Cinnamon Health Benefits & for Weight Loss?

Cinnamon health benefits - Introduction

Cinnamon bark has been used for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic medicine use it to treat diarrhea, indigestion, menstrual problems and fever.

It is also used in cooking as a spice. It is also found in a wide variety of products such as perfume, soap, mouthwash, lipstick, toothpaste, chewing gum and cough medicines.

The benefits of cinnamon bark come from the oil extracted from the leave and barks. It shows antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-spasm activities. It is reported to have sedative, pain-relieving properties and help with a variety of stomach related ailments such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion and heartburn.

Cinnamon for diabetes

Clinical studies done by the US Department of Agriculture showed that cinnamon reduces the amount of insulin needed by type 1 diabetics. Other studies also show that cinnamon helps to lower (or stabilize) high blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon weight loss research

Another study done at the Smell and Taste Research Foundation Inc. showed that the cinnamon spice helped with weight loss. The study involved 1,436 volunteers and they lost on average 30.5 lbs versus 2 lb of the control group. The research believed it is because the smell of cinnamon makes a person feel full faster so he or she eats less.

Cinnamon spice as an aphrodisiac? Really?

Indeed, smell has a direct impact on sex drive. Research done at the Smell and Taste Research Foundation Inc. showed that the smell of hot cinnamon bun increased blood flow to the penis more than any other spice.

Cinnamon health benefits - What do people use it for?

It has been used to treat the following health conditions:

Antibacterial activities (for mouthwash and toothpaste)
Athlete's foot (fungus infection)
Aphrodisiac (smell of the spice)
Bronchitis
Bladder infection (cystitis)
Colic
Contraception after childbirth
Cough and cold symptoms
Diabetes
Digestive aid
Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)
Fever
Heartburn
Infertility (female)
Nausea and vomiting
Promote menses
Support the digestive system
Weight Loss

Dose: Take 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of crushed cinnamon with each meal to help stabilize blood sugar levels. In Chinese medicine, dosage is 2 to 4 grams taken daily.

pharmacist tom's na;tural remedies recommendation

If you like the taste and smell of cinnamon, great! Know that there are some unpublished studies to support using cinnamon and cinnamon spice to help regulate blood sugar levels and for promoting weight loss.

Related topics that may be of interest to you

Get the full review on cinnamon

Treat type 2 diabetes using natural remedies

Return to FAQ List from Cinnamon Health Benefits

References & Smell and Taste Research Foundation
Created: January 5, 2010

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