Cinnamon is a delicious and fragrant spice that finds use in both medical and culinary preparations. It is a common Ayurvedic herb, used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and to treat sinus Kapha related health issues..
It is obtained from the bark of a tree called Ceylon cinnamon tree. Its scientific name is Cinnamomum verum. These are evergreen trees belonging to the family of Lauraceae species. These are ten to fifteen metres long tree whose inner bark is used as the spice. Originally a native of Sri Lanka, it is grown in the lower elevations of Kerala in India.
There are two types of cinnamon. One is Cassia and other is Ceylon. Ceylon is the better and refined one while Cassia is commonly available and comparatively cheaper.
Cinnamon – A must-have for an Ayurvedic Lifestyle
It is one of the revered Ayurvedic herb and an omnipresent ingredient to the Ayurvedic dietary regime and herbal formulations. It is suggested to use the herb on daily basis in foods – Ahara. It is used in both powder and stick formation.
- It is known to calm the Vata and Kapha Doshas.
- It increases the Pitta and hence helps with digestive fire and digestive process.
- Its rasa or taste is both pungent and sweet.
- Its energy is hot and its guna is dry and penetrating nature.
- Vipaka or the post digestive effect of Cinnamon is sweet in nature and hence it helps build body tissues.
- It improves digestion and removes toxins from the body.
- It is a cure for various rampant problems like a cough, cold, sinus, menstruation cramping, fever, etc.
- It also regulates the blood sugar levels and is a clotting agent.
Culinary uses of Cinnamon
It is one of such herbs or spices that does not need much introduction. It is widely popular around the world for its rich aroma, delicious flavour, and for its health benefits. The source of rich aroma for the spice is cinnamaldehyde, an oil found in bark of the tree.
- It is widely used in desserts such as fruit pies and cakes.
- In India, it is used in vegetable curries to give a strong aroma to the cooked vegetable along with a sweeter taste.
- The sticks are used in making of Pulao, a famous dish made of rice, vegetables, and dry fruit.
Uses as a Medicinal Herb
- Cinnamon mixed with honey is one of the best natural weight loss method. Mix half teaspoon of the herb in hot water and let it cool down. Add a full teaspoon of honey and consume it nearly thirty minutes before the breakfast for a healthy and refreshing start to your day.
- To cure cough and cold, boil the sticks in water and inhale the vapour. This cures the nasal track and purifies the lungs.
- Cinnamon tea soothes during menstruation cramps. Boil the sticks in water. Add milk and take it three to four times a day. This will relax and calm the intense pain during menstruation.
Add Cinnamon to your life and make it healthy and happy!
