Page 292 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice taken from the inner bark of vari-
ous species of the Cinnamon tree (genus Cin-
namomum). There are two different kinds of cinna-
mon: Cassia and Ceylon. Both are beneficial, but the
type you should use is controversial. Cassia cinnamon
contains coumarin in higher amounts, which can be
harmful in high doses. For this reason, Ceylon is often
preferred as a supplement.

In my research and experience, Ceylon cinnamon may
have more antioxidants and is often touted as the best
for medicinal use; however, Cassia has more benefits Neurodegenerative Diseases: Parkinson’s
for treating diabetes and controlling blood sugar. For and Alzheimer’s: Cinnamon has been shown to pro-
general use, I prefer Ceylon, but for diabetes control, I tect the neurons in the brain. Animal studies have
prefer Cassia. found that it helps normalize neurotransmitter levels,
which could help improve motor function in Parkin-
Medicinal Use: For medicinal use and preventative son’s patients. It also has two compounds (cinnamal-
care, the common suggested dose for “true cinnamon” dehyde and epicatechin) that inhibit the buildup of
(Ceylon) is 1-2 grams of cinnamon with each meal. You brain proteins (called “tau”) that are found in Alz-
can add it to a smoothie or food, use it in tea, or put it heimer’s patients. We do not have human research on
in capsules for easy consumption. Each capsule will these processes yet; however, it is easy to add cinna-
hold about 500 mg, tightly packed, so take 2-4 capsules mon, along with turmeric and other brain protecting
with each meal if needed. herbs, to the daily diet.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control: Cassia Anti-Inflammatory: Cinnamon is loaded with an-
cinnamon dramatically lowers fasting blood sugar lev- tioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that
els and improves insulin sensitivity with consistent fight free radicals and help lower your risk of disease.
use. Taking 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon daily is enough
to show beneficial effects immediately and full effects Heart Disease: Because of its antioxidants and
anti-inflammatory compounds, cinnamon can help re-
over time (6 grams is approximately 2 teaspoons). See
warning section below. duce the risk of heart disease. It reduces blood pres-
sure, triglycerides, and cholesterol, which contribute
Cinnamon improves sensitivity to insulin, a key hor- to heart disease.
mone in regulating metabolism and blood sugar. In
some metabolic conditions, the body may become in- HIV: Cassia cinnamon helps the body’s fight against
sulin resistant. By increasing insulin sensitivity, cinna- HIV-1, the most common HIV form in humans.
mon lowers blood sugar levels and helps prevent or Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal: Evidence
treat diabetes. Additionally, cinnamon decreases the shows that cinnamon inhibits the growth of some bac-
amount of glucose that enters your bloodstream after teria, including Salmonella and Listeria on surfaces,
a meal. It slows the breakdown of carbohydrates and especially when cinnamon oil is used. We have no data
prevents blood sugar spikes. Another compound in on whether cinnamon will treat internal infections.
cinnamon acts like insulin to improve glucose uptake
in the cells. Care is needed as cinnamon may cause Warning: Coumarin may increase cancer risk in an-
blood sugar levels to drop too low. imals. More research in needed for humans. Coumarin
may also cause liver damage in large amounts. Some
Reduces Triglycerides and Cholesterol: 1 to people have an allergy to cinnamaldehyde, a com-
6 grams of cinnamon lowers triglycerides and “bad” pound found in cinnamon. The reaction usually pre-
LDL-cholesterol. The full effects are seen over time, sents as mouth sores. As always, please check with
but one to two months of use should bring triglyceride your doctor for possible medication interactions.
and cholesterol levels down significantly.

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