Cinnamon is actually the bark of the cinnamon tree. The bark curls into quills when it is peeled off the tree.

With methylhydroxy chalcone polymer as its main active ingredient, it is found that the essential oils found uniquely in cinnamon are what give cinnamon its special and diverse medicinal properties.

Studies have found cinnamon’s ability to help control blood sugar. It seems that adding ground cinnamon to your diet can help reduce your fasting blood sugar levels by up to 25%.

Cinnamon has also been used traditionally in the treatment of arthritis, asthma, cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, heart diseases, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, and muscle cramps.

Cinnamon is also found to be effective as a muscle relaxant, digestive aid, antibiotic and antiulcer food.

Rich in manganese, cinnamon can help you in regulating your blood pressure.

Cinnamon can either be ground and sprinkled on food, or you could actually place a stick in your drinking water. The water will absorb both the flavor and healing properties of the medicinal bark. Note that when the stick uncurls, its time to change a new stick.

References
[1] Collins, Elise Marie. An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper’s Companion. San Francisco, California:

Cindy L. TJOL is trained in Psychology, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has several years of experience writing on natural health on the internet. Follow her on her blog and read her other articles at Insights On Health.com.