Cinnamon
What is Cinnamon for?
Cassia cinnamon is a plant. People use the bark and flower for medicine.
Cinnamon is used for many conditions, but so far science has not confirmed that it is effective for any of them. Research does show, however, that it is probably not effective for lowering blood sugar in type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
In addition to diabetes, cinnamon is used for gas (flatulence), muscle and stomach spasms, preventing nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold, and loss of appetite.
Some people use it for erectile dysfunction (ED), hernia, bed-wetting, joint conditions, menopausal symptoms, menstrual problems, and to cause abortions. Cinnamon is also used for chest pain, kidney disorders, high blood pressure, cramps, cancer, and as a “blood purifier.”
Cinnamon is used in suntan lotions, nasal sprays, mouthwashes, gargles, toothpaste, and as a “counterirritant” applied to the skin in liniments. A counterirritant is a substance that creates pain and swelling at the point of application with the goal of lessening pain and swelling at another location.
In food and beverages, cassia cinnamon is used as a flavoring agent.
There are a lot of different types of cinnamon. Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) is the type used most commonly in the Western world. Cinnamomum aromaticum (Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon) is also commonly used. In many cases, the cinnamon spice purchased in food stores contains a combination of these different types of cinnamon. So far, only cassia cinnamon has been shown to have any effect on blood sugar in humans. However, Cinnamomum verum also contains the ingredient thought to be responsible for lowering blood sugar. See the separate listing for Cinnamon bark.
What is Cinnamon Possibly Effective for?
• Diabetes. Early studies suggested that cassia cinnamon might be effective for controlling type 2 diabetes. But now, there is conflicting research. Some studies show benefit and other studies show no benefit.
• Loss of appetite.
• Muscle and stomach spasms.
• Bloating.
• Intestinal gas.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Common cold.
• Impotence.
• Bed wetting.
• Menstrual complaints.
• Chest pain.
• High blood pressure.
• Kidney problems.
• Cancer.
