Cinnamon Bark Extract
Species name: Cinnamomum verum, of the family Lauraceae originating in Ceylon
Also known as: Cassia, Saigon Cinnamon, Chinese cinnamon, Vietnamese cinnamon, Indonesian cinnamon, Kayu Manis, Canela or Vayana.
What is Cinnamon Bark Extract? Cinnamon has been used thousands of years as not only a spice but for medicinal purposes.
In the Bible it was used as one of the ingredients in the oil Moses was anointed with and also as a token of friendship.
Cinnamon was burned by mourners in ancient Rome to help disguise the the smell of burning flesh.
In Egypt cinnamon was used as an embalming agent. The name is from the Greek meaning sweet wood.
Cinnamon is aromatic, one of the oldest known spices, one of the best tasting and has at times been as precious as gold.
Medicinal use of cinnamon bark has been recorded as far back as 2700BC in Chinese cultures used as a healing aid for a range of ailments such as diarrhea, gas and stomach upset (including abdominal pain), kidney conditions and rheumatism.
It is also an excellent source of manganese, fiber, iron and calcium.
Home Remedies using Cinnamon Bark Extract:
Benefits of Cinnamon Bark Extract:
In recent years it has been discovered to have strong antioxidant activity (called polyphenols) with the potential to help the sufferer maintain healthy blood sugar as well as cholesterol levels neutralizing the free radicals which become elevated in those with diabetes.
These chemicals also provide the spice with its anti-fungal, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral and antiseptic properties as well as its anti-clotting effect on the blood.
In the same study from Maryland cinnamon was shown to reduce the rapid reproduction of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
As little as just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon mixed with one tablespoon of honey each day can lower LDL cholesterol and showed substantial relief in arthritis pain after just one week.
Just smelling cinnamon can boost brain performance and function and improve memory.
One teaspoon of Cinnamon contains as many antioxidants as a 1/2 a cup of blueberries.
Cinnamon bark is a natural food preservative inhibiting bacterial growth as well as food spoilage when added to food; even fighting E. coli bacteria in foods and juices that are not pasteurized.
In a comparison of 21 extracts (different plant varieties) as regards to their antibacterial activity against six major bacterial species(including medication-resistant yeast infections) cinnamon ranked on top.
It has been shown to be a good source of antibacterial agents.
Today cinnamon bark and its extract are used in a traditional Indian medicine known as Ayurvedic in the treatment of diabetes.
Recently a team at the US Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland, discovered the scientific evidence showing cinnamon as an important antioxidant beneficial in the prevention and control of glucose intolerance and diabetes.
Side Effects of Cinnamon Bark Extract:
Cinnamon bark tea is relatively safe and rarely causes any side effects.
However, those with ulcers must not consume cinnamon in large doses, as it may irritate the stomach lining.
Pregnant women should also avoid cinnamon.
The essential oil should not be ingested and if it is undiluted, should not be applied directly on the skin.
