THE CINNAMON

Cinnamon is an exotic spice/ condiment mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavoring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savory dishes, breakfast cereals, snack foods, tea and traditional foods.

You can drink it warm, or cool it to make homemade iced tea. The easiest way to make this beverage is to simply add 2-3 leaves to 1 cup (235 ml) of boiled water, allow to steep for a few minutes, then sweeten, if you prefer, with your choice of sweetener and drink.

You can also make cinnamon tea by steeping a cinnamon stick in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.

For seasonings/ spice, just rub in a few leaves

MAJOR HEALTH BENEFITS OF CINNAMON LEAVES

Cinnamon leaf oil has antiseptic, analgesic, antispasmodic, antibiotic, astringent, carminative, aphrodisiac, cardiac and other benefits.

It can be used to treat general pain, respiratory tract infections, rheumatism, and arthritis. Feelings of exhaustion and depression can be eased by using this essential oil.

Menstrual pains could be reduced since cinnamon leaf oil stimulates our glandular system.

Cinnamon oil has been used in traditional medicine to ease the symptoms of a toothache. Even to this day, it is often mixed in breath fresheners, mouthwashes, and chewing gum.

The Eugenol present in cinnamon leaf oil reduces gastric problems like nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach.

For Diabetes; The Cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon leaf could reduce the risk of a person developing type-2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity.

Cinnamon leaf essential oil is used for its aphrodisiac properties in aromatherapy.

It can relieve symptoms of impotence and increase sexual function in both women and men. Inhaling cinnamon oil blended with other essential oils are said to have an aphrodisiac effect.

Cinnamon leaf essential oil is used in vaporizers and burners and these can be used to treat chest congestion and bronchitis.

As a massage oil, it can be mixed in bath water and helps to ease symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism, diarrhea, flu, and other infections.

Cinnamon oil is often mixed with other herbs like cloves, frankincense, benzoin, rosemary, thyme, lavender, ginger, etc to make various medicinal lotions and creams.

Cinnamon leaf oil has a calming effect and it helps alleviate feelings of depression.

Used in a diffuser during cold winter months, cinnamon oil vapors are said to create feelings of warmth and comfort.

Other medicinal properties of cinnamon leaf is the fact that it could act as an antibacterial agent and help with digestion.

It could fight against harmful bacteria that cause infection.

Production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine could be improved and it could also help balance brain chemicals and improve mental health by easing symptoms of anxiety, mental tension, nervousness and depression.

CINNAMON LEAVES IN COOKING

Cinnamon leaves have a wonderful flavor and are often used to make baked and sweet dishes.

They are a popular flavoring agent of porridges – especially cornmeal and oats porridge here in Jamaica.

Cinnamon leaves are used to make herbal teas that are helpful with weight loss.

Drink at least 2 to 3 cups of cinnamon tea to help with obesity.

Cinnamon leaf tea can also ease flu and cold symptoms and relieve upset stomach without causing any side effects. You can combine cinnamon leaf with green tea to boost health benefits.