The Benefits of Cinnamon
Many people are getting more and more interested in Chinese Herbs. What they may not be aware of is that they may already be using them. There is often a misconception that Chinese Herbs are all strange things that you would find in a Harry Potter book, but this is not always the case. Sure some Chinese Herbs are more exotic and unfamiliar, but many can be found in your spice rack at home; cinnamon being a great example.
When used properly, herbs like cinnamon can help heal what ails you in a gentle and side-effect free way. In classical Chinese Medical writings, it was noted that most pain originates with cold. In fact, the Chinese character for pain literally breaks down to mean "not flowing syndrome". The lack of flow (circulation) then leads to stagnation. Imagine how cold slows water down to the point that it freezes, and liken that to stagnant circulation. In theory, this is why cinnamon, which is considered
both a warming and moving herb, can be effective at relieving many types of pain.
In Chinese Medicine, cinnamon is used in two different forms. GUI ZHI is cinnamon twig and ROU GUI is the warmer cinnamon bark. The best cinnamon in the world is considered to be the Vietnamese variety, which is believed to have stronger medicinal properties and better flavor.
Gui Zhi is acrid to disperse early stages of cold invasion and warm to unblock channels. This makes it beneficial to add to food preventively after activities like swimming in cold water or hiking in cold air. It is often used to treat headaches, fevers, abnormal sweating, edema (swelling), pain that is worse in cold damp weather, pain induced by trauma, and menstrual pain.
Rou Gui is also considered acrid, but is hot rather than warm, and is used to treat more severe conditions induced by cold leading to congealing/stagnation and pain. It is also used when non-healing sores and ulcers are present. Rou Gui is the Imperial Chinese Herb for restoring "fire", making it a powerful herb for conditions that feel better with heat and worse with cold.
Western medical studies suggest that it may also lower blood sugar in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, decrease inflammation, fight bacteria, yeast, and fungus, lower cholesterol, and have antioxidant effects.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, cinnamon is used to help treat muscle spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold, loss of appetite, and ED. The journal also noted that cinnamon may help stop the destructive process of multiple sclerosis. Researchers at Tel Aviv University are studying the effects of cinnamon on Alzheimer's Disease prevention, with promising results on the way.
So if you are looking for something gentle and effective, without side effects, that could improve your health, reduce your pain, and even help fight off infection during cold and flu "season", cinnamon may be a great addition to your current health care regimen.
Keep in mind that according to Chinese Medical theory, it is always best to combine herbs into a synergistic formula; and for best results and safety, it is best to make sure that you come in to have the best formula selected for you and your specific needs.
Can I help incorporate healing herbs into your life? CALL ME at 352-323-0795.
Kathy E Thomas
Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726
