Cinnamon Verum Bark
Obtained from the bark of the Cinnamon Verum tree, is one of the ancient spices known to man. We’re talking about Cinnamon. Cinnamon Verum Bark or Ceylon Cinnamon is also called “true Cinnamon”.
It comes from a tree that grows naturally in hot and humid weather in many parts of India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, Brazil and Indonesia.
How is it made? By cutting the stems of trees and extracting the inner bark. Then, it dries forming curled strips. These sticks can then be ground into powder.
What Is Cinnamon Verum Bark Used For?
This tree bark has been used for centuries. We mostly know that Cinnamon is a tasty culinary spice that makes our dishes taste amazing. It’s added to desserts, teas, candies and many recipes in the Middle East and Asia. We can’t even imagine some pastries without Cinnamon, such as Cinnamon rolls or Apple Strudel.
With all this reference to Cinnamon and food, people rarely think of it as a medicine. In addition to its culinary uses though, it is in fact just that. In Ayurvedic medicine, Cinnamon is used as a remedy for respiratory, digestive and even gynaecological ailments.
What are the Health Benefits of Cinnamon Verum Bark?
Here are the significant health benefits of this herb that are supported by scientific research:
- Immune System Stimulation
Cinnamon Verum Bark contains the essential oils – cinnamyl acetate, cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamaldehyde – that help maintain our immune system.1
Due to these properties, Cinnamon is useful in the treatment of some patients with HIV-1, a virus that breaks down the human immune system.1
- Cold and Flu Treatment
Cinnamon Verum Bark is used to treat seasonal infections like cold or flu. It’s also effective against respiratory infections like sore throats and bronchitis.2
One of the studies even found evidence that Cinnamon Verum Bark may help treat swine flu.3
- Anti-Inflammatory
Did you know that Cinnamon helps your body to fight chronic inflammation that can lead to swelling or pain? 4
Studies show that Cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties are helpful against age-related diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.4
- Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidants protect the human body from free radicals that cause oxidative damage. Cinnamon Verum Bark contains polyphenols that are considered potent antioxidants.4
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Effects
Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde - an active component, that fights against certain bacteria, including Salmonella. The bark helps against food poisoning, and topical applications prepared with Cinnamon are used to heal minor skin infections.5
It also seems to be effective against numerous fungi, by helping eradicate yeast infections that have become resistant to other medications.6
- Weight Loss
Cinnamaldehyde in Cinnamon Verum Bark regulates the deposition of fat and protects against metabolic syndrome, therefore it’s use can be effective for weight loss.7
For desirable results, it should be taken regularly and for a prolonged period of time.
- Diabetes Management
Untreated metabolic syndrome can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. Active components of Cinnamon can significantly reduce insulin resistance and help this vital hormone to work in the human body properly.7
Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels, decreasing the amount of glucose that enters after a meal. The studies also found that the herb acts on cells mimicking insulin.8 However, it’s important to take into consideration that Cinnamon Verum Bark works slower than insulin itself.
- Menstrual Pain Relief
Cinnamon Verum Bark supplements may reduce menstrual discomfort like pain, bleeding, and nausea. Considering there are no reported side effects, Cinnamon is a safe and effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhea.9
A study presented in 2015 found that Cinnamon reduced the severity and duration of pain during menstruation, but its effect was lower than Ibuprofen.10
Is Cinnamon Verum Bark Safe?
Yes, Cinnamon Verum Bark is relatively safe and rarely causes any side effects. However, if you have some contradictions to its compound, avoid consuming it in excessive doses. Pregnant women should also avoid Cinnamon Verum Bark products.
Not only does this tasty culinary spice make our dishes taste amazing, it can be beneficial for our health too.
Properties
- Anti-Bacterial5,6
- Anti-Fungal5,6
- Anti-Haemorrhagic9
- Anti-Inflammatory4
- Anti-Parasitic5,6
- Antioxidant1,2,3
- Arthritis4
- Astringent4
- Cancer Prevention4
- Cholesterol7
- Colic10
- Dementia Prevention4
- Demulcent5
- Diabetes / Blood Sugar7,8
- Digestive Function7,8
- Digestive Restoration7,8
- Energiser4
- Flatulence4
- Heart Support / Health7,8
- High/Good Levels of Polyphenols4
- Hypertension7
- Immune Booster1
- Menstrual Bleeding Reduction9,10
- Menstrual Cramps9,10
- Nausea9,10
- Oral Health5
- Respiratory Support5,6
- Skin Issues5,6
- Vomiting Prevention9,10
- Weight Loss / Management7,8
References
- Premanathan M, Rajendran S, Ramanathan T, Kathiresan K, Nakashima H, Yamamoto N. A survey of some Indian medicinal plants for anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity. Indian J Med Res. 2000;112:73-77.
- Maheshwari RK, Chauhan A, Gupta A, Sharma S. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH AND BIO-SCIENCE. 2:14.
- Kawatra P, Rajagopalan R. Cinnamon: Mystic powers of a minute ingredient. Pharmacogn Res. 2015;7(Suppl 1):S1-S6. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.157990
- Gunawardena D, Govindaraghavan S, Münch G. Chapter 30 - Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cinnamon Polyphenols and their Monomeric Precursors. In: Watson RR, Preedy VR, Zibadi S, eds. Polyphenols in Human Health and Disease. San Diego: Academic Press; 2014:409-425. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-398456-2.00030-X
- Ooi LSM, Li Y, Kam S-L, Wang H, Wong EYL, Ooi VEC. Antimicrobial activities of cinnamon oil and cinnamaldehyde from the Chinese medicinal herb Cinnamomum cassia Blume. Am J Chin Med. 2006;34(3):511-522. doi:10.1142/S0192415X06004041
- Ranasinghe P, Pigera S, Premakumara GS, Galappaththy P, Constantine GR, Katulanda P. Medicinal properties of ‘true’ cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013;13:275. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-275
- Mollazadeh H, Hosseinzadeh H. Cinnamon effects on metabolic syndrome: a review based on its mechanisms. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2016;19(12):1258-1270. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2016.7906
- Medagama AB. The glycaemic outcomes of Cinnamon, a review of the experimental evidence and clinical trials. Nutr J. 2015;14. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0098-9
- Jaafarpour M, Hatefi M, Najafi F, Khajavikhan J, Khani A. The Effect of Cinnamon on Menstrual Bleeding and Systemic Symptoms With Primary Dysmenorrhea. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2015;17(4). doi:10.5812/ircmj.17(4)2015.27032
- Jaafarpour M, Hatefi M, Khani A, Khajavikhan J. Comparative Effect of Cinnamon and Ibuprofen for Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial. J Clin Diagn Res JCDR. 2015;9(4):QC04-QC07. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/12084.5783