Aqsa Noreen

Its undebatable, hands down one of the biggest spice players on the earth is cinnamon .it can be sprinkled almost every kind of dishes product etc. Try playing hide and seek with it I bet you will fail.

Let’s begin with the boring part for starters. I am talking about history, obviously.  Now don’t be like “what’s need to know about its origin?”. Consider it things which are crucial for you to live alive, you must read it to know the spice better.

History

Consider it like water which are important part of our lives. Our body need almost 70% water to regulate its functioning properly.  I think that might be good image to have in mind. It was native to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) which was extract from the bark of cinnamon tree. Its longer hotter cousin took the spotlight at first. It has been used by humans for thousands of years. It has different siblings like darker coloured cassia and Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon). But this is the story of another time. Apparently, this spice used for fragrances and preparation of medicinal product.

But soon the time of lauraceous came. Since bestowed it with the name of (cinnamomic selenium a cinnamon cassia). As it is tropical flowering plant which grows in tropical regions.  It is derived from the herbaria and Arabic word “amomum” “means fragrant spice plant”. if its barks have been laid into sun for the dryer then it can be converted into roll which known as cinnamon sticks.   Also, it travelled from Egyptians to Italians, Arabs, Rome to Europe.  Now it’s can be cultivated from all over the world.

It is such highly valued commodity that were used as currency exchange. Wars have been fought over it.  To top that even sacrifices included this little packet of joy. To make sure that sweet revenge was taken. It became the part of Chinese Egyptian and Ayurveda medicine. I think that much history would be enough for now.

Where can you find this fragrant plant?

It is cultivated in Southeast, the island of Ceylon.  But the war between cinnamon and ancient world emerged.  By this time it’s worth had been increased   because its trade was occupied by European, British Arabian and  French traders. Its Monopoly had begun decreased when it was growing to another part of world like java, Sumatra, Borneo, Mauritius, reunion, and Guyana. But now it is also grown south America, the West indias. No wonder Indian cuisine is such globally hit.

Where should you use it?

There is something wrong with the question I think it can be used everywhere. Although I am open to discussion about that. My point is that this flavour enhancer spice used in the variety of different dishes and products.  It can be sprinkled into lattes and toast. Its fragrant smell used to add the flavour in chewing gum which help to removes bad breathes inside mouth. It’s also used for making oil, tooth powder and weight loss treatment.  Also work for sweeter flavour both in baking and hot drinks.

What are its health benefits?

If you have suffered from disease than take cinnamon stick as it has antioxidant properties which protect the body from the growth of pathogenic bacteria.  The gut health can also boost. It helps to control blood sugar and diabetes.  Due to its anti-inflammatory properties it can alleviate digestive issues. But there aren’t enough studies to prove it can help.

Should you overdo it?

Please don’t do that. Although there have no side effects of cinnamon. But if you take it with concentrated amount it may cause irritation and allergies into your mouth lips. If you are suffering from Liver problem, then first talk to your doctors and then use it. It also lowers the blood sugar.

Study found that it is unsafe for children, pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding if they use it for treatment.  It could also affect diabetes drugs, blood thinners and heart medicine.