Cinnamon-Remedies for your food and body
Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be found in most kitchen pantries and is a regular ingredient in many common recipes from roasts and stews to teas and sweets but is normally overlooked as a therapeutic and powerful medicinal tool backed by extensive research.
Cinnamon has a history as rich as it’s flavor dating back over 2700 years when the first written account by the Chinese was found about this enticing spice. The Bible references cinnamon as Moses used it to make holy anointing oil and the Egyptians interacted with it on a daily basis as a seasoning agent for food as well as in the sacred embalming process. In fact, Cinnamon has been so widely regarded and played such a significant role in the lives of humans throughout history, that at one point cinnamon was 15x more valuable in weight than the precious metal, silver.
There are more than 100 varieties of Cinnamon yet only two are available for purchase; Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum verum. Cinnamomum cassia, native to Indonesia, has a more pungent flavor profile and is the varietal generally found on the spice racks in homes and stores across the country and is typically added to enhance the taste of savory dishes. Cinnamomum verum, or “true” cinnamon has a gentler and sweeter essence and is commonly used in desserts. Medicinally speaking, the two types can be used interchangeably. Cinnamon has a warming, drying, and astringent like effect on the body so is readily used in conditions effecting the digestion system (this is why you see beverages that contain cinnamon sipped after meals such as Chai tea). Cinnamon can aid in resolving vomiting and nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea. Nutritionally Cinnamon is loaded with formidable constituents such as manganese, iron, dietary fiber, and calcium. Cinnamon also contains compounds, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamate, and numerous other elements such as polyphenols that have been researched to produce antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects on the body (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9).
How to use
The best way get those marvelous therapeutic properties of cinnamon is by using it in recipes daily which will help those compounds build up in the body and also enrich the deliciousness of your food. Most of use only use cinnamon is sweet dishes but do not be fooled, it can be used with great success is savory dishes from chili to mole. Do not be timid, cinnamon can be used in large quantities thereby getting the best benefit of this spice as well as a delicious treat.
Recommended Therapeutic Amount: 1-6 grams
Special Considerations:
Do not use in large quantities when pregnant. Cinnamon has pronounced effects at lowering blood sugar so should be discussed with your health care practitioner if on diabetic medication. Cinnamon can mildly thin the blood so is not recommended for people on blood thinning medication.
Cinnamon Tooth Powder
Cinnamon has a multitude of beneficial effects for keeping teeth and gums vibrant and healthy. And if used as an essential oil cinnamon can even be used to ease dreaded tooth pain. You can use the powder of cinnamon in a toothpaste formula to help reduce bacteria levels, tighten and reduce inflamed tissue and brighten your breath.
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons cinnamon powder
1 teaspoon activated charcoal
1 teaspoon activated licorice root
Directions:
Blend all ingredients together and store in container. Avoid getting water into mixture. Wet toothbrush and apply powder with spoon. Brush teeth like normal.
Cinnamon Tea:
As cinnamon mildly thins the blood and increases general circulation it can be used to bring warmth to someone feeling chilled or experiencing cold hands or feet. As cinnamon is also antimicrobial it can also be used when people are experiencing these symptoms due to a cold or flu helping reduce severity and duration of the illness. This is a great tea at soothing an inflamed and sore throat. Try making a large batch and sipping throughout the day.
Ingredients:
10 grams dried slippery elm
10 grams dried marshmallow root
8 grams dried cinnamon chips (or 1-1.5 broken cinnamon sticks)
5 grams dried orange peel
3 whole cloves
honey to taste (optional)
DigestEASE:
Cinnamon contains compounds called catechins, which, when ingested, have been demonstrated to help relieve nausea.
Directions:
Boil 1 teaspoon cinnamon bark in a cup of water for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink. Do not drink cinnamon tea during pregnancy.
For Memory:
Research on Cinnamon has shown it to be helpful in enhancing cognitive function and improving memory. When studying for a test or needing to retain certain information, waft cinnamon essential oil under your nose or sip cinnamon tea (as well as getting a good night of sleep) for improving recall.
All Purpose Cinnamon Cleaner:
Ingredients
1-1 ½ cups vinegar
1- 1½ cups water
30 drops cinnamon essential oil.
Directions:
To make this sweet smelling all-purpose cleaner combine all ingredients in a large reusable spray bottle combine and shake before using.
Move It Foot Soak
This easy foot soak invigorates by increasing circulation and warmth throughout the body
Ingredients:
4 quarts water
½ cup fresh orange peel pieces or ½ cup dried orange peel pieces
2 tablespoons cinnamon stick pieces
2 tablespoons fresh ginger
Directions:
Make this as a tea and then pour into basin
Cinnamon and Honey
Cinnamon and honey can stand alone with their therapeutic and healing abilities but when combined together the sum is greater than their parts. From treating an upset stomach, cold, and cough, to improving the body's immunity, the mixture of honey and cinnamon has been used in to treat many a condition.
For Skin
Honey and cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can target and fight off the bacteria implicated in acne as well as reducing the redness associated with this condition.
Directions:
Create a thick paste by combining 3 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder. Apply paste to pimples, eczema, incest bites, or areas of psoriasis. Leave on for about 15 minutes then wash off with cool or lukewarm water.
Mouth Rinse
Combine a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of cinnamon powder with warm water. Gargle solution in the morning and afternoon to keep mouth feeling fresh and smelling great throughout the day!
For Arthritis
With their anti-inflammatory action a paste of honey and cinnamon applied to arthritic joints can be a great at home therapy employed to reduce pain caused by these inflammatory conditions.
Directions:
Mix a teaspoon of honey and cinnamon in a small amount of lukewarm water to create a paste. Apply mixture onto aching area.
Cinnamon-Honey
1 cup honey
3 tablespoon powdered cinnamon
1 teaspoon powdered allspice
Mix together and put on toast, oatmeal, muffins, or add a tablespoon to water and drink
Cinnamon-Ginger Honey
This honey not only sweetens any baking product but also makes a great tea to sooth and unsettled stomach or help ward off a cold.
Ingredients
1 cup honey
2 tablespoons powdered cinnamon
1 tablespoon powdered ginger
Mix together, add to food or put 1 tablespoon in water, drink and enjoy!
Chai Honey
This delicious honey gives a great start to a morning or that boost you are looking for during that afternoon lull. Put in a jar and have on hand as to never be without this warming delight
Ingredients:
2 cups honey
3 tablespoons powdered cinnamon
2 tablespoons powdered coriander
1½ teaspoons powdered clove
1 ½ teaspoons powdered cardamom
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1 teaspoon powdered black pepper
Directions:
Add 1 tablespoon to ¾ cup water with ¼ cup milk of choice (I prefer Oat)
Spiced Honey
This delightful honey packs a powerful punch. It aids in digestion, tonifies the nervous system, enlightens the spirit and boosts immunity.
Ingredients:
1cup honey
2 tablespoons powdered lavender
1 tablespoon powdered rosemary
1 tablespoon powdered fennel seed
½ teaspoon powdered cinnamon
½ teaspoon powdered nutmeg
Directions
Add all ingredients and use as marinade
Cramp Cordial
Menstrual cramps can be debilitating leaving one unable to function.
Having herbal remedies on hand to support the body in treating conditions like this is well worth the effort it takes to make this cordial.
Ingredients:
1 cup finely chopped chamomile or 1/3 cup dried chamomile
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh orange peel or 4 teaspoons dried orange peel
1tablespoon cinnamon stick pieces
1 teaspoon whole crushed clove
2 cups brandy or enough to cover ingredients by 2 inches
Molasses/treacle and pomegranate concentrate to sweeten
Directions:
Put all ingredients into glass container, store in dark place and shake at least once a day for two weeks. After two weeks strain. Take 1 tablespoon at onset of symptoms and then REST!
Love Potion Cordial
This celebrated cordial is great for special occasions especially those signifying and commemorating love.
Ingredients:
1 cup finely chopped fresh rose petals or 2/3cup dried Rose petals
½ vanilla ben pod chopped
1 teaspoon cinnamon stick pieces
½ teaspoon powdered cardamon
½ teaspoon minced ginger
2 cups brandy or enough to cover ingredients by 2 inches
½ cup rose honey to sweeten
¼ cup maple syrup to sweeten
¼ cup rose water to sweeten
Directions
Place all ingredients in glass container, store in cool dark location. Shake 1x day for 2 weeks then strain. Sip for celebrations!
Vanilla Spice Cordial
Use this as you would regular vanilla extract
Ingredients:
2 vanilla bean pods finely chopped
dash of cinnamon stick pieces
dash of nutmeg
1 cup vodka
Directions:
Infuse all ingredients for 2 weeks, strain and use.
Alchemy Oil
This oil can be applied to any dish making even the simplest dishes taste as if you have been working in the kitchen for hours.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups olive oil
1 tablespoon powdered turmeric
1 tablespoon powdered paprika
1 tablespoon powdered coriander
2 teaspoon powdered mustard seed
1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vodka
Directions
Combine and use liberally!
Cinnamon-Ginger Coconut Oil
Ingredients:
1 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons powdered cinnamon
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1 teaspoon powdered star anise
Directions
Combine and use as you would coconut oil
Sweet and Spicy Oil
Use this on baked dishes
Ingredients:
1 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon vodka
1 tablespoon powdered allspice
1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
1 teaspoon powdered thyme
1 teaspoon powdered paprika
½ teaspoon powdered black pepper
¼ teaspoon powdered nutmeg
Directions:
Combine and use!
Breakfast Sprinkle
Leave this on your kitchen table and add a dash of this to your morning mea. Not only will it increase flavor but your health promoting compounds as well!
Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons powdered cinnamon
1 tablespoon powdered allspice
½ teaspoon ground clove
Directions:
Put all ingredients into spice shaker use.
Baking Herbs
Add this blend to your baking products and watch them come to life
Ingredients:
¼ cup powdered cinnamon
2 tablespoons powdered coriander
¾ teaspoon powdered cloves
½ teaspoon powdered ginger
¼ teaspoon powdered nutmeg
Directions:
Add all ingredients to container of choice and use without hesitation in your baking delights.
Digestive Support Sprinkle
Recipe in the Herbal Kitchen by Kami McBride
All of us could use some extra support in the ability to breakdown and digest food and this delicious sprinkle does just that.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons powdered flax seeds
2 tablespoons powdered cinnamon
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
½ teaspoon powdered cardamom.
Directions:
Combine and use liberally
Happy Life Seasoning
Recipe found in the Herbal Kitchen by kami Mcbride
Not only is this is a delectable seasoning that can be added to almost any dish with great results from sautéed veggies to salad dressings and marinades but also an anti-oxidant powerhouse empowering your own immune system
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon powdered fennel seed
1 tablespoon powdered lavender
1 tablespoon powdered rose petals
½ teaspoon powdered cinnamon
¼ teaspoon powdered nutmeg
¼ teaspoon powdered clove
¼ teaspoon powdered ginger
Directions:
Add all ingredients to container and season a way!
Baking Ghee
Ghees are one of the best fats to use and cook with. This baking ghee will enhance your tasting experience as well as your health
Ingredients:
1cup ghee
2 tablespoons powdered cinnamon
1 tablespoon powdered fennel
½ teaspoon powdered star anise
½ teaspoon powdered nutmeg
Morning Ghee
Ingredients:
1cup ghee
3 tablespoons powdered cinnamon
1 teaspoon powdered allspice
½ teaspoon powdered clove
Rejuvenation Ghee
Ingredients:
1 cup Ghee
2 tablespoons powdered turmeric
1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
½ teaspoon powdered ginger
½ teaspoon powdered cardamom
Directions:
Add this tasty ghee to the water when cooking rice or quinoa
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