INTRODUCTiON

CiNNAMON: THE Spice OF THE World

If there’s one spice most people have in their pantry, it’s cinnamon. This fragrant brown spice is found in recipes and treatments around the world, including in South-African fried cinnamon rolls, Dutch cookies, Caribbean chicken, Sudanese tea, traditional Chinese medicine, and much more.

Its history dates back to the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, and Romans—to name just a few major civilizations—where they used it as medicine, for embalming, and more. As time went on, Western powers began to see the value of cinnamon and even fought wars to gain control over the spice trade.

Today, we can get cinnamon quite easily from our local grocery stores (no fighting or traveling needed!). In this book, you’ll discover the amazing uses of cinnamon. Not only will this book provide some of these feel-good, international cinnamon recipes, but you will also learn how cinnamon can be used to treat an incredible variety of health conditions, create natural beauty products, and solve common household problems.

WHAT IS IT?

Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of evergreen Cinnamomum trees in the laurel family; different trees provide the different types of cinnamon you can find in the grocery store.

There are two main types of cinnamon: cassia and Ceylon. Although both are beneficial and have that classic sweet-and-spicy flavor, they are harvested differently and have slightly different tastes and chemical compounds.

Cassia cinnamon is the more common type of cinnamon. It has a more intense flavor than Ceylon cinnamon, so you only need a little to lend flavor to your cooking or baking. Ceylon cinnamon— which many people call “true” cinnamon—is harder to find and more expensive.¹ Its delicate flavor lacks the intense spiciness that cassia cinnamon has.

All types of cinnamon get their flavor and familiar aroma from cinnamaldehyde, an organic compound found in Cinnamomum trees. This compound is responsible for many of cinnamon’s benefits, like its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.² Its most concentrated form is in essential oil—essential oil made from cinnamon bark is 90 percent cinnamaldehyde.

WHERE DiD IT COME FROM?

Cinnamon has been used throughout the ages by some of the largest civilizations in the world and was once more valuable than gold. It was so highly regarded at one point, cinnamon was considered a suitable gift for rulers! There were four main producers of cinnamon in ancient times: Sri Lanka (the source of Ceylon cinnamon), Ethiopia, India, and China. This cinnamon was then distributed around the world.

The ancient Egyptians used cinnamon to embalm their dead bodies, likely due to cinnamon’s antibacterial properties. In the Bible, cinnamon was noted to have been used in anointing oil and for other religious ceremonies. Emperor Nero of ancient Rome was rumored to have burned an entire year’s supply of cinnamon at his wife’s funeral in 65 CE.

By the end of the fifteenth century, the Portuguese discovered Sri Lanka and established a monopoly on the cinnamon trade there, even building a fort to cement their hold. Meanwhile, Venetian traders held control of the cinnamon brought by Arab traders from Asia. As demand for cinnamon began to rise, the Dutch began looking for new ways to gain hold of and profit from the cinnamon trade like their fellow Europeans.

During the seventeenth century, the Dutch managed to seize control of the prospering cinnamon trade by allying with the island of Kandy. They maintained a tight hold, using the Dutch East India Company to export cinnamon to Europe. At the time, it was the company’s most profitable spice.

By the time the British gained control from the Dutch in 1796,³ the monopoly on cinnamon was rapidly declining. People had discovered new places to grow cinnamon, and the value plummeted.

That leads us to the present, when cinnamon is a commonly used and much enjoyed spice.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO BUY AND STORE CINNAMON?

Cinnamon comes in a variety of forms: bark, powder, stick, and essential oil. Cinnamon bark is the hardest to find—it’s only available at some online specialty spice retailers and small spice stores. Bark is the most “unprocessed” form of cinnamon; it is ground up to produce cinnamon powder and rolled up to form cinnamon sticks. Because bark is a little hard to use, the other forms of cinnamon are recommended.

You can find ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks in the baking aisle of your grocery store. Like most spices, ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks can be stored in your pantry for a relatively long period of time. Cinnamon powder maintains its freshness for about six months (after that, it loses its potency but doesn’t go bad), while cinnamon sticks can be stored for longer (about two years). Both forms should be kept in a sealed glass jar and away from heat and light.

Lastly, cinnamon essential oil can be found at some grocery stores, many health stores, and online. Essential oils are distilled from a whole plant and are its most potent form. Just a drop or two can make a big difference in beauty products and household uses.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO use CINNAMON?

Ground cinnamon is ready to use as is—you can sprinkle it on your recipes, in various homemade household cleaners, and even in DIY beauty products. Careful though: A little goes a long way!

Cinnamon sticks are good if you want to mull wine—it helps lend its sweet flavor and aroma to the liquid it’s sitting in. Because the sticks are not broken down like powder is, the sticks impart less potent flavor.

When using essential oils, remember that it’s best to use a carrier oil due to essential oils’ high potency. Cinnamon essential oils, and even cinnamon itself, can be found in a variety of lotions, fragrances, and other common cosmetic products.

You may also see cinnamon supplements—these are higher-dosage capsules containing cinnamon and other ingredients encased in a pill. They are advertised as natural health products that can help boost your immune system, support your body with powerful antioxidants, and help with brain function and memory. They can be purchased online and at health food stores. Refer to the recommended dosage on the bottle and consult your doctor if you have any questions.

HOW MuCH should I USE?

The recommended amount of cinnamon consumed or used depends on the age and size of the person. Additionally, some people are more sensitive to cinnamon than others. This is because cassia cinnamon contains high coumarin levels, which may cause liver problems in people who consume it in high dosages. The typical recommended dosage of ground cinnamon for adults is 1-4 grams each day, which equals 0.38-1.54 teaspoons. If using cinnamon essential oil, the daily dosage ranges from 0.05 to 0.22 milliliters.⁴

Babies under six months should not be given cinnamon. After the first six months, small amounts of cinnamon can be sprinkled onto their food to help with the taste.

Is TAKiNG/USiNG ciNNAMon SAFE?

Cinnamon is considered to be a safe food additive. However, it is a spice that should be taken in moderation. Too much cinnamon can drop the blood sugar dangerously low, causing dizziness and fatigue. If too much is inhaled at once, cinnamon can cause breathing problems and even suffocation. Cinnamon is thought to be safe for pregnant women in small amounts, but high dosages should be avoided. As always, consult with your doctor before using.

Even when using cinnamon topically, it’s best to use it in moderation. If too much cinnamon is used on your skin, it can cause burning or irritation. It’s recommended you test a small amount of any product that uses cinnamon on a patch of your arm before applying it to large areas, especially the face.

There are mixed reviews from scientists and doctors on whether cinnamon capsules are recommended because there is no regulation on supplements and no knowledge of whether the amount of cinnamon in the capsules has a positive effect on your body.