Cinnamon and its effects

The are many different types of cinnamon, some of which have only minimal botanical differences. The most important variants are Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum ceylanicum) from Sri Lanka as well as cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) from China.

The main active ingredients in cinnamon are essential oil and tannins. The tannins are responsible for the hypoglycaemic effect. The essential oil has an antibacterial, fungicidal and blood circulation-enhancing effect. But that isn't all. Cinnamon is extremely versatile.

Ceylon cinnamon is used as a remedy that promotes blood circulation of the smooth muscle tissue and thus relieves flatulence, bloating and cramps in the digestive tract. After a large meal, cinnamon is also ideal for stimulating digestion if taken as a tea or mother tincture.

The blood circulation promoted by the consumption of cinnamon has a warming effect on us. Cinnamon may thus also offer people who always feel too cold a good alternative to a hot water bottle. For example, with a cinnamon tea: simply let a quarter of a cinnamon stick steep in 250 ml of boiling water for 5 minutes and refine as desired with a little honey and/or lemon juice.

To alleviate menstrual cramps, also referred to as period pains, it is advisable to take 20 drops of cinnamon mother tincture three times daily. Ideally, you should do so as quickly as possible after the first symptoms set in. The most common symptoms are cramps and a pulling in the abdomen.

Ceylon cinnamon powder capsules can be very helpful as a nutritional supplement for type 2 diabetes – take two to three capsule in the morning, over lunch and in the evening. Important: talk to your doctor first before starting the treatment. The capsules can serve as a helpful addition but under no circumstances replace medicinal therapy.

Cinnamon has a pleasurable side effect: it is considered a sought-after aphrodisiac. Mixed by the teaspoonful into a drink, it is said to stimulate the production of pheromones, the body’s own fragrances. Cinnamon also promotes blood circulation in the reproductive organs.

Cinnamon is said to have an effect on high blood sugar levels. This depends on the variety and the way it is prepared. Compared to Ceylon cinnamon, cassia cinnamon contains more coumarin. In large amounts, the plant substance coumarin could damage the liver. Ceylon with lower levels of coumarin is mainly used for therapeutic applications. Before consuming Ceylon cinnamon to optimise metabolism, it is very important to discuss the matter with your physician in order to prevent potential hypoglycaemia.