Cinnamon is a moderate sized tree that grows to about 6 to 10 metres high and belongs to the plant family Lauraceae. It has a thick and rough surface on its bark. The oval or lanceolate leaves are normally placed opposite each other in position and the size is 7.5-20 cm. by 3.8-7.5 cm. When the leaves are bruised, they smell spicy and have a hot taste. The small and non-showy flowers are found in great numbers arranged in panicles. The dark purple berries are only 8 mm. in diameter. The widely used bark of the tree tastes sweet, pungent and is aromatic.
MEDICINAL USE:
*In expelling gas from the stomach and intestine.
*Stops bleeding and toothache.
*Kills bacteria and helps in expelling worms.
*Helps check nausea, vomiting, gastric irritation, diarrhoea, hydrocele and toothache.
*Helps in neuralgic pains and severe headache.
HOW TO USE:*Eating some bark or using it in infusion or decoction helps in taking care of gas, nausea, vomiting,
gastric irritation, diarrhoea, hydrocele, killing bacteria and expelling worms.
*The application of the powdered bark in the affected areas helps check bleeding and toothache.
*A paste prepared from the bark is applied locally foe neuralgic pains and severe toothaches.
*As domestic use, cinnamon is a flavouring agent.
PARTS USED:
*The bark.
DOSE:
As recommended above.
Normal Dosage For:
Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day
A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp
1 litre = 7 or 8 cups