What is your first association with cinnamon? Grandma’s homemade apple strudel, your mom’s gingerbread cookies or hot, winter tea?

Today we often use it as a spice, but for ancient civilizations it was far more than that. Cinnamon has a long history, and in the past it was a natural remedy that was even more precious than gold.

In the Bible it is mentioned as one of the three basic spices of whom Moses, according to God’s instructions, had to make the precious holy anointing oil. Historical sources claim that about 1500 BC, the Egyptian queen Hathepsut used it in her perfumes.

Ceylon Cinnamon -- Healing Properties

• The evergreen cinnamon tree belongs to the family of laurel (Lauraceae), and it hides its valuable healing properties inside the bark of his branches.
• The inner layer of the bark on the young branches is peeled and dried in order to obtain delicious and healing spice.
• It is a good source of carbohydrates, protein and fiber. It abounds in important minerals like manganese, calcium, iron, copper, zinc. It also contains vitamins C, K, B2 (pyridoxine) and B6 (riboflavin).
• It is rich in antioxidants and phenols, irreplaceable in the fight against infections
• .In ancient Chinese medicine Ceylon cinnamon was used in the treatment of colds, headaches, nausea and general weakness.
• In Ayurveda Ceylon cinnamon is a natural cure for diabetes and improper digestion.
• Modern research confirms that Ceylon cinnamon has a positive effect on overall health.

Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

According to a survey conducted by Britain’s largest organization for people diagnosed with diabetes, Diabetes UK, Ceylon cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes type 1 and 2.

It was confirmed that the consumption of up to 6 grams per day reduces blood glucose, triglycerides and bad or LDL cholesterol.

Protects Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Professor Michael Ovadia, together with other scientists at Tel Aviv University, conducted a study which confirmed that CEppt, an ingredient found in cinnamon bark, prevents the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the connection between cinnamon and its impact on brain -- simple cinnamon inhalations stimulate brain activity.

Stops The Progress of Multiple Sclerosis

Rush University of Chicago brought a new hope for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, thanks to Ceylon cinnamon.

In the study, researchers found that cinnamon stops the progression of multiple sclerosis -- a serious disease, which keeps affecting young people.

Cures Fungal and Bacterial Infections

The results of the study conducted by the National Institutes of Health confirmed that cinnamaldehyde, a compound found in cinnamon, plays an important role in the fight against bacterial and fungal infections.

Its regular consumption relieves the symptoms of the infection, prevents their development and heals the whole body in a natural way.

Honey and Cinnamon –Amazing Combination to Treat Cancer and Arthritis

A research conducted in the US found that cinnamon fights many types of cancer because it reduces the growth or spread of cancer cells.

Studies conducted in Japan and Australia have revealed that the consumption of cinnamon combined with honey successfully treats stomach and bone cancer.

Cinnamon and honey fight leukemia and prevent the development and spread of lymphoma. In Europe this combination has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of arthritis.

A study conducted in Denmark has confirmed that honey and cinnamon help those suffering from arthritis after a week of regular treatments. Patients received a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of honey.

After a week, the patients said they felt a relief, and after a month the pain and symptoms have completely disappeared.

Other Healing Properties of Cinnamon

In addition to the aforementioned activity it is also confirmed that Ceylon cinnamon helps in the following cases:

• alleviates inflammation and infection
• purifies blood and stimulates circulation
• eliminates bad breath
• helps with indigestion
• relieves menstrual cramps
• stimulates brain activity
• improves memory
• relieves pain and stiffness in muscles and joints
• prevents heart disease
• heals gastritis
• promotes fat burning
• relieves sore throat and flu

Not Every Cinnamon is Healthy

Today there are several types of cinnamon available on the market.

In stores, due to the low prices, you can usually find Chinese cinnamon, which contains large amounts of coumarin -- a compound that can be harmful to the liver and kidneys.

Unlike Chinese, Ceylon cinnamon is absolutely safe. Moreover, it is recommended for everyday use. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is produced from cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees, native to Sri Lanka.

Thanks to its healing properties, it is far better than Chinese cinnamon and an indispensable part of every kitchen and home pharmacy.