Zeylanicum, the botanical name of this plant, refers to the land of its origin, Sri Lanka. However, it had reached as far as ancient Egypt by the fifth century B.C., thereby standing testimony to the age-old trade relations that existed between these two ancient civilisations.
Cinnamon, cardamom and bay leaf form the Three Great Aromatics which help in digestion and absorption. Cinnamon strengthens the heart, warms the kidneys and harmonises blood circulation.
Cinnamon: A Profile
Latin Name: Cinnamomum Zeylanicum B (Syn: Cinnamomum Verum Presl)
Indian Names: Dalchini, lavangpatti, darushila lavangpattai
Family: Lauraceae
Appearance: Ever-green tree with large leathery leaves and minute flowers in hairy clusters.
Distribution: Nilgiris, South Kanara, Malabar, Assam and Kumaon.
Parts used: The stem-bark and an oil obtained from it are useful as antiseptic, astringent and carminative, oil obtained from its leaves is used as a flavouring agent and for local application in rheumatic pains.
Cinnamon: How to use it
| Ailment | Prescription |
| Acne, pimples, black-heads | Mix few drops of lime juice in finely ground cinnamon powder and apply on affected areas frequently. |
| Helps increase of secretion of human milk | 1/2 tsp of finely ground cinnamon taken with milk. |
| Blockage in nose due to cold and phlegm | Sniff a mixture of finely powdered cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, black cumin seeds (all in equal parts) frequently. |
| To improve complexion and memory | Have a mixture of a little honey and pinch of finely powdered cinnamon every night regularly. |
| Head-ache caused by exposure to cold air | Mix finely ground cinnamon in a little water and apply on the affected part. |
| Common cold, influenza malaria, sore-throat | Boil finely-powdered cinnamon with a pinch of black pepper powder in a little water. Add honey and drink. |
| Halitosis or bad-breath | Chew a piece of cinnamon bark frequently. |
| Tastelessness | Rub a mixture of finely powdered cinnamon and honey on the tongue, allow it to remain for some time. |
| Nausea | Have some cinnamon powder. |
| Bad breath | Boil some cinnamon in water. Cool and use frequently as a mouthwash. |