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Cinnamon as Medicine
Known for its warm, seasonal flavor, Cinnamon is an herb that is in most of our cabinets. While we typically use it in baking, few know the practical medicinal uses of this common culinary spice.
In this post, I’ll dive into the nutritional profile of cinnamon, its practical uses, and where to source it. Make sure to check the final section that includes possible interactions and who might not do well with it.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out my posts on why I reach for herbs, how I’m building my apothecary, and my previous Herb of the Month posts.
Table of Contents
Nutritional Information
Cinnamon is high in calcium, which is important for the health of bones and teeth, muscle function, blood clotting, and heart health.
Potassium is also present, which is essential for proper hydration and muscle contraction, including the heart.
Cinnamon also includes other micronutrients like phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, folate, and small amounts of choline.
Actions of the Herb
Due to its stout nutritional profile, cinnamon works as an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These effects plus its warming sensation make it a great addition to fire cider and other seasonal remedies.
Another acute use for cinnamon takes advantage of its hypoglycemic effect. It may be used to lower blood sugar levels after a meal. Due to this effect, it has the ability to lower A1c and improve insulin sensitivity when used consistently over time.
- How to Use Cinnamon to Spice Up the Apothecary
Known for its warm, seasonal flavor, Cinnamon is an herb that is in most of our cabinets. While we typically use it in baking, few know the practical medicinal uses of this common culinary spice.
Cinnamon is excellent for heart health. When used consistently, it may lower blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL Cholesterol, and total cholesterol.
How I’m Using It
After making my tincture, I’m taking cinnamon daily to improve my insulin sensitivity. But you don’t have to have a tincture to reap the benefits. It can also be taken in tea form, and makes for a wonderful morning or night time cup.
What to Look For
There are a few different types of cinnamon, but the two most common are Cassia, which is the type you can get at the grocery store, and Ceylon, known as “true cinnamon”.
Ceylon does have a property that allows it to be better absorbed and used by the body, so it is certainly the best of the two if being used medicinally. However, Cassia is more accessible, and has the same effects, so it will work just fine. Just be sure to get organic to avoid common pesticides.
If Cassia is what you have, give it a shot. If you want to try to up its effects, try some Ceylon.
Where to Get the Best Ceylon Cinnamon
You can purchase high quality Ceylon Cinnamon from Starwest Botanicals on Amazon
There are other sources to buy from, but be sure to vet them well, checking for quality and sourcing.
Precautions
If you have hypoglycemia, low blood pressure, are pregnant, nursing, or have any other chronic health condition or are taking medications, consult a physician before supplementing with cinnamon.
Herbs are medicine, and they should be treated as such. They can cause adverse effects, and may interact with other medications.
My favorite Resources
The Honeystead (YouTube)
Medical Herbalism
David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG
The Homesteader’s Herbal Companion
Amy K. Fewell
Herbal Healing for Women
Rosemary Gladstar
Herbal Healing for Men
Rosemary Gladstar
Herbs for Common Ailments
Rosemary Gladstar
Thank you for visiting Headed for a Homestead Blog. I’m Rebekah, your creator and author since 2023. As a new blogger in this big space, I’m still learning the ropes, and just as excited as when I began. I hope you’ll take some time to look around and maybe find a recipe or project you’d like to try.
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Love reading and seeing all the progress and changes you two make in order to make this sweet little house…