Cinnamon(Cinnamomum zeylanicum) zeylanicum is the common name for cinnamon. Its bark is the primary portion of the tree that is utilized as a spice. Although it grows widely in Sri Lanka, cinnamon is also grown in Sumatra, Malabar, Cochin, China, and the Eastern Islands.
The dried inner bark of cinnamon trees is ground to create cinnamon powder. The flavor of this fine powder is warm and sweet. When cooking or baking, cinnamon powder is frequently added to food to give it taste and aroma. In conventional medicine, it has also been valued for possible health benefits.
Description
Numerous healthy chemicals, including antioxidants, can be found in cinnamon. According to some research, it might aid in blood sugar regulation, heart disease prevention, and inflammation reduction.
Botanical Name:
Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Family:
Lauracae
Size:
Certain cinnamon tree species have the potential to reach heights of 60 feet. Cinnamon trees can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet.
Leaves:
The leaves of cinnamon trees are dark glossy green, round, and glossy. They have a leathery texture and are scattered sporadically on the branches.
Flowers:
Little, little blooms that are either pale yellow or greenish in color are produced by cinnamon trees and are frequently clustered in groups.
Fruits:
Cinnamon trees bear tiny, berry-like fruits subsequent to flower pollination. When fully developed, these fruits usually have a single seed and are dark purple or black in color.
Bark:
It has a nice scent and a reddish-brown tint.
Native Regions:
Cinnamon trees can be found in Southeast Asia, India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
Habitat:
Sri Lanka is the natural home of this herb.It can also be found in the wild in western India’s neighboring hills and the southern coastal region, known as the Western Ghats.In addition to India, this herb is grown in South America, the West Indies, Java, Sumratra, Mauritius, Guyana, and Borneo.
Parts Used:
- Stem bark
- Leaf
- Cinnamon oil
Varieties:
Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum burmannii, Cinnamomum loureiroi
Dosage:
- Stem Powder – 1-3 gm
- Oil – 2-5 drop
- Leaves Powder -1-3 gm
Chemical Constituents:
Eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, benzaldehyde, methyl amyl ketone, phellandrene, pinene, cymene, nonyl aldehyde, carophyllene, and isobutyric acid ester are all present in cinnamon bark oil.
Other Language Names of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Sanskrit name – Tamalparta, Tvak.
Telugu name – Dalchini chekka, Lavangapatta, Lavanagamu.
Kannada name – Dalchini Chakke.
Hindi name – Dalchini.
Punjabi name – Darchini, Dalchini.
English name – Ceylon Cinnamon, Cinnamon.
Urdu name – Darchini.
Bengali name – Darichini.
Siddha name – Elavangappattai
Malayalam name – Ilavarngathely, Karuvapatta
Spanish name – Canela
Oriya name – Guda twak, Dalechini
Tamil name – Karuvapattai, Lavangapattai, Ilayangam
Gujarati name – Taja
French name – Cammelle
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Cinnamomum |
| Species | Zeylanicum |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa- Katu, Madhura, Tikta
- Guna-Laghu, Rooksha, Tikshna
- Virya-Ushna
- Vipaka-Katu
English
- Taste – Pungent, Bitter, Sweet
- Physical Property-Light, Dry, Piercing
- Potency- Hot
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
Properties of Cinnamon:
- It might exhibit antioxidative properties.
- It might have anticancer qualities.
- It might serve as an anti-inflammatory.
- It might have impacts on immunomodulation.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) uses
Cinnamon oils:
By using a swab coated in essential oils derived from cinnamon to the impacted teeth, we can reduce dental cavities. Research demonstrates that using cinnamon oil to treat bad breath and strengthen teeth is effective.
Cinnamon paste:
The cinnamon paste helps lessen headache intensity when applied to the forehead. You can apply a paste made of cinnamon powder to the affected area to reduce discomfort and swelling.
Cinnamon tea:
According to the Ministry of AYUSH, we can drink “kadha,” or herbal tea, once or twice a day as a prophylactic step against COVID-19 infection. To make this tea, combine the dried ginger powder, cinnamon, black pepper, raisins, and tulsi (basil).
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Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Benefits
Diabetes Mellitus:
Dalchini reduces blood sugar levels in people with diabetes mellitus by increasing glucose consumption. Its chemical components also lower the chance of problems from diabetes mellitus and stop glucose from being converted to sorbitol.
Heart diseases:
Dalchini’s antioxidant properties minimize the buildup of toxins, which in turn minimizes the risk of artery narrowing. As per Ayurveda, heart diseases are caused due to Kapha dosha imbalance which increases the risk of blood clotting. Hence this herb prevents blood clotting and keeps the arteries healthy.
Antimicrobial Effects:
Benefits of cinnamon powder include its ability to stop some bacteria and fungi from growing. It contains substances like cinnamonaldehyde that have antibacterial qualities. Cinnamon may increase the lifespan of viral infections because it inhibits the creation of viral proteins.
Blood Pressure Control:
The use of cinnamon powder may help control blood pressure. Research indicates that by improving blood flow to the body’s extremities, it may reduce blood pressure. Nitric oxide generation and its possible interaction with potassium channels in vascular smooth muscles are the sources of cinnamon’s vasorelaxant effects.
Skin and Hair:
Cinnamon powder is good for your skin and hair. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities can help maintain a healthy complexion, lessen acne and other blemishes, and delay the aging process of the skin. Certain skin illnesses may also benefit from the antibacterial qualities of cinnamon.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Side Effects
Low Blood Glucose Levels :
Cinnamon imitates insulin and increases cellular glucose metabolism. Therefore, the main adverse consequence of ingesting cinnamon over what your doctor recommends is a decrease in blood sugar. It’s also possible to experience symptoms like weariness and dizziness as a result of decreased blood sugar.
Allergic Reactions:
Cinnamon may cause allergic reactions in certain persons. Breathing issues, edema, and itching are possible side effects of cinnamon powder.
Impact on liver:
According to studies, coumarin, which is known to be harmful to the liver, is present in cinnamon. Therefore, before taking items containing cinnamon, one should see a physician.
Blood Thinning:
Cinnamon contains coumarin, a naturally occurring chemical that has the potential to act as a blood thinner.
Skin Sensitivity:
Although cinnamon is good for skin, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic responses if they apply cinnamon powder directly to their skin. It is preferable to use it topically after seeing how your skin reacts to it.
Conclusion:
This article’s conclusion is that dalchini is effective in treating heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and allergy conditions. However, taking too much of it might result in scorching pain, eye redness, swelling of the tongue, rashes on the skin, etc.and small children. It should not be used in cases of burning sensation, gastritis, or Pitta body types.
FAQS
In what contexts is cinnamon useful in daily life?
Many different meals and drinks, including baked goods, puddings, sweets, ice cream, candies, chewing gum, curries, flavored rice, soups, sauces, herbal tea, and aerated drinks, contain cinnamon. In addition, cinnamon bark is frequently found in a wide range of goods, including mouthwash, toothpaste, lipstick, cough syrup, soap, and nasal sprays.
Can you lose weight by combining honey and cinnamon?
Yes, it is possible to lose weight by combining cinnamon powder with honey.
Can you eat cinnamon sticks?
Cinnamon sticks are edible and used as a spice and flavor. The best way is to roast the cinnamon sticks very little before grinding them into a powder. You may use this powdered cinnamon in cuisine and drinks.
What portion of Dalchini is utilized?
The main plant parts used for harvesting the spice are the leaves and bark.