Cinnamon

Scientific Name:  Cinnamomum verum & 

Cinnamomum cassia

Taste:  pungent, sweet, astringent

Family:  Lauraceae

Medicinal Parts: inner bark

Energetics: warming, 

Actions:  astringent, demulcent, relaxant, diffusive, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, mild circulatory stimulant

Affinities: digestive and circulatory systems

Notable Constituents:  volatiles (cinnamaldehyde 65 - 80%, eugenol 5-10%), aromatic resins, coumarins (verum <.02%, cassia .4-.8%), mucilage (2-3.7%), condensed tannins. 

Medicinal Applications

- When cinnamon is prepared in water it is both warming and demulcent which is excellent for cold, dry constitutions and conditions. Helpful for cold, dry digestive problems and nervous system complaints. A psychological relaxant for depression and anxiety. Warming to the emotional self. 

- You can tincture cinnamon but due to its demulcent nature, the tincture will have a high viscosity, meaning it will be very thick. Per the writing of Michael Moore, making 5-10% of your menstruum glycerin will help to keep astringent and tannin content suspended. 

- Topically cinnamon can be beneficial in an instance that one would need something anti-fungal or anti-microbial such as athlete's foot, ringworm, fungal infections, or infected wounds. 

- Powder capsules can be helpful in cases of diarrhea.

In Practice

- A decoction or long steeped tea (make sure to keep a cover on the pot/glass to keep the volatile oils in). Exposing the herb to heat and water makes released constituents absorbable to our cells and microbiome.

- For anti-fungal or anti-microbial need it can be as simple as sprinkling a generous amount of powder into one's socks (athletes foot), or making a strong decoction and soaking a clean cloth/cheesecloth in it and placing it on the infected area (ringworm, etc.). 

- In powder form the cinnamons astringent qualities are very present and can help to tighten the mucous membranes of the digestive tract if taken by delayed release capsules. 

- Cassia variaties have greater documented capacity for lowering blood sugar levels via capsule. 

Cautions/Contraindications

- For medicated individuals (those taking Glucophage (metformin) or using insulin) need to check blood sugar regularly (3-5X a day) to monitor glucose levels and work with doctor to possibly adjust dosage.

- Cassia varieties have a notable blood-thinning effect and contain higher quantities of coumarin which has been shown to be difficult for some peoples liver to process. Therefore, those with existing liver issues should avoid large daily doses (greater than 2 grams)

- Due to cinnamon's mucilage, infusing in wine or other low-alcohol menstrua may cause the menstruum to congeal and mold. 

Friends

Ginger, clove, rose, hawthorn, and linden