We’re just passed the season of LOTS of baking, but since we have learned that cinnamon can have some really great benefits, I am tempted to make a few more batches of cookies and stir up my spiced cider a few more times.
While doing those fun things, let’s also recap the uses and/or important healthy benefits that we have discussed here about cinnamon.
- Flavors chocolate, pastries, drink (tea, cider, liqueurs)
- Repells insects (especially mosquitos), thought to kill mosquito larvae
- Treats Type 2 Diabetes and other potentially serious diseases
- Preserves food naturally
- Gives arthritis relief – when mixed with honey
- Fights E. coli - cinnamon has antibiotic properties
- Supports nutrition – manganese, iron, calcium, and fiber
The essential oil can irritate the skin as well as mucous membranes, especially those of the stomach, intestines and urinary tract. Side effects could include dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, sedation, among others. As with many things, if a patient has had surgery or is going to within a few weeks, it is probably best to avoid cinnamon because of its anticoagulant properties.
The only concern that seems to be consistently reported is for those who are on diabetes medication(s). Of course, the focus here is on taking both cinnamon and a diabetes med at the same time, not necessarily one or the other. Since diabetes meds lower the blood sugar levels and cinnamon is thought to do the same, both at the same time could possible lower the blood sugar too quickly or too far and cause serious effects.
A quick reference list for diabetes meds can be found here.
As needed, be sure to recommend additional information for the patient to research. I have listed some hard copy below.
- A Clinical guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. Kerry Bone, MCPP, FNHAA, FNIMH, DipPhyto, Bxc(Hons), Head of Research and Development, MediHerb (Pty) Ltd, Warwich, Queensland; Principal, Australian College of Phytotherapy, Australia. August, 2003.
- Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements. Linda Skidmore-Roth, RN, MSN, NP, Consultant, Littleton, CO; Former Nursing Faculty, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM; El Paso Community College, El Paso, TX. April, 2009.
- Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide: An Evidence-Based Reference. By Natural Standard. January, 2010.
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-cinnamon
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/cinnamon
http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassia_bark
http://www.folkmed.ucla.edu/FMResults.cfm
http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/cinnam69.html
http://www.rxlist.com/cinnamon_bark/supplements.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamaldehyde
http://www.chemguide.co.uk/organicprops/carbonylmenu.html#top
