Swiftly and sooner-than-expected, the month of December has arrived on our calendars. December carries holiday memories, the longest nights of the year, and the brisk chill of the winter rain and snow that beckons us to cozy up inside with our favorite movies, hearty meals, and loved ones. Fragrant candles, twinkled lights, and the smell of a toasty fire creeping through the chimney are enjoyed by many of us during this time. Despite the occasional dreariness of these long winter nights, December lends us the opportunity to awaken our senses with enticing smells, flavorful foods, delightful warmth, and heartfelt connection as we turn inward after a long year.
An herb that perfectly encompasses the warm and cozy feelings of December with its fragrant scent, warming and spicy flavor, and comforting familiarity is cinnamon! Popularly adored, cinnamon is used in too many ways to count - including many different commercial goods and culinary recipes. From scented candles and pinecones to pies and lattes, the smell of cinnamon seems to permeate the air all December long. Cinnamon has always had a way of enveloping us in its intoxicating scent and flavor, and has captured the hearts and taste buds of humans for thousands of years. In fact, it is believed that cinnamon was one of the first traded spices! A “cinnamon route” even existed at one point, transporting the spice from Asia to east Africa through Indonesian rafts, where it was then distributed to the Ancient Romans, Egyptians, and other civilizations. During this time, cinnamon was highly valuable - comparable to gold or ivory in the trading market. Within these ancient cultures, cinnamon was used for embalming, gifting to gods, medicinally to treat sore throats or coughs, and more. The versatility and adoration of cinnamon continued to spread worldwide over these millenia, and has woven into a diverse array of cultures who continue to use cinnamon today.
Cinnamon comes from the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) trees that are native to southeast Asia. There are now over two hundred variations of the cinnamon tree, but the most commonly used cinnamons are cassia and ceylon cinnamons. The cinnamon we find in stores is gathered from the bark of the tree that is peeled, dried, and ground into small chips or powder. Cinnamon is used very commonly in culinary dishes all over the world. It adds depth and flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. From pies to curries, cookies, meats, cocktails, and coffees... the possibilities of cooking with cinnamon are endless! But did you know that this beloved spice also contains potent medicine and health benefits?
Cinnamon is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic. It is most commonly used in herbal medicine for reducing pain and inflammation and for supporting the digestive system. Cinnamon is warming, drying, and tonifying, making it a great plant ally for those who have cold dampness or stagnancy in their tissues and organs. For those who experience troubles with nutrient absorption or sluggish digestion, cinnamon can help to improve motility and digestion, and tone your GI tract so that your body can better absorb nutrients. Cinnamon helps to gently boost your mineral content of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and its antioxidant content helps to reduce the harmful impact of free radicals on the body. Some recent studies have noted that cinnamon may help prevent the advancement of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzehemiers disease, and has also shown to be beneficial for regulating the side effects of diabetes. Cinnamon is also a great plant ally for improving circulation and supporting overall cardiovascular function, as well as tissue regeneration. Thanks to its delightful aroma, cinnamon is also great for improving bad breath and is commonly added to many natural toothpaste alternatives, too.
There truly are so many ways to admire cinnamon - from its divine scent and delectable taste, to its powerful medicinal benefits. As you cozy up indoors or celebrate holidays this December, remember cinnamon, the beloved ancient spice, and notice the ways it weaves into your winter months and warm memories.
You can find cinnamon The Herb Shoppe blends: Brain Boost Tea, Culinary Set, Brain Boost Tincture, Aries Incense, Pickling Spice, Pumpkin Spice, Achoo Away Tea, Rose Cacao Bitters, and more!
References:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-cinnamon
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4003790/