Cinnamon (Dal Chini): An Aromatic & Therapeutic Herb

Cinnamon or Cassia in English or Dal Chini in Hindi is a highly delicious and one of healthiest spice from the Treasure of Divine Mother Earth. It is being used since ages across the globe for its aromatic and therapeutic qualities like Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Spasmodic to name a few.

Alternative Medicinal Experts believes that Cinnamon or Dal Chini can help in managing diabetes for helps in improving the uptake of glucose in the body. It is believed to lowers high cholesterol level and also reduces the risk of heart diseases due to its Anti-Oxidant property.

Types of Cinnamon

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Ceylon Cinnamon: Found in Sri Lanka & Southern Parts of India and known as “true” cinnamon made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomumverum tree. It is tan-brown in color and contains many tight sticks with soft layers. These features provide a highly desirable quality and texture.

Ceylon cinnamon is less common and has long been prized as a cooking spice. It is quite expensive compared to the more common cassia variety.

Cassia Cinnamon: The more common variety generally referred to as cinnamon originated in Southern China and hence also known as Chinese cinnamon. Cassia tends to be a dark brown-red color with thicker sticks and a rougher texture than Ceylon cinnamon.

Cassia cinnamon is considered to be of lower quality. Almost all cinnamon found in supermarkets is the cassia variety. Cassia has long been used in cooking and in traditional medicine.

Health Benefits of Cinnnamon or Dal Chini

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• Helpful for Diabetes (Type 1 & 2)

Cinnamon is believed to be helpful in managing normal sugar level in a body. In fact, according to Ayurveda, diabetes happens due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of toxic remains in the body in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Cinnamon helps to correct impaired digestion due to its Ushna (hot) potency. This reduces Ama and improves the function of insulin, thus manages a normal blood sugar level.

• Helpful in Digestion

Traditional experts across the globe have used Cinnamon extract to alleviate gastrointestinal problems since ages. It is well known for its carminative property helping in the process of digestion. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, cinnamon bark oil is used for treating flatulence and digestive imbalance. It is believed that the warmth of cinnamon increases blood flow and improves blood oxygen levels to help fight off illness. To alleviate digestive symptoms, cinnamon is taken as part of a hot drink (much like a tea). In this instance, it’s easier to use ground cinnamon rather than trying to grate cinnamon sticks yourself.

• Helpful in Preventing Cancer

A study of researchers have noted that cinnamaldehydes found in cinnamon may have anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties. In the study, scientists treated mice with cancer using an extract of cinnamon and cardamom. Tests found lower levels of oxidative stress in the melanoma cells of the mice that received the treatment. However, it should be taken in small doses (half a teaspoon) in boil water for best result.

• Cinnamon is AntiOxidant

Antioxidants provides protection against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant as it is loaded with polyphenols that have other health benefits as well. In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon wound up as the clear winner, even outranking “superfoods” like Garlic and Oregano. In fact, it is so powerful that cinnamon can be used as a natural food preservative according to some experts.

• Helpful in Reducing Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD) can be reduced with the help of this powerful herb. CAD is mainly due to an imbalance of Kaphadosha which increases the risk of blood clotting. Taking Cinnamon helps to balance Kapha which prevents blood clotting and also reduces the chance of narrowing of arteries.

• Helpful in Allergy

It is very helpful in managing the symptoms of allergy. It should be taken with honey. An allergy occurs as a result of an accumulation of toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion. Cinnamon prevents the formation of toxins due to its hot nature thereby aiding in allergic condition. One can take 1-2 pinch of Cinnamon powder along with honey after having light food.

• Cinnamon is Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation is very important for any type body. It helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage. However, inflammation can become a problem when it’s chronic and directed against your body’s own tissues. Cinnamon may be useful in this regard. Studies show that this powerful herb or spice and its antioxidants have potent anti-inflammatory properties helpful for body.

• Helpful in Menstrual pain

It is among the best natural home based remedies to reduce pain during menstruation or dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. Cinnamon has Vata balancing property and gives relief in dysmenorrhea. It controls aggravated Vata and reduces abdominal pain and cramps during the menstruation.
A decoction of 200 ML of water mixed with inches of Cinnamon sticks boiled for 5-7 minutes taken  twice a day to reduce pain during menstruation.

• Helpful in Acne

Cinnamon has antibacterial property which helps control acne by inhibiting the growth and activity of acne-causing bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory property and helps reduce pain and redness around acne

 Recommended dosage of Cinnamon

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• Cinnamon Powder – 1-2 pinch of powder twice a day.
• Cinnamon Capsule – 1-2 capsules in a day.
• Cinnamon Oil – 2-3 drops or as per your requirement

Cinnamon being hot in nature, it is advisable to take in small quantity and for a short duration of time in case of gastritis or an aggravated Pitta (heat) in the body.It is advisable to take Cinnamon under doctor’s supervision if you have any bleeding disorder like nasal bleeding or heavy bleeding during menstruation. Use Cinnamon oil with caution in case of hypersensitive or oily skin. Very high doses might be toxic, hence be careful of overdose.

 How to Consume Cinnamon

Cinnamon Powder: Take 1-2 pinches of Cinnamon powder, add 1 teaspoon of honey to it after meals twice a day

Cinnamon Capsule: Take 1-2 Cinnamon capsules a day after taking lunch and dinner.

Cinnamon Lemon Water: Take 1 Glass of lukewarm water, add 1-2 pinches of Cinnamon powder and Squeeze ½ lemon into it along with one teaspoon of honey and stir well.

Cinnamon Turmeric Milk: Boil 1 Glass of milk, add 2 pinches of Cinnamon powder and stir. Take it preferably before going to bed for Insomnia and Arthritic pain.

Cinnamon Tea : Boil on medium flame 1.5 cups of water adding 2 inches of Cinnamon barkfor 5-6 minutes.Strain and squeeze ½ lemon to it. Experts believe this to be good to reduce stress and for weight loss of taken twice a day.

References –

General Information from Publications & Internet

https://www.indianspices.com/ (Spice Board of India)