Cinnamon - Cinnamomum spp. (in the Lauraceae family)
Parts used: Inner bark.
Taste/Smell: Spicy, aromatic, sweet.
Tendencies: Drying, heating, stimulating.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 teaspoon per cup of water, infused 25 minutes; or 1:4 dry liquid extract: 10-60 drops; or essential oil: 1-5 drops. The larger doses are used for hemostatic effects and are not to be used repetitively.
Mental picture and specific indications: Cinnamon warms and strengthens organs of digestion. It is beneficial for persons with low vitality and a tendency toward influenza. It is also for symptoms of stress with a tendency to diarrhea and rheumatic pains.
Use: (a) Astringent, (b) Diaphoretic, (c) Aromatic Stimulant, (d) Carminative, (e) Hemostatic, (f) Antiseptic, (g) Flavoring, (h) Antibacterial, (i) Antifungal, (j) Gastrointestinal tonic, (k) Anodyne.
Since cinnamon is specific for causing contraction of the uterine muscles and arresting bleeding, it is beneficial in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. The anodyne aspect may be partially due to its prostaglandin-inhibiting action. It is also indicated for passive pulmonary, gastric, intestinal and renal bleeding. Cinnamon can stimulate and then depress the nervous system and has the ability to correct nausea and vomiting. Although small amounts are used for digestive irritation, large amounts can cause digestive irritation. It is useful at the onset of a cold or flu when there is chilliness, aching and sweating but with cold ski. It is also used as a lozenge for oral candida.
Contraindications: Do not use in large dosages or for extended period of time. Doses exceeding 2 grams of Cinnamon have been reported to be narcotic and may cause convulsions, delirium, hallucinations and death. It is contraindicated in persons with a cinnamon allergy and pregnancy due to the emmenagogue effect.
Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
Used with permission of author.
