Cinnamon (Dalchini)

Article on Cinnamon (Dalchini) by
Gandhali Gode
Consulting Nutritionist and Dietician, Pallavi's Spices

Cinnamon is one of the key ingredients of spices (masala) and has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine. It is the brown bark of the cinnamon tree, which is available in its dried tubular form known as a quill or as ground powder.  It is also used in Sāmbhar Powder or Bisibelebath powder in Karnataka which gives them a rich aroma & unique taste. Cinnamon is a good source of carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.

Cinnamon is a natural food preservative

Daily use of Cinnamon helps in regulating: 

Helps in regulating blood sugar levels:
Making it a great choice for diabetics and hypoglycemic alike

Cholesterol friendly:
By reducing LDL levels (LDL is also known as the harmful cholesterol)l. it may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Useful in arthritis:
Cinnamon has been shown in studies at the Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Korean Hospital, to reduce cytokines linked to arthritic pain.

Menstruation: 
Cinnamon contains a natural chemical called cinnamaldehyde, the scientific research shows that it increases the hormone progesterone and decreases testosterone production in women, helping to balance hormones.

Holds promise for various neurodegenerative diseases:
According to research at the Cytokine Research Laboratory  (Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and The University of Texas), Cinnamon holds promise for various neurodegenerative diseases viz. Alzheimer, Parkinson, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor and meningitis.  Their research shows that cinnamon reduces chronic inflammation linked with these neurological disorders.

Calcium and Fiber improves colon health and protect against heart disease:
In addition to its unique essential oils, cinnamon is an excellent source of fiber and the trace mineral manganese while also a very good source of calcium. The combination of calcium and fiber in cinnamon is important and can be helpful for the prevention of several different conditions. Both calcium and fiber can bind to bile salts and help remove them from the body. By removing bile, fiber helps to prevent the damage that certain bile salts can cause to colon cells, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. In addition, when bile is removed by fiber, the body must break down cholesterol in order to make new bile. This process can help to lower high cholesterol levels, which can be helpful in preventing atherosclerosis and heart disease. For sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome, the fiber in cinnamon may also provide relief from constipation or diarrhea.

Mouth freshener:
Cinnamon is often used in chewing gums, as it is a good mouth freshener and removes bad breath.

Perfumes:
It has a refreshing aroma and is extensively used in perfume-making.

Indigestion:
Cinnamon is added in many ethnic recipes. Apart from adding flavor to the food, it also aids in digestion. Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea and flatulence. Due to its carminative properties, it is very helpful in eliminating excess gas from the stomach and intestines. It also removes acidity, combats diarrhea and reduces the effects of morning sickness. Cinnamon is therefore often referred to as a digestive tonic.

Respiratory problems:
Cinnamon helps in relieving the symptoms of colds, influenza, sore throat and congestion.

Some more benefits

Cinnamon is anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-depressant, anti-infectious, anti-parasitic, anti-spasmodic and antioxidant ranked only after clove.

Cinnamon is also an immune stimulant, an astringent, and a sexual stimulant

Cinnamon was so revered in Ancient China that it was always used at the first sign of illness.

It was practically added to most medicines due to its ability to strengthen the effectiveness of other herbs in the tonics and teas.

Cinnamon is one of the best warming herbs; heating your body from the core to your cold organs, then moving outward to warm the skin all while it disperses energy blockage found in the chest, shoulder, and neck.

It is especially good for weak kidneys, backache, and lack of sex drive

Caution:

Even though tests are yet to confirm a virus, bacteria, or fungus that can survive in cinnamon oil, use Cinnamon oil with extreme caution as it may irritate nasal passages, mucus membranes, and can cause skin irritation.  You’ll need to dilute it with coconut or any other oil in proportion of at least 1:3