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You probably had no idea about the healing effects of this beautifully scented spice that has been sitting on your pantry shelf for years.
In folk medicine, Ceylon cinnamon has been used for centuries and is currently one of the most researched herbs by science.
Its benefits range from cardiovascular health, through diabetes to acne and yeast infections.
Scientists study both types of cinnamon – cassia (aromatic) cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon. Their effects are similar, but Ceylon cinnamon is recommended more because it does not contain the compound coumarin, which at higher consumption burdens the liver.
Now let’s take a closer look at the conditions for which Ceylon cinnamon can significantly help with treatment.
1. Lowers blood sugar and reduces insulin resistance
Cinnamon is said to be a miracle herb for diabetics, helping them on several fronts.
It lowers blood sugar levels, reduces insulin resistance and also mitigates diabetes-related problems such as hyperlipidemia (elevated blood lipid levels).
Even a 40-day consumption of cinnamon brings visible results. In tests, patients took 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon daily, which led to a reduction in blood glucose levels of 18 to 29%.
Several studies pointed out that cinnamon has a synergistic effect, improving the efficiency of insulin utilization.
Even a relatively small dose, such as 1/2 teaspoon daily, can make a big difference. Simply add it to a cup of black tea, coffee, a smoothie, vegetable or fruit juice, or sprinkle it over your breakfast.
2. Helps with weight loss and cellulite
Ceylon cinnamon has a stimulating effect on the human basal metabolic rate, during which the body burns calories to support basic life functions such as breathing, heart activity, brain and other organs.
The basal metabolic rate burns calories regardless of whether we are active, exercising, or inactive.
Other mechanisms by which cinnamon helps with weight loss are that it reduces appetite, suppresses fatigue and decreases exhaustion. The increased energy level then motivates overweight people to be more active and burn additional calories.
Ceylon cinnamon also stimulates the burning of subcutaneous fat and suppresses inflammation, which is one of the main causes of cellulite. Regular consumption can significantly reduce and sometimes completely eliminate this unpleasant cosmetic defect.
3. Lowers cholesterol and is a significant benefit for the heart
Cinnamon can work near-miracles for your heart and do so in a short time.
In one study participants took 1.5 grams of cinnamon daily for 12 weeks. Their triglyceride and cholesterol levels improved substantially.
The compound cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon bark improves lipid metabolism. This helps not only with metabolic disorders but also with inflammation-induced obesity.
In the study mentioned above in relation to blood sugar, it was further found that participants also had a significantly reduced level of bad LDL cholesterol.
4. Lowers blood pressure
If you struggle with high blood pressure, start adding cinnamon to your meals. Cinnamaldehyde causes dilation of blood vessels, which in turn helps lower blood pressure.
There is much evidence of this kind of effect of cinnamon, mainly from studies conducted on animals.
Human studies are currently being prepared.
5. Suppresses inflammation and inflammatory diseases
Ceylon cinnamon contains a large number of different types of antioxidants – quercetin, gnafalium, oroxidin, hypolaetin, gosypin and hibifolin, thanks to which it acts strongly anti-inflammatory.
Therefore it also attracts the interest of scientists and researchers. Today many studies focus on the healing effects of cinnamon in Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, where inflammation is a major cause of the progression of these conditions.
Ceylon cinnamon can also suppress inflammation by stimulating the production of nitric oxide in the body.
This effect makes it a potential candidate in the treatment of conditions such as gastritis, dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome.
6. Treats bacterial, fungal and viral infections
It has been proven that cinnamon destroys many bacterial, parasitic and viral infections.
A combination of essential oils from cinnamon and clove is used to suppress Salmonella and E. coli bacteria, which are responsible for gastrointestinal infections.
It also has good effects against the notoriously known bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which causes staph infections.
If you are troubled more by mycoses or yeast infections, cinnamon can offer invaluable help here as well.
For internal problems, take it as a tea or directly as part of dishes. For topical use on mycoses or yeast infections use cinnamon essential oil diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil.
7. Prevents and treats acne
For treating skin problems such as acne, it is best to mix cinnamon with honey, because honey also has valuable antibacterial properties.
Such a mixture will cure almost any acne and neutralize the bacteria that caused it.
If you want to make a face mask, mix cinnamon with three times the volume of honey, gently warm it by placing the bowl with the mixture in warm water and then apply it to the face.
Leave the mask on the skin for a few minutes and finally rinse it off with lukewarm water and dry your face with a cotton towel.
8. Alleviates menstrual cramps and heavy menstrual bleeding
To treat severe menstrual cramps use warm compresses with a few drops of cinnamon essential oil. Experience confirms that such compresses greatly relieve both pain and heavy bleeding.
Studies also show that Ceylon cinnamon has excellent therapeutic effects in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Women with this condition often also suffer from insulin resistance, which cinnamon, as previously mentioned, also treats.
9. Overcomes fatigue and gives the body energy
Even a small pinch of cinnamon can stimulate the body during your “slow” days.
For this purpose it is applied in the form of aromatherapy, when a few drops of cinnamon essential oil diluted in a carrier oil are sprayed around the room. This significantly increases your alertness, concentration and reduces feelings of fatigue.
Researchers found that Ceylon cinnamon also helps increase alertness and prevent microsleep in drivers who are on the road for long hours.
The methylhydroxychalcone found in cinnamon regulates blood glucose levels, helps the body use sugar properly and evenly, and prevents sudden fluctuations.
The result is that your body has a steady supply of fuel that keeps it running.
10. Improves blood circulation and relieves arthritis symptoms
Cinnamon by itself may not be enough to completely cure arthritis and rheumatic pain, but it can be a good helper if combined in the diet with other anti-inflammatory substances (honey, turmeric, pepper, ginger, garlic).
Such a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods neutralizes free radicals that cause cell damage and thus reduces inflammation.
By suppressing inflammation, the pains that accompany arthritis are then alleviated.
Dosage and use of cinnamon
When consuming cinnamon in the usual way, by adding it to dishes, there should be no problem.
However, if you want to use cinnamon intentionally, for example with honey or mixed into drinks, try to limit your daily intake to 2 to 5 grams (1 to 2 teaspoons) for an adult.
Pregnant women should be cautious with its consumption because there is not enough research that has measured its possible adverse effects on the fetus.
People with liver disease should avoid cassia (aromatic) cinnamon and use only Ceylon, due to its low content of the potentially harmful substance coumarin.
Others troubled by the conditions mentioned in the article such as cellulite, inflammation, infections, menstrual cramps, high blood pressure or cholesterol, or those trying to lose weight, can use cinnamon without worry because it is a highly safe medicinal herb.
If in doubt, you can of course consult your doctor about its use.
