Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) Herbal Medicine
Cinnamon Health Benefits, Dosage, Side effects and Warnings.
Scientific Name: Cinnamomum verum (Ceylan Cinnamon); Cinnamomum cassia (Ceylan Cassia)
Other names:
True cinnamon, Pure cinnamon, Sri Lankan cinnamon, Mexican Cinnamon, Sweet cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that has ancient origins and is popularly used as flavorings, as a condiment and in cooking. Cinnamon is also known to provide various medicinal benefits that include lowering of blood cholesterol, for diabetes. Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of the Cinnamon tree.
There are two popular kinds of Cinnamon, one is the “true Cinnamon” from the Cinnamon tree which is native in Sri Lanka (from the genus Cinnamomum verum) and the other is “Cassia” (Cinnamomum Cassia) which is being commercially cultivated in China, Indonesia, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. It is widely accepted that Cinnamon from Sri Lanka is of better quality between the two.
Uses of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is used in many culinary receipts and desserts, such as donuts, apple pie, cinnamon buns as well as candies, tea, hot cocoa, and liquors. Cinnamon is also used in thick soups, drinks and sweets. Cinnamon is popularly used in the United States as flavoring for cereals, bread-based dishes and fruits. In Mexico, cinnamon is used in the preparation of chocolates.
Other than for culinary purposes, oil obtained from the cinnamon bark is also popularly used in perfumery. Cinnamon oil is also used in dental and pharmaceutical products. Cinnamon leaf oil has been found to be effective in killing mosquito larvae. In some studies, Cinnamon leaf oil is being proposed for use as an insect repellent.