Cinnamon Cinnamomum Zeylanicum

Cinnamon Cinnamomum Zeylanicum has been especially known since biblical times as an aromatic spice. In Exodus 30:22-25 we read the God advised Moses to include cinnamon as one of the ingredients of the holy ointment for annointing the holy tabernacle. Cinnamon Cinnamomum Zeylanicum later became such a widely used commodity in Europe that the Portuguese occupied Sri Lanka for its cinnamon. Later in the eighteenth century the Dutch took control of Sri Lanka to monopolise the cinnamon market. Cinnamon Cinnamomum Zeylanicum is native to forest areas of Sri Lanka, southern India, the Sychelles and Malaysia among others.

Uses of Cinnamon Cinnamomum Zeylanicum

• As already indicated cinnamon is mostly used as an aromatic spice. Jewish priests would also prepare a holy oil, comprising other spices, cinnamon. This oil was used on their bodies before they made a ritual animal sacrifice. This prompted one Israelite scientist Professor Michael Ovadia of Tel Aviv University in Israel to research the possibillity that that this was because this oil might have used to prevent spread of infection agents to people . This spiritual scientist later isolated an ingredient from cinnamon that is anti viral. He says his research has shown that it might be effective against avian flu and HIV/Aids. He however cautioned that taking high doses of cinnamon in the form of tea etc as it might be toxic.

• This scientist has used this extract to quickly and effectively immunize chicken embryos from the Newcastle disease virus.

• Cinnamon Cinnamomum Zeylanicum has also been used by the Chinese for calming digestive acids. Some western scientists have also advocated the digestive properties of cinnamon.

• Cinnamon pills are also used by some to treat diabetes. 

• In India the cinnamon bark is used during childbirth labour.

My previous post entitled Medicinal cinnamon also pointed out that cinnamon can be used to dispel nausea, treat colds, sore throats and rheumatic conditions. Cinnamon Essential Oil is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties