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Cinnamon is one of those herbs that has special healing powers not only in ancient Indian Ayurvedic treatment modalities but also in ancient Chinese healing methods. Cinnamon reminds us of Christmases past with its tantalizing scent that is so earthy and cozy. One cannot help to cuddle up with a mug of spiced apple cider with a real cinnamon stick inside on a cold Winter's night.  It conjures up great memories and is often used in many modern cooking recipes, and cocktail mixologists use cinnamon frequently when crafting their signature cocktails that will be ordered over and over again into the wee morning hours by party goers and drink connoisseurs alike.

Cinnamon is a spice, and the bark contains all the healing properties. The tree itself grows anywhere from 10 to 15 ft tall. Just as Thailand has the unofficial reputation for growing the best coconuts that yield the most delicious coconut water in the world, you will find no other place in the world that grows the best cinnamon trees other than the country of Sri Lanka. This country has the sweetest and most aromatic cinnamon around.

The Power of Cinnamon  

However, did you know that cinnamon was more valuable than gold in the ancient days? Yes, it is true and has been documented and recorded for centuries. The wonderful aroma that Cinnamon fills up a room with is due to cinnamaldehyde, an indispensable oil found in the bark of cinnamon trees. Known in Hindi as dalchini, in Sanskrit as twak, and in Gujarati as taj,  cinnamon has a long history of use in Ayurvedic home remedies.

It is important to know that there are quite a few of different potencies of cinnamon. The two key players you need to know about are Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon.  Buying cinnamon powder from your local grocery store? Then you are most likely buying the lower-quality Cassia variant. Go online, and you will find an abundance of the high-quality Ceylon variant, which has all the health benefits and none of the ill-effects that your grocery store carries due to the low-quality Cassia cinnamon these popular chain stores offer.  According to Lissa Coffey of the Ayurveda Experience  High quality Ceylon cinnamon is a warming spice, and it consists of sweet, pungent and bitter tastes. It is excellent for pacifying Kapha and good for balancing Vata also. In Ayurveda, cinnamon is used to assist digestion and to calm stomach disorders.

Let’s discuss the most prevalent benefits of this ancient Ayurvedic spice. Potent Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka is the best and here are five examples of the health benefits this remarkable, ancient Indian spice has on the human body:

• Cough and cold - Just sipping away at some cinnamon infused water helps alleviate congestion. Add some honey and now we’re really talking about powerful healing properties.
• Acne and dry skin - That’s right, the bark of a tree does wonders when it comes to your complexion. Cinnamon powder with rose water applied to the skin for 10 minutes. The antimicrobial properties prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
• Hair and Beauty - Cinnamon will enhance your scalps blood circulation, it will also promote hair growth and strengthen the hair roots.
• Diabetic care - Diabetes Care published a study that demonstrated by consuming as little as 1 gram of cinnamon daily; it reduced triglycerides, blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, and cholesterol overall for those who had type 2 diabetes
• Digestive aid - As you may already know, Ayurvedic medicine has to do with the mind-body connection. If your mind is too stressed, if there is no equilibrium or a state of homeostasis, the digestive system will start giving you problems nearly all the time. Cinnamon dramatically improves digestion and absorption. It is a natural antibacterial that heals infections in the GI tract
• Nature’s anesthetic - For certain cases such as a sinus headache, combine ½ teaspoon of cinnamon with water to make a paste. Apply to your forehead and say bye-bye to your headache. There are many studies which show that by combining honey or ginger with cinnamon powder, it can provide helpful benefits for those who have arthritis.

Here is the best cinnamon mix to support your unique Ayurvedic dosha:

So, there you have it, wonderful and remarkable cinnamon. Used by both the ancient Chinese and Indian ancient healers as one of the most versatile spices to aid in a large assortment of ailments. Cinnamon continues to be on the forefront in helping people feel better and living longer and more productive lives.