What is Chinese cinnamon? Guide to choosing and using true cinnamon
In Ayurveda, cinnamon is a vital ingredient, often combined with Thirjatham and Chathujatham, and is especially effective for abdominal ailments.
In Ayurveda, cinnamon is a vital ingredient, often combined with Thirjatham and Chathujatham, and is especially effective for abdominal ailments.
In Ayurveda, cinnamon is a vital ingredient, often combined with Thirjatham and Chathujatham, and is especially effective for abdominal ailments.
Cinnamon is a fragrant spice and medicinal herb, prized not only in the kitchen but also in traditional healing systems. Its scientific name is Cinnamomum verum (formerly Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume). Commonly called True Cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon, Sri Lankan cinnamon, Patta, or Ilavangam, it is different from the more common Chinese cinnamon (cassia), which contains high levels of coumarin — a compound that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys if consumed in excess.
Cinnamon comes from the bark of an evergreen tree that grows up to 6–8 metres, and is used both in culinary and medicinal preparations. Growing cinnamon at home ensures a safe, chemical-free supply for everyday cooking and emergency remedies.
In Ayurveda, cinnamon is a vital ingredient, often combined with Thirjatham and Chathujatham, and is especially effective for abdominal ailments. Cinnamon oil mixed with rock sugar helps relieve bloating, constipation, stomach pain, vomiting and flatulence. Allowing a piece of cinnamon to dissolve in the mouth, or drinking it as a decoction, eases nausea, gas, and diarrhoea.
Cinnamon is also known to prevent arthritis, improve digestion, and strengthen the intestines. It features in treatments for a wide range of conditions, including diarrhoea, asthma, sore throat, poor appetite, colds, heart disease, stress, toothache, headache, skin itching, urinary issues, piles and worm infestations.
For cough, a mix of powdered cardamom, cinnamon, long pepper and arrowroot with honey is effective. Cinnamon with honey can ease diarrhoea and running nose. Applying cotton dipped in cinnamon oil can reduce toothache. Studies have shown cinnamon can also reduce bacterial load in tuberculosis patients.
As a uterine stimulant, cinnamon with long pepper is used to improve blood circulation during pregnancy (under medical guidance). A mix of cinnamon and Ashoka oil addresses uterine looseness during menopause or damage from excessive menstruation. Decoctions are also prescribed for haemorrhage in the lungs and uterus.
Cinnamon oil with rock sugar, taken in capsule form or inhaled from a handkerchief, relieves fever and cold. Cinnamon milk aids smooth urination. Applied to wounds, cinnamon enhances blood circulation, healing, and protection against infection.
Cinnamon is a staple in many Ayurvedic medicines, including Ashwagandharishtam, Dashamoolarishtam, Draksharishtam, Vilwadhilehyam, Eladhithailam, Himasagarathailam, Vayugulika, and Manasanithravadakam.
(The author, Dr. Gopalakrishnan Valiyaveettil, is the Additional Head (Materials) and Chief Medical Officer of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala)