Uses Of Cinnamon

A commonly used spice, cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. We get cinnamon from a small evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka. The bark of the tree, cinnamon can be found in different forms including ground and as rolls of bark. Cinnamon has many uses, both culinary and medicinal.

The cinnamon tree is a small evergreen with oval shaped leaves that grow up to 7 inches long. The essential oil in the bark of the cinnamon tree, found in concentrations of up to 1% of the bark's composition, gives the tree its distinctive scent. Native to Sri Lanka, producer of 90% of the world's cinnamon, this spice has been highly valued since ancient times and trees have been planted in such places as Egypt and India. There is a difference between the cinnamon from the Sri Lanka native tree and products labeled cinnamon from trees native to places like Indonesia and Vietnam. The products from these other trees are cassia, which has a harsher flavor and does not have the same composition as the cinnamon used for herbal remedies.

The main forms in which cinnamon is bought are quills, ground, and as an oil. All three, uses the inner layer of bark from the tree which is reddish brown in color. The bark is harvested during the rainy season when it is most pliable. Quills, often labeled as sticks, are several thin layers of the inner bark that has curled in on itself and been dried. Quills will hold their flavor and aroma indefinitely. The form most commonly used in cooking is ground cinnamon, which is made by grinding up the dried quills. The ground variety does not hold its flavor and aroma indefinitely and is best bought in small quantities. The third form in which cinnamon is available is as oil. The bark is pounded after being harvested to release the oils and then soaked in seawater and distilled.

Aside from flavoring foods like Middle Eastern chicken dishes to American apple pie, cinnamon also has many medicinal uses. It is also used as a herbal remedy to support the treatment of certain medical conditions. Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory, which means it is indicated to be used to alleviate the symptoms of conditions caused by inflammation like arthritis and heart disease.

The anti-clotting actions indicate it for conditions in which the blood clots in the veins, which is a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. For diabetics, cinnamon can be on foods high in carbohydrates to decrease the effect of those carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Studies indicate that smelling the aroma produced by this spice can help boost brain functions.

Valued the world over for its flavor, aroma and medicinal values, cinnamon is a common ingredient found in many foods. The essential oil found in cinnamon not only gives it a distinct flavor and aroma, but also gives it medicinal properties. Using cinnamon on a regular basis in cooking can have a positive impact on people's overall health.

Source : ezinearticles.com