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Domestic traditional medicine is based mainly on medicinal herbs. This is not surprising, because spices were brought to Europe only a few centuries ago and were used as expensive aromatic food additives. But in China and other Asian countries, spices are successfully used not only in cooking, but also in medicine. Many folk remedies are based on the healing properties of cinnamon. Today, when spices are available to everyone, the time has come to adopt the wisdom of Asians to learn the secret of their good health, youth and longevity.
Useful properties and contraindications of cinnamon
Using cinnamon in small doses as a dietary supplement, you should not think about the benefits or possible harm of the product. But if you intend to use spice in medicinal properties, you need to study this issue more deeply in order to avoid side effects.
Advantages and disadvantages
Applying spices in cooking, you render your body an invaluable service. Natural spices, in addition to a unique aroma, give dishes new useful properties. Nevertheless, lovers of cinnamon should know not only about the positive aspects of the spice, but also about the possible negative consequences of its use. Information about the benefits and harms of seasoning is presented in the table.
Table - Benefits and harms of cinnamon
| Body system | Health Benefits of Cinnamon | Cinnamon Health Harm |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal tract | - Treats constipation and diarrhea; - eliminates flatulence; - improves appetite; - increases the production of gastric juice; - normalizes the intestinal microflora; - burns calories | - Irritating to mucous membranes of organs; - increases the acidity of gastric juice |
| Kidney | - Facilitates the removal of excess fluid from the body; - dissolves kidney stones | - aggravates the condition in inflammatory processes |
| Reproductive system | - Relieves pain during critical days; - eliminates irritability with menopause; - treats erectile dysfunction | - aggravates the condition in inflammatory processes |
| Bone system | - Dulls pain with arthritis and arthrosis; - enhances joint mobility; - saturates bones with calcium | - May serve as an indirect cause of excess calcium |
| Nervous system | - Improves memory; - normalizes sleep; - enhances concentration; - relieves nervous state during depression | - Increases nervous irritability |
| Immunity | - Relief of cold symptoms; - enhances sweating, which helps to eliminate toxins; - kills microbes (due to the content of eugenol) | - Irritating to the respiratory tract, which may increase coughing; - at high temperature exacerbates the condition |
| Immunity and blood vessels | - Expands blood vessels, saving from high blood pressure; - lowers blood cholesterol; - dilutes blood; - prevents a heart attack; - prevents blood clots | - Dramatically reduces pressure |
Who is not allowed
Having figured out how cinnamon is useful for the body, do not rush to start treatment. Make sure that you or your loved ones have no contraindications. It is worth limiting or completely eliminating the consumption of spices in such cases:
- children's age up to three years;
- pregnancy;
- asthma;
- gastritis;
- gastrointestinal ulcer;
- poor blood coagulation;
- oncology;
- tendency to allergic reactions;
- stones in the kidneys;
- fever.
Spice treatment
While people are looking for salvation from illnesses in the pharmacy, the real medicine has long been in their kitchen. The rich chemical composition of the spice turns it into an effective remedy for many diseases.
Recipe Table
The healing properties of cinnamon determine its effectiveness in the fight for good health. You can find methods of treating various ailments in the table.
Table - Cinnamon Treatment
| Problem | Recipe | Application | Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | - A pinch of cinnamon; - half a glass of kefir | - Drink morning and evening | 10 days |
| Erection problems | - A drop of cinnamon ether; - a quarter glass of water; - a third of a teaspoon of honey | - Take 4 times daily before meals | Before normalization |
| Headache | - 2 drops of cinnamon ether | - rubbing the temples; - aroma lamp | Episodically |
| High cholesterol | - A tablespoon of honey; - a third of a teaspoon of cinnamon; - a slice of dried bread | - Every day for breakfast, eat such a sandwich with green tea | 14 days |
| Arthritis | - A pinch of cinnamon; - a teaspoon of honey; - half a glass of warm water | - Drink thrice a day between meals | 10 days |
| Baldness | - Half a teaspoon of cinnamon; - 2 tablespoons of burdock oil | - Heated problem areas rub the problem areas every other day; - leave for a quarter of an hour | 5 treatments |
| Weakness after illness | - Spice stick; - a glass of boiling water (insist half an hour) | - Infusion to drink after breakfast | 7 days |
| Impaired memory | - A third of a teaspoon of cinnamon; - a pinch of ginger; - the same amount of cardamom; - a glass of boiling water (insist 5 minutes) | - Drink after breakfast instead of tea | 10 days |
| External hemorrhoids | - A teaspoon of cinnamon; - as much honey | - Apply overnight | Before normalization |
| Pancreatitis | - A teaspoon of cinnamon; - a glass of water (boil for 5 minutes) | - Drink a tablespoon an hour before breakfast, lunch and dinner | 14 days |
Alcohol tinctures
The popularity of tinctures is due to the fact that alcohol significantly enhances the healing properties of products. This rule applies to spices. Options for tincture of cinnamon at home are collected in the table.
Table - Options for preparing tinctures
| Appointment | Components | Time for preparing | Reception | Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For weight loss | - 2 spice sticks; - orange (peel and cut); - half a glass of vodka; - a glass of boiling water | 10 days | - A quarter cup twice a day before meals | 10 days |
| For brain activity | - Cinnamon stick; - a pinch of ground ginger; - the same amount of nutmeg; - a teaspoon of a mixture of lemon and orange zest; - 7 inflorescences of carnations; - a third of a teaspoon of cardamom; - a glass of vodka | 30 days | - A teaspoon in half a glass of water during lunch | 7 days |
| From cough | - A teaspoon of cinnamon; - a pinch of ginger; - a glass of wine | 10 days | - A tablespoon three times a day after meals | 7 days |
How to recognize a fake
Depending on the country of growth, several types of cinnamon are isolated. The most pronounced healing and flavoring properties are possessed by a product from India or Ceylon. But on the shelves of supermarkets, as a rule, Chinese cinnamon is represented - cassia, which has the lowest cost. If you do not want to buy a fake at the price of the original, remember four signs that will help distinguish cinnamon from cassia.
- Colour. Real ground cinnamon is usually light brown in color. A yellowish tint is allowed. If the powder is brown or dark brown, then you are dealing with cassia.
- Reaction to iodine. If you put a little iodine on the original spice, it turns a little blue. In the case of cassia, the blue will be bright and pronounced.
- Hardness. The easiest way to distinguish a fake is if you buy cinnamon sticks. The original will be fragile enough. Cassia is very hard and difficult to grind.
- The form. If you look at the tip of a stick of Ceylon spice, you will see that the edges are turned inside, like lamb horns. In the case of cassia, the cut will be a regular round shape.
In ancient times, spices were valued on a par with precious metals. Only the rulers of states and their entourage had the privilege of enjoying the heady aroma and piquant taste of cinnamon. And when its healing properties were revealed, bloody battles began for the right to own the lands on which the cinnamon tree grows. Today, delicious and high-quality spices from Eastern countries are imported around the world, and you can buy them at a nearby supermarket. Reviews about the use of cinnamon once again prove its effectiveness in the fight against ailments and increase its value.
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