A few times we have gone over some of the reported healing affects of common herbs and spices. There are so many and this Fallish time of year, my thoughts are always leaning toward the herbs and spices, so here are a few more to add to your cabinet!
Winter always makes me think of Myrrh, but what is myrrh and what can it be used for? Myrrh is a resin that is highly aromatic. Aside from the luscious scent that it produces, myrrh possesses antiseptic qualities, and is, in fact, found in many commercial toothpastes. As an antiseptic, its tincture is used frequently used to treat canker sores and gum disease, as well as minor cuts. When inhaled, its volatile oil is good for relieving congestion.
Another nice Fall/Winter spice is clove. Cloves are high in antioxidants, and are antiseptic and antispasmodic in nature. Direct use of Clove oil is a safe and effective treatment for toothaches. Additionally, cloves are a proven preservative. A ham studded with cloves will last a few days longer (in the fridge) than one that does not contain the cloves. In South America, people routinely drink clove tea and liquor made from cloves, to fight digestive disorders. Since the main ingredient in cloves is eugenol, it stands to reason that this herb would be useful in combating intestinal problems, as eugenol has been known to kill bacteria and viruses for quite some time. In fact, cloves are known/proven to fight e. coli , commonly the cause of "travelers diarrhea". Besides an antispetic, the eugenol in cloves also makes the herb effective as a painkiller. Here in the USA, this generally just means that you will find clove oil as an ingredient in most over-the-counter tooth ache remedies. But in other countries, poultices of clove are often used on the skin for cuts, bites and those sort of problems. Studies have shown that clove oil can help kill several strains of staph, and even one strain of pseudomonas, organisms that can cause skin infections. Aside from utilizing the clove oil, you can also make a paste from ground up cloves and water to use as a poultice. To make clove tea (for intestinal issues), use one teaspoon of powdered cloves per cup of boiling water. Steep for ten to twenty minutes, strain and drink when cool enough.
And, of course, what cool weather herb discussion would be complete without cinnamon? Cinnamon is also an antioxidant, and has antimicrobial properties. In fact, it improves insulin sensitivity while lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. Eating 1/2 of a teaspoon twice a day, before meals, can help to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Cinnamon prevents infections and fights indigestion, and has been used for thousands of years. In fact, it is mentioned by ancient Chinese herbalists as far back as 2700 B.C., and modern day Chinese herbalists still recommend it for fever, diarrhea, and menstrual problems. Cinnamon not only appears to help diabetics metabolize sugar, but it helps to soothe the stomach lining, suppress the cause of most urinary tract infections (which is e.coli), and the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections, cabdida albicans. Because of its tasty and versatile usage, cinnamon is probably the easiest treatment to incorporate into your life.
Showing posts with label cinnamon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cinnamon. Show all posts
Cinnamon is for More Than Sugar Toast!
Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tree, and cinnamon sticks are actually pieces of that bark. The tree grows from 20 to 30 feet high and it has a thick, scabrous bark with strong branches.
As early as 2700 B.C., this spice was mentioned by ancient Chinese herbalists. It was an ingredient in the embalming mixtures of ancient Egypt, and the Bible says that Moses used it as a holy anointing oil. After the fall of the Roman empire, when trade between Europe and Asia became difficult, Cinnamon was extremely prized. It found its way west, and by the twelfth century, German herbalists recommended cinnamon as the "universal spice for sinuses." They recommended it be used to treat colds, flu, cancer, and many other internal ailments.
The word cinnamon can refer to the "origional" cinnamon, Cinnarmomum zeylanicum of Ceylon, or the product of the Cassia tree, which is usually regarded as a substitute for Cinnarmomum zeylanicum of Ceylon because it VERY closely resembles the Ceylon. It possesses much the same qualities and constitu
ents, but it is inferior. It is also much cheaper and more abundant than the Ceylon variety, hence the reason for its popularity. As a matter of fact, it is now the only official oil of cinnamon in the United States and German Pharmacopoeias.
Cinnamon has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and now modern science has confirmed its value as an anti-infective and digestive aide. Cinnamon possesses antiseptic qualities which kill many disease causing viruses and fungi. It is no accident that cinnamon is frequently used in toothpaste. Besides tasting good, cinnamon is known to kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. According to some overseas studies, cinnamon suppresses the cause of most urinary tract infections and kills the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections. They also report that it helps to prevent stomach ulcers. Cinnamon, like many culinary spices, is known to soothes the stomach. According to the US department of agriculture (USDA), it also appears that cinnamon helps diabetics metabolize sugar by reducing the amount of insulin necessary for glucose metabolism. As little as "one eighth of a teaspoon of cinnamon triples insulin efficiency," per Dr. James Duke, author of The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs.
In its powdered form, culinary amounts of cinnamon are nontoxic, although allergic reactions are possible. Cinnamon oil, however, is a completely different story. If someone were to swallow it, they would likely experience nausea and vomiting, and quite possibly kidney damage. While some herbalists taught cinnamon oil as a skin conditioner and anti-inflammatory agent, others maintain that it doesn't provide any dermal benefits. No matter your stance on this issue, everyone agrees that cinnamon oil is a known dermal (skin) toxin, irritant, and sensitizer. It is also known to irritate mucous membranes. Since it may cause redness and burning on the skin, if you make a product containing the oil, be sure to highly dilute it. If you are using someone else's product that has cinnamon oil as an ingredient, including soaps and lip balms, remember that you really don't know how concentrated they left the cinnamon. Do not take make the mistake of assuming, perform a patch test to make sure that the product will not negatively impact your skin.
You can enjoy cinnamon in foods, simply seasoned to taste, or you can brew a tea and drink it. To make a tea, use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of the powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Steep the powder for ten to twenty minutes. You may drink up to three cups per day. Whatever you do, NEVER use the essential oil internally.
ents, but it is inferior. It is also much cheaper and more abundant than the Ceylon variety, hence the reason for its popularity. As a matter of fact, it is now the only official oil of cinnamon in the United States and German Pharmacopoeias.
Cinnamon has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and now modern science has confirmed its value as an anti-infective and digestive aide. Cinnamon possesses antiseptic qualities which kill many disease causing viruses and fungi. It is no accident that cinnamon is frequently used in toothpaste. Besides tasting good, cinnamon is known to kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. According to some overseas studies, cinnamon suppresses the cause of most urinary tract infections and kills the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections. They also report that it helps to prevent stomach ulcers. Cinnamon, like many culinary spices, is known to soothes the stomach. According to the US department of agriculture (USDA), it also appears that cinnamon helps diabetics metabolize sugar by reducing the amount of insulin necessary for glucose metabolism. As little as "one eighth of a teaspoon of cinnamon triples insulin efficiency," per Dr. James Duke, author of The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs.
In its powdered form, culinary amounts of cinnamon are nontoxic, although allergic reactions are possible. Cinnamon oil, however, is a completely different story. If someone were to swallow it, they would likely experience nausea and vomiting, and quite possibly kidney damage. While some herbalists taught cinnamon oil as a skin conditioner and anti-inflammatory agent, others maintain that it doesn't provide any dermal benefits. No matter your stance on this issue, everyone agrees that cinnamon oil is a known dermal (skin) toxin, irritant, and sensitizer. It is also known to irritate mucous membranes. Since it may cause redness and burning on the skin, if you make a product containing the oil, be sure to highly dilute it. If you are using someone else's product that has cinnamon oil as an ingredient, including soaps and lip balms, remember that you really don't know how concentrated they left the cinnamon. Do not take make the mistake of assuming, perform a patch test to make sure that the product will not negatively impact your skin.
You can enjoy cinnamon in foods, simply seasoned to taste, or you can brew a tea and drink it. To make a tea, use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of the powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Steep the powder for ten to twenty minutes. You may drink up to three cups per day. Whatever you do, NEVER use the essential oil internally.
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