Twak - versatile spice with both culinary and medicinal uses

Cinnamon is a common spice used by different cultures around the world for several centuries. It is obtained from the inner bark of trees from the genus Cinnamomum, a tropical evergreen plant that has two main varieties; Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ) and Cinnamon cassia (CC) (also known as Cinnamomum aromaticum/Chinese cinnamon).

Almost every part of the cinnamon tree including the bark, leaves, flowers, fruits and roots, has some medicinal or culinary use. The volatile oils obtained from the bark, leaf, and root barks vary significantly in chemical composition, which suggests that they might vary in their pharmacological effects as well.

Ayurvedic Action

Health Benefits

Lipid metabolism

The high dietary fiber content of cinnamon could result in reduced intestinal lipid absorption, and the high vitamin/antioxidant is likely to result in increased lipid metabolism. 

Hypertension

Cinnamon regulates blood pressure levels through peripheral vasodilatation. This vasodilatation might be partially through Ca2+ channels blocking properties.

Diabetes management

Cinnamon reduces intestinal glucose absorption by inhibiting enzymes, stimulates cellular glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, insulin release and potentiates insulin receptor activity and inhibits gluconeogenesis by effects on key regulatory enzymes.

Digestive health

Powdered bark of cinnamon boosts digestion, improves absorption of nutrients from food, promotes digestion and also improves liver function.

Enhances Skin Health:

The anti-inflammatory property of cinnamon is beneficial for fighting acne, pimples and other skin infections.

Cough and cold

Cinnamon liquefies the mucus or sputum and serves as an expectorant and expels mucus from the body. 

Dosage and side effects (only after consultation with an ayurvedic doctor).

• Cinnamon Powder - 1-2 teaspoons or as per your requirement.
• Use Cinnamon oil with caution in case of hypersensitive or oily skin.
• Avoid the use of Cinnamon oil in high dose and for a prolonged time. Over usage of Cinnamon can cause - Skin rash and swelling, Swelling of the tongue, Swelling and sores in the mouth.
• Consult your doctor before taking Cinnamon during pregnancy, Lactation.

References.

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3854496/
2. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1 Volume 1.