History of Cinnamon in a Nutshell

• Cinnamomum zeylanicum or true cinnamon finds their description as’kwai’ in Chinese writings belonging to the period of 2800 B.C.
• Its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term amomon, meaning ‘a fragrant spice plant’
• Egyptians used cinnamon in their embalming proces, besides using them as medicines and aromatic spices
• In the ancient world, cinnamon was more precious than gold and other valuables
• Nero, emperor of Rome in the first century AD, burned a years supply of cinnamon on his wife’s funeral pyre — an extravagant gesture meant to signify the depth of his loss

• Pliny the Elder, noted author, naturalist or natural philosopher of the first century A.D., wrote that 350 grams of cinnamon as being equal in value to over five kilograms of silver, about fifteen times the value of silver per weight
• Physicians belonding to the medieval period used cinnamon in medicines to treat various problems like coughing, hoarseness and sore throats
• In the 17th century, the Dutch seized the world’s largest cinnamon supplier, the island of Ceylon, from the Portuguese and established a system of cultivation that exists to this day
• In 1795, England seized Ceylon from the French, who had acquired it from their victory over Holland during the Revolutionary Wars
• However, by 1833, the downfall of the cinnamon monopoly had begun as its cultivation was started in other regions like Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Mauritius and Guyana
• Cinnamon is now also grown in South America, the West Indies, and other tropical climates.

Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is prepared by roughly pounding the bark, macerating it in seawater, and then quickly distilling the whole. It is of a golden-yellow colour, with the characteristic odour of cinnamon and a very hot aromatic taste. The major chemical components of the essential oil includes ethyl cinnamate, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, and methyl chavicol.

Cinnamon oil possess many medicinal properties and there are many uses for it. It is often used as a stimulant in paralysis of the tongue, or to deaden the nerve in a toothache. It contains three active components of acetic acid and alcohol along with a wide range of volatile compounds that help in a wide variety of symptoms and health conditions.

Medicinal Uses
Owing to its vast medicinal uses, cinnamon had found a prominent position in traditional medicines, especially in Ayurveda, the traditional healing system of India. It has been used in many cultures for treating a variety of health disorders including diarrhea, arthritis, menstrual cramps, heavy menstruation, yeast infections, colds, flu, and digestive problems. Being a rich source of magnesium, iron, and fibers, it is helpful in many ailments such as:

• It boosts the activity of the brain and hence acts as a good brain tonic
• It is helpful in removing blood impurities and is widely recommended by herbologist for the pimple treatment
• Cinnamon aids in the circulation of blood due to the presence of a blood thinning compound in it
• Due to the presence of antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, it is highly effective on external as well as internal infections
• The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon helps in preventing unwanted clumping of blood platelets
• Cinnamon has been found extremely useful in treating type 2 diabetes
• It is believed that the calcium and fiber contents in cinnamon provide protection against heart diseases
• It also improves the health of colon, thus, reducing the risk to colon cancer
• Regular consumption of cinnamon after child birth delays menstruation and thus helps in avoiding conception
• Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence
• Cinnamon is effective in providing relief from menstrual discomfort and cramping.

Culinary Uses of Cinnamon

• It is used in cookery as a condiment and flavoring material
• Cinnamon is extensively used in cakes and other baked goods, milk and rice puddings, chocolate dishes and fruit desserts, particularly apples and pears
• It is widely used as an aromatic spice in preparing curries and pilaus
• It may be used to spice mulled wines, creams and syrups
• It is a very good mouth freshener and is used in preparing chewing gums to stop bad breath
• It also finds uses in flavored cereals and fruits, especially in USA.

Use of Cinnamon in Religion
Besides being used as a spice and medicine, cinnamon is also used for some religious purposes. Some people believe that burning cinnamon in incense will promote high spirituality and aid in healing. Its essential oil is often seen spiritually as used for protection by many people across the globe.

History of Cinnamon in a Nutshell

• Cinnamomum zeylanicum or true cinnamon finds their description as’kwai’ in Chinese writings belonging to the period of 2800 B.C.
• Its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term amomon, meaning ‘a fragrant spice plant’
• Egyptians used cinnamon in their embalming proces, besides using them as medicines and aromatic spices
• In the ancient world, cinnamon was more precious than gold and other valuables
• Nero, emperor of Rome in the first century AD, burned a years supply of cinnamon on his wife’s funeral pyre — an extravagant gesture meant to signify the depth of his loss

• Pliny the Elder, noted author, naturalist or natural philosopher of the first century A.D., wrote that 350 grams of cinnamon as being equal in value to over five kilograms of silver, about fifteen times the value of silver per weight
• Physicians belonding to the medieval period used cinnamon in medicines to treat various problems like coughing, hoarseness and sore throats
• In the 17th century, the Dutch seized the world’s largest cinnamon supplier, the island of Ceylon, from the Portuguese and established a system of cultivation that exists to this day
• In 1795, England seized Ceylon from the French, who had acquired it from their victory over Holland during the Revolutionary Wars
• However, by 1833, the downfall of the cinnamon monopoly had begun as its cultivation was started in other regions like Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Mauritius and Guyana
• Cinnamon is now also grown in South America, the West Indies, and other tropical climates.

Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is prepared by roughly pounding the bark, macerating it in seawater, and then quickly distilling the whole. It is of a golden-yellow colour, with the characteristic odour of cinnamon and a very hot aromatic taste. The major chemical components of the essential oil includes ethyl cinnamate, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, and methyl chavicol.

Cinnamon oil possess many medicinal properties and there are many uses for it. It is often used as a stimulant in paralysis of the tongue, or to deaden the nerve in a toothache. It contains three active components of acetic acid and alcohol along with a wide range of volatile compounds that help in a wide variety of symptoms and health conditions.

Medicinal Uses
Owing to its vast medicinal uses, cinnamon had found a prominent position in traditional medicines, especially in Ayurveda, the traditional healing system of India. It has been used in many cultures for treating a variety of health disorders including diarrhea, arthritis, menstrual cramps, heavy menstruation, yeast infections, colds, flu, and digestive problems. Being a rich source of magnesium, iron, and fibers, it is helpful in many ailments such as:

• It boosts the activity of the brain and hence acts as a good brain tonic
• It is helpful in removing blood impurities and is widely recommended by herbologist for the pimple treatment
• Cinnamon aids in the circulation of blood due to the presence of a blood thinning compound in it
• Due to the presence of antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, it is highly effective on external as well as internal infections
• The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon helps in preventing unwanted clumping of blood platelets
• Cinnamon has been found extremely useful in treating type 2 diabetes
• It is believed that the calcium and fiber contents in cinnamon provide protection against heart diseases
• It also improves the health of colon, thus, reducing the risk to colon cancer
• Regular consumption of cinnamon after child birth delays menstruation and thus helps in avoiding conception
• Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence
• Cinnamon is effective in providing relief from menstrual discomfort and cramping.

Culinary Uses of Cinnamon

• It is used in cookery as a condiment and flavoring material
• Cinnamon is extensively used in cakes and other baked goods, milk and rice puddings, chocolate dishes and fruit desserts, particularly apples and pears
• It is widely used as an aromatic spice in preparing curries and pilaus
• It may be used to spice mulled wines, creams and syrups
• It is a very good mouth freshener and is used in preparing chewing gums to stop bad breath
• It also finds uses in flavored cereals and fruits, especially in USA.

Use of Cinnamon in Religion
Besides being used as a spice and medicine, cinnamon is also used for some religious purposes. Some people believe that burning cinnamon in incense will promote high spirituality and aid in healing. Its essential oil is often seen spiritually as used for protection by many people across the globe.