ABOUT CINNAMON

Cinnamon is a small evergreen tree in the Lauraceae family native to Sri Lanka. Other members of this family include sassafras, avocado, camphor, and spicebush. Trees of the laurel family, including cinnamon, predominate in the world's laurel forests. Many members of the family are used medicinally all over the world. Cinnamon grows best in almost pure sand, sheltered, with constant rain. It prefers heat with little temperature variation. When bruised the leaves smell spicy and have a hot taste.

The term laurel itself means an emblem of distinction of victory as in "To rest on one's laurels." Cinnamon is thus a plant of distinction and royalty. In the ancient world cinnamon was more precious than gold, a gift for monarchs and gods. The emperor Nero burned a year's supply of Rome's cinnamon to grieve the loss of his wife (whom he murdered).

Even the Bible is rich with references to cinnamon, further attesting to its importance in ancient times. Moses used sweet cinnamon and cassia to make oils for anointing. In proverbs a lover's bed is perfumed with myrrh, aloe, and cinnamon. In the Song of Solomon, the beauty of the beloved is described, "Cinnamon scents her garments like the smell of Lebanon." In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was included among several spices to embalm and preserve mummies.

BUYING & PREPARATION

Commercial cinnamon is the dried inner bark from the shoots of coppiced trees. The bark is shaved into famous "quills" or tubes of shaved cinnamon bark. Making the quills is an art form to this day in Sri Lanka.

Intrigue, Myths, and Trade of True Cinnamon

There are a number of fantastic myths created by Middle Eastern traders to conceal the origins of the spice and protect their monopoly of cinnamon trade. One such story included fishing cinnamon with nets at the source of the Nile, while in another, giant cinnamon birds collected cinnamon sticks from unknown lands to build their nests. In reality, the botanical name (Cinnamomum verum, synonym C. zeylanicum) reveals cinnamon's intriguing origins and history. The genus cinnamomum derives from the Hebrew and Arabic term amomon, meaning fragrant spice plant.

The species name, verum, reveals more modern intrigue in the cinnamon trade. Verum means true as in true cinnamon. True cinnamon is often substituted with inferior relatives such as Cinnamomom cassia. True cinnamon is delicate while cassia is rough and hard. True cinnamon forms a powder easily with a mortar and pestle whereas cassia is difficult to powder. Although used for similar purposes medicinally, cassia has a harsher flavor, more potent and sharp. True cinnamon is also called sweet cinnamon because it is sweet and gentle. A synonym for the species name verum is zeylanica, derived from Sri Lanka's former name, Ceylon, where the plant is native. Cinnamon sticks are difficult to grind but retain their freshness longer than powder. Buy a powder when using as a garnish, or use cinnamon sticks when adding to a soup.

COOKING CINNAMON

Browse Recipes Cinnamon's combination of sweetness and spiciness gives it great versatility in cooking. Along with nutmeg, ginger, cardamom and cloves, cinnamon is one the five classic sweet spices. It enhances many desserts like apple pie, cinnamon buns, and candies. It may be combined and ground into a cinnamon sugar mix, with crushed almonds as an option. Cinnamon is featured in autumn treats like pumpkin pie and apple cider. Try cinnamon on peaches for a tasty and healthy dessert option! True cinnamon, rather than cassia, is better in sweet dishes.

In the Middle East, cinnamon flavors decadant meat dishes. In desserts it is often mixed with rosewater. In ancient Egypt cinnamon was used as a flavoring for beverages. Cinnamon is paired with chocolate in Mexico and used as a garnish on rice pudding in India. In savory dishes cinnamon is delicious with squash, on sweet potatoes with dates and almonds. It is foundational in savory Indian and African curries. The famous spice mixes Garam Masala and Panch Puran include cinnamon. Cinnamon can also be used for pickling. In Morocco cinnamon is combined with preserved lemons. It also combines well with many other spices including saffron, black pepper, and paprika.

Cinnamon's versatility lends itself to experimentation. It is also appealing to children, who often enjoy its sweet taste. So when the chill has you feeling in need of some gentle care, you may want to reach for this sweet spice and see what it can bring to your plate and to your body!

WHY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Ayurveda shows you your specific body type’s needs and what should be favored in your Ayurvedic menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet that’s ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.

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When I Eat Cinnamon:

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Is Cinnamon Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether Cinnamon is a good fit for your body type. Time to complete: approximately 1 minute.

SERVING SIZE: 1/16 tsp

SPECIES: Cinnamomum cassia

FAMILY: Lauraceae

EAT IN: AUTUMN-WINTER

AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL BIOCHARACTERISTICS

What is the biocharacteristic theory of medicine?

INCREASES Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas) Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic. Learn More	GOOEY ABOUT GOOEY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion. LEARN MORE ABOUT GOOEY EASY ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly. LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY HOT ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT LIGHT ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC Lightness is identified by reduced weight. LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT
TASTES The 6 Tastes Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below? Learn More	ASTRINGENT ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying. LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT PUNGENT ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper. LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT SWEET ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET
DOSHAS The Three Doshas / Body Types According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history. The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. Catabolic people tend to be easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic people tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic people are heavy, stable and grounded, but if they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Learn More	PACIFIES AGGRAVATES
HAS THE FOLLOWING	Subtaste: Aromatic AROMATIC Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues. SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS Affinity: Digestion, Heart Circulation Blood, Respiratory Health Family: Lauraceae

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Experiences are Personal

Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Here are the herbal actions of Cinnamon:

Digestion:

Antiemetic

ANTIEMETIC

Herbs that reduce nausea or stop vomiting. Generally refreshing, aromatic herbs.

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Appetizer

APPETIZER

Herbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat.

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Carminative

CARMINATIVE

Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.

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Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

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Spleen Tonic

SPLEEN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.

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Cleanse & Detox:

Burns Toxins

BURNS-TOXINS

An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.

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Detoxicant

DETOXICANT

An herb that decongests, dislodges or improves metabolization of toxins from the body, transforming or altering fluids to a more healthy state.

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Mind, Stress & Sleep:

Analgesic

ANALGESIC

Relieves or reduces feelings of pain without eliminating sensation. Aka anodyne.

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Energy Vitality:

Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

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Skin Care & Beauty:

Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

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Demulcent

DEMULCENT

Herbs that coat or form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane.

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Rubefacient

RUBEFACIENT

An herb used topically that causes dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation. The skin will appear red or flushed.

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Respiratory-Health:

Warms Chest

WARMS-CHEST

Warms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing. Often these herbs are hot, aromatic, and pungent.

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Soothes Throat

SOOTHES-THROAT

Soothes throat discomfort, including from a sore or ticklish throat.

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Decongestant

DECONGESTANT

An herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.

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Expectorant

EXPECTORANT

Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.

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Immune System:

Antibacterial

ANTIBACTERIAL

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.

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Antifungal

ANTIFUNGAL

Herbs that destroy fungus.

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Antimicrobial

ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

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Heart & Circulation:

Cardiac Stimulant

CARDIAC-STIMULANT

Herbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.

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Calcium Channel Blocker

STRONG CALCIUM-CHANNEL-BLOCKER

Reduces blood pressure by relaxing smooth muscle tissue. Blocking calcium (Ca2+) inhibits smooth muscle contraction.

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Hypotensive

HYPOTENSIVE

An herb that lowers blood pressure.

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Hemostatic

HEMOSTATIC

An herb that stops bleeding.

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Styptic

STYPTIC

A herb that contracts tissue or blood vessels. Generally styptics are astringent. They are often used to stop bleeding.

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Weight Loss:

Lowers Blood Sugar

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

An herb that lowers blood sugar.

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Reproductive Health:

Aphrodisiac

APHRODISIAC

Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.

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Emmenagogue

EMMENAGOGUE

Herbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.

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Galactagogue

GALACTAGOGUE

Increases production of breast milk, often by raising prolactin and diaphoresis.

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Constituents:

Coumarin

STRONG COUMARIN

Moderately toxic, vascular tonic and anti-inflammatory.

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Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

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