|
Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamon Bark refers to the bark of the trunk and thick branches of a small,
tropical, evergreen laurel trees (botanical names are Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum
zeylanicum, and Cinnamomum cassica) that are used for alternative herbal medicines.
Often referred to as gui, twak, and yueh-kuei; cinnamon bark has been used medicinally
for centuries as a treatment to fever, diarrhea, and menstrual problems.
Harvested from a type of evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka and India, Cinnamon
Bark is now cultivated in a number of tropical regions that includes the Philippines
and the West Indies. The tree can grow to heights of twenty to sixty feet and
is generally found in tropical forests. The tree’s bark is thick with a reddish-brown
color. Additionally, the tree has small yellow flowers with leaves that are
leathery and contain a spicy aroma. Cinnamon bark is harvested in a process
in which the trees are cut to just above ground level on a two year cycle. The
bark is then harvested from the new shoots where it is subsequently dried. The
inner bark which contains most of the medicinal properties of Cinnamon Bark
is retained as the outer bark is stripped away.
Cinnamon bark has been used since at least 2700 BC. Chinese herbalists as well
as Indian Ayurvedic healers used it as a treatment for fever, diarrhea, and
menstrual problems. Its use soon spread to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and
Hebrews who used it as a treatment for indigestion. By the nineteenth century,
American physicians were using cinnamon bark as a treatment for colic, diarrhea,
nausea, stomach cramps, uterine problems, and vomiting. The medicinal properties
of cinnamon bark are believed to be contained in its oil. Cinnamon Bark contains
a number of essential oils that include: phellandrene, eugenol, gums, sugar,
coumarins, cinnamic, aldehyde, and methuleugenol. Additionally, it contains
mucilage, tannin, sucrose, and starch.
Cinnamon Bark contains a number of antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic,
and antifungal properties. It is an effective treatment in: digestive system
problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, acid ingestion,
heartburn, lack of appetite, and abdominal disorders due to its ability to break
down fats in the digestive system; poor circulation; preventative against urinary
tract infections, athlete’s foot, and vaginal yeast infections due to its antiseptic
properties; teeth problems due to its antibacterial properties; aiding diabetics
control their blood sugar levels by reducing their insulin needs due to Cinnamon’s
Bark effect on glucose metabolism; as a treatment to menstrual pain and infertility;
and for such medical conditions as fevers, colds, coughs, bronchitis, infection,
asthma, and high blood pressure.
Although Cinnamon Bark is usually used in a combination with other herbs as
an medicinal herbal supplement, it can also be taken on its own in a tincture,
tea, or crushed bark form. If used in a tincture, the recommended dosage is
a maximum of 4 ml drank three times per day with water. If used in a tea, the
recommended dosage is 2 to 4 grams split up in two to three dosages per day.
If used as a crushed bark, the recommended dosage is 2 to 4 grams taken per
day. Although Cinnamon Bark is not associated with significant side effects
if used properly, it is recommended that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and
children under two years of age should avoid using Cinnamon Bark. Additionally,
individuals that may be allergic to cinnamon should exorcise caution with its
use. Cinnamon Bark can cause mild side effects such as upset stomach and diarrhea.
However, as it is toxic, if Cinnamon Bark is used excessively it can cause:
red, tender gums; mouth ulcers; inflamed tasted buds; and a severe burning sensation
in the mouth.
|
