Cinnamon, scientifically referred to as Cinnamomum verum or C. zeylanicum are fruits of the plant classified under the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida and order Laurales. Belonging to the family Lauraceae , it is a small evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka . Cinnamon powder is a distinctive spice with a unique aroma obtained from the bark of the tree.

Uses & HealthBenefits :

When put to medical use, Cinnamon acts like a volatile oil and is used for treating colds and coughs, diarrhea and other ailments of the digestive system. Cinnamon is also known to show high level of antioxidant activity along with antimicrobial properties. This particularly helps in the preservation of food items.

Studies have revealed that Cinnamon contains some remarkable pharmacological effects when used for treating Type 2 diabetes mellitus along with insulin resistance . Latest development in phytochemistry have put forth that cinnamtannin B1 also when isolated from C. zeylanicum show therapeutic effect on Type 2 diabetes . However, this happens with exception of the patients suffering from postmenopausal symptoms. Cinnamon is also used traditionally for treating toothaches as well as fighting bad breath.

References :

"Cinnamon". Encyclopaedia Britannica . 2008. "(species Cinnamomum zeylanicum), bushy evergreen tree of the laurel family (Lauraceae) native to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), the neighboring Malabar Coast of India, and Myanmar (Burma), and also cultivated in South America and the West Indies for the spice consisting of its dried inner bark. The bark is widely used as a spice due to its distinct odor."

"Cassia, also known as bastard cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon is a tree which has bark similar to that of cinnamon but with a rather pungent odour," remarks Maguelonne Toussant-Samat, Anthea Bell, tr. The History of Food , revised ed. 2009, p.437.

The Epicentre, Encyclopedia of Spices, Cinnamon ,retrieved 2008-07-15

Knox, Robert, An Historical Relation Of The Island Ceylon , retrieved 2008-07-15