Fall is in the air. The smell of pumpkin, cardamom, and cinnamon tantalizing our senses.

I absolutely love this time of year. To me nothing says “Hello Fall!” like some chai tea and pumpkin pie! And what’s the common ingredient, CINNAMON! So it’s understandable that I love cinnamon too. One of my favorite things about cinnamon is that it is so versatile (soups, teas, desserts, etc). Oh, and it does provide numerous health benefits too!

As well-known as cinnamon is for its stimulating and warming effects it is no wonder we associate it with this time of year. In Chinese medicine it is said to warm (aid function) the Kidneys and Spleen. Historically cinnamon has been used for gastrointestinal upsets (nausea, gas and cramps) and many other conditions such as colds, kidney issues, hypertension, and even some forms of cancer (in combination with other therapies).  Cinnamon’s healing powers are attributed to its anti-microbial, carminative (prevents gas), diuretic, astringent and anti-clotting properties. Cinnamon can be used both topically and internally in teas, tinctures, oils and compresses. Cinnamon is generally considered safe, but medicinal doses are not recommended during pregnancy. However, nutritional doses are just fine.

Cinnamon is also nutrient rich. Who ever thinks of using their kitchen spices and herbs to meet their daily nutrient requirements?! A single teaspoon of Cinnamon is a good source of   calcium (26 mg/ 3%DV) and manganese,  and also contains iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and a small amount of Vitamins K and A. Cinnamon can be used to help regulate blood sugar levels. It does this by slowing the rate at which the stomach empties after a meal. Thus it has been shown to be effective for people with type 2 diabetes and managing their need for insulin injections. Also, in helping to control appetite – to naturally increase or decrease as the body needs. Cinnamon is also an extremely powerful antioxidant helping your body rid itself of all the free radicals we are exposed to. If all that isn’t enough cinnamon can help boost brain function. Studies have shown that just the smell of cinnamon can effect everything from memory to visual-motor speed to recognition to attention & focus.

So now that you know all the sweet details on cinnamon, are you ready to go add some to… EVERYTHING?  Ok, so you didn’t really need to know all that to use it, but hey, why not use it even more?

It’s easy to add to your meals. I put cinnamon on a lot. I add it to my quinoa cereal, rice pudding,  bananas, coffee, toast, yogurt, ice cream… the list goes on. And of course it’s in my pumpkin pie and chai tea.

What are you favorite ways to use cinnamon? 

*Please remember to always use organic herbs and spice to avoid pesticides*

*Statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or health condition. It is also recommended that patients check with their doctors before taking herbs, to ensure that there are no contraindications with prescription medications.