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Chinese cinnamon bark

What Is It?
This ancient spice is a popular flavoring in many cuisines, and is especially noted for its delectable aroma. There are many species of cinnamon, but Chinese cinnamomum trees, evergreens native to China and Vietnam and now cultivated in many parts of Asia, are the source for medicinal cinnamon bark remedies used in Chinese, Indian, and Western traditional medicine. A close relative, cassia, is often used interchangeably with cinnamon. Its name comes from the Greek word kassia, meaning "strip off the bark."

Medicinal use of cinnamon bark was first recorded in Chinese formularies as early as 2700 B.C. The herb has been used as a healing aid for stomach upset and gas, diarrhea, rheumatism, kidney ailments, and abdominal pain. Cinnamon "drops" containing the essential oils of cinnamon and cassia are also used for many of the same purposes. Possibly because Chinese cinnamon has antiseptic properties, the bark and the essential oils it contains are also used in topical products such as liniments, soaps, and lotions, and in oral preparations such as toothpaste and mouthwash.

Health Benefits

Most therapeutic uses of Chinese cinnamon bark are rooted in its historical use as a traditional medicine and on laboratory and animal studies. Test-tube or animal research does not guarantee safety or effectiveness in humans, but German health authorities (Commission E) do approve of cassia and cinnamon bark for mild gastrointestinal spasms and to stimulate appetite. Other sources say that cinnamon bark should be used only as a spice, or in amounts no greater than would be normally found in foods.

Cinnamon bark is often included as one of multiple ingredients in a variety of herbal preparations. Very little clinical research has examined cinnamon as a single-ingredient remedy, but it has been investigated in laboratory and animal studies for a variety of ailments.

Specifically, Chinese cinnamon bark may help to:

 

  • Aid digestion. Cinnamon contains compounds called catechins, which help relieve nausea. The volatile oil in cinnamon bark may also help the body to process food by breaking down fats during digestion. The plant's essential oil has been found to stimulate movement in the gastrointestinal tract. Many aromatherapists believe that cinnamon's pleasing scent stimulates saliva production, which also aids digestion.

     

  • Relieve flatulence and bloating. Both test-tube and some animal studies have found that cinnamon functions as a carminative, or gas-reliever. This action may help to relieve mild abdominal discomfort caused by excess gas.

     

  • Restore appetite. Whether it's the flavor or the delectable aroma that is responsible, cinnamon is known for boosting flagging appetites.

     

    • Dosage Information

    Special tips:

    --Cinnamon bark tea is commercially available (as tea bags) at many health-food stores, where it is often sold as a digestive aid. You can also make your own by pouring 1 cup of hot water over a scant 1 teaspoon of cinnamon bark. Let steep, covered, for 10 minutes, then strain before drinking.

    --Because it is an essential oil, cinnamon oil is valued only for its aroma, and is not recommended for any medical uses, either internal or external.

     

  • For digestive upset: Take 15-30 drops of liquid extract in a glass of water or drink one cup cinnamon bark tea three times a day, or as needed.

     

  • For flatulence and bloating: Take 15-30 drops of liquid extract in a glass of water or drink one cup of cinnamon bark tea three times a day, or as needed.

     

  • For appetite loss: Take 15-30 drops of liquid extract in a glass of water or drink one cup of cinnamon bark tea three times a day, or as needed.

     

    • Guidelines for Use

     
  • Chinese cinnamon bark may be helpful for a variety of digestive symptoms. Since cinnamon is readily available as a familiar spice, it is clearly a safe natural substance. Prepackaged tea bags of cinnamon bark are the most readily available (and convenient) form of cinnamon. Liquid extract is a little harder to find, but available in most well-stocked health-food stores and through the Internet. You can consider using either form to enhance digestion, relieve gas and bloating, or stimulate your appetite.

     

    • General Interaction

     
  • No known interactions.

     

    • Possible Side Effects

     
  • Chinese cinnamon bark is generally safe to use in medicinal amounts, but allergic skin rashes or mucous membrane reactions are possible. Spice workers have occasionally developed asthma and some people have had allergic reactions to cinnamon chewing gum. Very large amounts of cinnamon bark could cause dangerous nervous system reactions.

     

    • Cautions

     
  • Do not take cinnamon oil internally; it is highly concentrated and can be very toxic, causing nausea, vomiting, and even kidney damage. If applied to the skin, it sometimes causes redness and burning.
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