Cinnamon Production, Medicinal Uses, Properties and Chemical Constituents

Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is a well-used spice that is obtained from the quills (inner bark) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum that belongs to the family Lauraceae.

Production of Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka. The cultivation of cinnamon is carried out in many other countries like China, India, Vietnam and many other countries of South East Asia.

Chemical Constituents and Uses of Cinnamon

Chemical Constituents of Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice. The flavour of the cinnamon is due to the presence of the aromatic oils.

The chemical constituents that are present in the cinnamon are:

  • Cinnamaldehyde
  • Eugenol
  • β – Caryophyllene
  • Linalool
  • Ethyl cinnamate, etc.
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Cinnamon Bark Uses:

  • Cinnamon bark is used as a flavouring agent.
  • Cinnamon bark is mainly used as a spice in foods.
  • Cinnamon is used as a condiment.
  • The essential oil of the cinnamon has anti-microbial properties.
  • Cinnamon is used as a preservative.
  • Cinnamon is used as an anti-oxidant.
  • Cinnamon is used as an insect repellent.

Properties of Cinnamon:

  • Cinnamon has anti-microbial properties.
  • Cinnamon has insect repellent property.
  • Cinnamon has anti-oxidant properties.

Medicinal Uses of Cinnamon:

  • Cinnamon is used for treating cold.
  • Cinnamon is used for tooth aches and for fighting bad breath.
  • Cinnamon is employed in the treatment of digestive disorders like diarrhoea.
  • Cinnamon helps for treating stomach upset and gas problems.
  • Cinnamon is used for the treatment of Type-2 Diabetes.
  • Cinnamon is used for treating pimples and many other skin infections. Cinnamon has to be mixed with honey and made into paste and then applied on the affected area.
  • Cinnamon helps in regulating the levels of blood sugar and cholesterol when it is taken along with tea.
  • Cinnamon has mild anti-inflammatory action, thus helps in treating inflammation.
  • Cinnamon is also employed in the treatment of many disorders like heart diseases, arthritis, bladder infections, infertility, hair loss, cold, toothache etc.
  • Cinnamon helps in developing the resistance and for the improvement of the immune system.
So, if cinnamon is taken daily in foods, helps in the improvement and maintenance of our health.