Cinnamomum verum (Cinnamon)

Question 1

How do you recognise Cinnamon?

Answer 1

Cinnamon is now still grown in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the West Indies. It is an evergreen tree.

Question 2

What are Cinnamon’s main constituents?

Answer 2

• Essential oil – cinnamaldehydes, eugenol, safrole, phellandrene, terpenes.
• Tannins - tetrahydroxyflavandiols.
• Coumarin
• Cinnzelin & cinzelanol
• Polyphenols – which are anti-inflammatory & may be responsible for effects on insulin resistance.

Question 3

What family is Cinnamon in?

Answer 3

Cinnamon belongs to the laurel family, the Lauraceae family.

Question 4

What is Cinnamon good for?

Answer 4

Summary: Warming/ circulation/relaxing muscles, good for digestion/diarrhea, diabetes, heart, brain health.

Actions:
* Warming – gentle circulatory stimulant; diaphoretic.
* Relaxing – to smooth muscle especially menstrual cramps.
* Carminitive – promotes good digestion, relieve flatulence.
* Anti-infective (bacteria and fungal) esp. for GIT.
* Anti-emetic.
* Blood sugar lowering – potentiates insulin, reduces insulin resistance. Applicable to type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, PCOS.
* Hypotensive
* Possibly of use in Alzheimer’s disease

Question 5

What is Cinnamon’s Latin name?

Answer 5

Cinnamon’s Latin name is Cinnamomum verum.

Question 6

What parts of Cinnamon do you use?

Answer 6

The part used is the inner bark, stripped from coppiced branches.

Question 7

What safety issues might Cinnamon have?

Answer 7

Cinnamon is generally considered safe.

Question 8

What useful research does Cinnamon have?

Answer 8

Research suggests Cinnamon may play a potential role in the prevention of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

Cinnamon: Potential Role in the Prevention of Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes

A review of the actions of cinnamon