Who doesn’t love the smell of cinnamon? Did you know it’s good for more things than just on your French toast?
Cinnamon was a rare and prized possession back in ancient Egypt, only fit for the wealthy! So, it makes sense that cinnamon is great for more than just breakfast, and now you don’t have to be rich to enjoy the benefits!
I buy cinnamon in bulk and add it to my daily teas, smoothies and I even make cinnamon water.
I have a recipe for cinnamon water AND cinnamon oil at the end of this article.
Diabetes
If you struggle with high blood sugar, or lack the ability to control your blood sugar, cinnamon can help.
If you take about 0.5 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon a day it will act on your cells mimicking insulin by decreasing the amount of glucose in your body after you eat.
Not only can it mimic insulin but also will improve your sensitivity to insulin. If you are prone to insulin resistance add some cinnamon to your diet!
Nausea
Cinnamon is shown to stimulate the cells lining the stomach improving your digestion and soothing your stomach. That will help prevent vomiting and make that nausea feeling go away!
As soon as you feel any nauseas, grab a cinnamon stick, or ground cinnamon, put it in a cup with boiling water and drink away. Try it, I’ve felt instant relief.
Antibacterial
Cinnamon can help you fight off bacterial infections and may help treat respiratory infections caused by fungi. But you’ll want to use cinnamon oil for these benefits.
You can buy it or make your own. There’s a recipe at the end of this article.
Heart Disease
Cinnamon is able to reduce the risk of heart disease due to the benefits of making low blood sugar. Cinnamon is able to get rid of the LDL cholesterol while leaving the HDL cholesterol alone.
Not only this but cinnamon has shown to be helpful when forming blood clots. This also increases circulation and helps with tissue repair, hopefully in helping repair heart tissue to fight heart disease, strokes, and even heart attacks.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants which can help improve brain function. This can aid in preventing Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons. The cinnamon is supposed to help with the neurons in your brain that may help stop cognitive decline. Scientists are still doing further research on these benefits.
Mood / anxiety
If you’re using cinnamon to help keep your home smelling nice you’re most likely improving your mood without knowing it. This will also help relieve your anxiety even before it can happen. While the use of cinnamon can raise dopamine and serotonin levels in any form, I love the smell of cinnamon and recommend making it smell nice in your house so that you are always in a good mood! How can you be stressed if it smells like cinnamon?!
HERE ARE A FEW RECIPES TO GET DAILY BENEFITS FROM CINNAMON
DIY CINNAMON WATER
Cinnamon water- All you need is one glass of water, 2 medium cinnamon sticks or 1 tsp cinnamon powder per cup, and if you like it sweet, a teaspoon of honey. If you want it right away, add your glass of water to a saucepan along with your cinnamon sticks or powder and bring the water to a boil. Once it starts boiling, turn off the stove and let the cinnamon water simmer for about 10 minutes. The water should turn a deep brown. Add honey and you’re done.
You can also put a cinnamon stick in water overnight, and by morning, you’re ready to start your day!
DIY CINNAMON OIL
Here’s how you can make cinnamon oil using cinnamon sticks, olive oil and a jar (I use quart-sized). I pack as many cinnamon sticks, vertically inside the jar. Next I pour in the olive oil, covering the cinnamon sticks by at least a half inch. Next I seal up the jars and store them in a windowsill for about 3 weeks. You can store it anywhere warm and dry. The longer you let them steep, the stronger the oil will taste. When you’re ready to use it, you’re gonna want to first strain it. I use cheesecloth and then I store my oil in the pantry, although keeping it in the fridge can give you more than 3 years of storage. But mine doesn’t last that long. You can add it to your baking recipes, topically, even in diffusers.
A faster way of making the oil is by ground cinnamon. You’ll cook about a quarter cup with a cup of olive oil. Just mix the 2 together over medium heat and let it simmer up to 5 minutes. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before putting it in your sterilized jar. This oil can be used immediately, although I’d let it sit for about a week to get a stronger flavor. Make sure to shake the jar daily and don’t forget to strain the oil before using it.
We have an entire page of natural remedies. If you have natural remedies you choose, please share them — it takes a community!
