Cinnamon

//CINNAMON// Hot, pungent and sweet, cinnamon works on the SPLEEN, KIDNEY and BLADDER. It strengthens the stomach and warms the interior and exterior of the body - Its warming action causes sweating.

//HEALTH BENEFITS// Cinnamon's unique healing abilities come from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark. It has actions such as anti-clotting, anti-bacterial, blood sugar control, its scent boosts brain function, its calcium and fibre improve colon heath and protects against heart disease and of course its traditional use as a warming herb when a cold attacks

//HISTORY// Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known. It was mentioned in the Bible and was used in ancient Egypt not only as a beverage flavouring and medicine, but also as an embalming agent. It was so highly treasured that it was considered more precious than gold. Around this time, cinnamon also received much attention in China, which is reflected in its mention in one of the earliest books on Chinese botanical medicine, dated around 2,700 B.C.

Cinnamon's popularity continued throughout history. It became one of the most relied upon spices in Medieval Europe. Due to its demand, cinnamon became one of the first commodities traded regularly between the Near East and Europe. Ceylon cinnamon is produced in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil and the Caribbean, while cassia is mainly produced in China, Vietnam and Indonesia.