CINNAMON

Ceylon Cinnamon is derived from the bark of the plant of the species name Laurus cinnamomum, native to parts of South Asia. It's believed that today over 100 varieties of cinnamon are grown worldwide.

Cinnamon has a very long and interesting history, in fact many people consider it one of the longest-existing spices in human history. Cinnamon was highly valued by ancient Egyptians and has been used by Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine practitioners in Asia for thousands of years to help heal everything from depression to weight gain.

Whether in extract, liquor, tea or herb form, cinnamon has provided people relief for centuries. Throughout history, the cinnamon plant has been tied to protection and prosperity. It’s said to have been part of the 'Four Thieves' mixture of oils used by grave-robbing bandits to protect themselves during the plague in the 15th century, and traditionally, it’s also associated with the ability to attract wealth. In fact, if you were lucky enough to have cinnamon during ancient Egyptian times, you were considered a wealthy man and records show that the value of cinnamon might have been equivalent to gold.

Health benefits:
• Heart / arterial health: Increases circulation, decreases platelet aggregation (blood clotting)
• High in antioxidants: digestive aid, blood sugar stabiliser, free radical damage repair
• Anti-inflammatory: headaches, gums, teeth
• Anti-bacterial: use with lemon and honey for a sore throat and mouth infections
• Anti-parasitic: use with thyme, oregano and cumin
• Depression, chronic fatigue, moodiness
• Improved brain function
• Immune system stimulant
• Aphrodisiac: stimulates libido
• Skin: rashes, acne, infections
• Gastro-intestinal: Stomach ulcers, diarrhoea, weight loss
• Diabetes: improved insulin response, reduced body fat, improved lean muscle mass, reduced blood sugar levels, prevents sugar cravings and overeating
• Cancer: tumour growth, colon

Warning: While Ceylon Cinnamon contains a very low dose of it, the more commonly available and less expensive Cassia Cinnamon contains approximately 1% coumarin ( a powerful anti-coagulant), which can be harmful in large doses and may cause liver damage.