Cinnamon

September is the time when a lot of things are changing – the weather, the food. A time when we need spices which are reducing Vatha. Cinnamon reduces Vatha and Kapha. Futhermore Cinnamon is known as a natural medicine for toothaches and bad breathe.

Scientific name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees.

Family : Lauraceae

Useful part : Bark, Leaf, Oil

Sanskrit name: Twak

Ayurvedic properties :

• Reduces vatha and kapha.
• Increases taste and appetite.
• Strong carminative
• Relieves Bloatedness, abdominal distension, stomach discomfort.
• Antispasmodic- relieves aches and pains.
• Haemostatic – prevents bleeding.
• Leaf – Antidiabetic.

Well known aromatic spice in the world. The bark and oil of cinnamon are widely used. Ground cinnamon is used in Indian dishes as well as in many Ayurvedic medicines. It is a strong carminative- helps to relieve bloatedness, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea. Helps to reduce stomach cramps and checks vomiting. Used externally in toothaches and bad breath. Cinnamon is useful in bronchitis, asthma, cardiac diseases.

The bark is used in medicinal preparations for indigestion, cough, flu, mouth washes, gargles, herbal teas.

Some drawback :

Cinnamon usually causes no side effects. However heavy use of cinnamon can irritate the mouth and lips.In some people it can cause allergic reactions.