When I think of the scents of the fall and winter seasons, the smell of cinnamon is one of the first to come to mind. In my humble opinion, there are fewer smells that are more enticing than a pan of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven! You could probably find thousands of delicious recipes, both sweet and savory, that utilize cinnamon, which is a testament to just how popular this spice is! And its’ popularity isn’t a recent development—not by a long shot! In fact, people have been eating and using it for almost 5,000 years.
Cinnamon has been used as a medicine in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. Known for its benefits linked to digestion and gastrointestinal complaints, cinnamon has long been used as a home remedy for heartburn, indigestion, and nausea.Cinnamon doesn’t just spice up your holiday baking. It is an aromatic antioxidant powerhouse: Soothing and energizing, it may impact immunity. Reap its healing properties with these ideas.
Stop the Sniffles
When a cold or flu is coming on, fight it with this antiviral and anti-inflammatory tea: Take up to a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a cup with tea, lemon juice and honey, or add it to elderberry syrup.
Combat Acne
Cinnamon can stop acne-causing bacteria in its tracks! To make one great-smelling acne mask, simply combine 3 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon to form a paste. Leave it on your skin for 10 minutes, then wash it off and enjoy your refreshed face.
Hair Growth
cinnamon can help hair grow. It does this by encouraging blood flow to the hair follicles, boosting the circulation your hair needs to grow. To make, mix 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon with 1 tablespoon of honey and about a cup of olive or coconut oil to form a paste. Apply this to your scalp, let it sit for 10 minutes, then use a gentle shampoo to wash it off.
Essential oil
The volatile oil from cinnamon is distilled and used as a flavoring and aromatic agent. Use a single drop of cinnamon essential oil diluted in a sip of water as a mouth rinse to freshen your breath and for mouth and gum infections. Use eight to ten drops of cinnamon essential oil in a 2-ounce tincture bottle for flavor or medicinal effects. Keep essential oils out of your eyes.
Treat Athlete’s Foot
Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, which makes it a great natural remedy for fungal conditions like athlete’s foot. To make an easy treatment, boil 10 cinnamon sticks in 4 cups of water. Let the mixture cool, then soak your feet for about 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Helps with Cravings
Cinnamon can help regulate your blood sugar, and help prevent those midday cravings for something sweet. Set yourself up for success throughout the day by sprinkling a bit of cinnamon on your morning oatmeal or in your cup of coffee!
Massage Magic
This lightly scented oil can aid in a relaxing massage. Combine 1⁄2 cup almond or sesame oil, 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract in a clean container. Shake oil gently before using. You can use it as a bath oil, as well.
Brain Booster
Cinnamon may help enhance cognitive function and memory. When studying for a test or brushing up on vocabulary in a new language, waft cinnamon essential oil under your nose or sip cinnamon tea for a brain boost.
How Much Cinnamon to Eat?
Researchers show that up to 6 grams per day (for adults) seems to be safe. They recommended using only a high-quality Ceylon variety and also cycling on and off for best results.
At the end of the day, cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet.