We sprinkle it on toast, add it to cookie batter, stir it into hot apple cider, and find it in tooth-pastes and candles. But cinnamon is more than a sweet treat. It is one of the world's oldest healers. And modern science has confirmed its value for prevention of infection and indigestion.
Cinnamon grew originally in Southern Asia. Ancient Chinese herbals mention it as early as 2700 B.C.E.. as a treatment for fever, diarrhea, and menstrual problems. India's ancient Ayurvedic healers used it similarly. When ancient travelers introduced the aromatic herb to the Egyptians, they added it enthusiastically to their embalming mixtures. Egyptian demand for cinnamon (and other Asian spices) played a major role in ancient trade.
Cinnamon as Spice, Perfume and Cure for Indigestion
The Biblical Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans adopted cinnamon as a spice, perfume, and treatment for indigestion. After the fall of Rome, trade with Asia came to a virtual halt, but somehow cinnamon still made it to Europe. The 12th century German abbess/herbalist Hildegard of Bingen recommended it as "the universal spice for sinuses," and to treat colds, flue, cancer, and "inner decay of slime."
By the 17th century, Europeans considered cinnamon primarily a kitchen spice. In healing, they used it only to mask the bitterness of other healing herbs. But as time passed, cinnamon slowly regained its former reputation as a healer. America's 19th century Eclectic physicians prescribed it for stomach cramps, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, infant colic, and especially for uterine problems: "Cinnamon's most direct action is on the uterine muscle fibers, causing contraction and arresting bleeding. For post-partum and other uterine hemorrhages, it is one of the most prompt and efficient remedies."
Modern herbalists recommend cinnamon to relieve nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and indigestion, and as a flavoring agent for bitter-tasting healing herb preparations. They can't quite agree about how it affects contractions. Others say it calms the uterus.
Infection Prevention
A sound scientific reason for "flavoring" tooth-pastes and mouthwash with cinnamon does exist. Like many culinary spices, it's a powerful antiseptic. It kills many decay and disease causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Try sprinkling some on minor cuts and scrapes after they've been thoroughly washed. Perhaps toilet paper should be impregnated with cinnamon. One German study showed it "suppresses completely" the cause of most urinary tract infections (Escherichia coli bacteria) and the fungus (Candida albicans) responsible for yeast infections.
Pain relief
There's another reason to dust a bit of cinnamon on cuts and scrapes--it contains the natural anesthetic oil eugenol, which might help relieve the pain of household mishaps.
Digestive Aid
Cinnamon does more than add flavor to cakes, cookies, ice creams, and other high-fat desserts. Once you've consumed these delicacies the herb helps break down fats in your digestive system, possibly by boosting the activity of some digestive enzymes.
Women's Health
Despite some modern herbalists' contention that cinnamon helps calm the uterus, the weight of historical evidence suggests the opposite. Pregnant women should limit their use to culinary amounts. Other women might try it to bring on menstruation or after delivery. It is also said to reduce blood pressure.
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