning it can help control and quench a fever.

An enhancement to digestion, cinnamon can also aid in the metabolism of fats as it plays a role in blood sugar regulation. This makes cinnamon a useful herb in the treatment of diabetes.

Cinnamon also fights fungal infection. An excellent food preservative, Cinnamon has a strong inhibitory effect on many pathogenic bacteria and fungi. This antifungal and antibacterial action helps control the growth of many microorganisms including the one which causes Botulism and S. Aureus, a source of staff infections. Cinnamon acts strongly against aflatoxi, a potent poison and carcinogen produced by fungi. This action makes this a useful herb in the treatment of yeast infections. In external applications, cinnamon products are useful in the treatment of minor skin infections.

Taken as a tea, Cinnamon helps to relieve upper respiratory tract infections and counteracts congestion. This tea can also help to treat gastrointestinal problems, including indigestion, flatulence (gas) and diarrhea.

Cinnamon helps alleviate dyspeptic complaints which include gastrointestinal pain or spasms, gas caused by indigestion that can sometimes include burning in the esophagus and/or nausea and/or vomiting. It is believed that this action is due to cinnamon’s cinnamaldehyde content, which has been shown to have a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system, making Cinnamon mildly analgesic.

The ability of Cinnamon to enhance trypsin activity and hydrolysis of fats (lipolysis) is another method by which it helps aid digestion. This contributes to Cinnamon’s ability to relieve nausea and diarrhea. Additionally, these properties make cinnamon a useful tool for weight loss.

A tincture of Cinnamon bark is useful for uterine hemorrhaging. However, care should be taken in the amount of Cinnamon taken by a lactating mother, as it is capable of diminishing the secretion of milk.

Cinnamon can be utilized as a tea, capsule, and tincture internally. Externally, the diluted essential oil is applied to the skin.

CAUTIONS & CONSIDERATIONS
Cinnamon should not be used in large amounts during pregnancy or during lactation. During these times, use only as a spice or food condiment. Teas in large amounts in patients with ulcers can be irritating to the stomach lining. Cinnamon essential oil should not be ingested, due to its potential toxicity. Undiluted essential oil should not be applied directly to any part of the body because of the potential to cause contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. For this reason, avoid applying Cinnamon products directly to sensitive areas of skin such as the tongue and oral cavity.

Disclaimer: None of this is to be considered a substitute for medical examination and/or treatment. Use what you will, but do so knowing that you must consider your own circumstance and the application of these things with sound judgment.