Enjoy the Benefits of Cinnamon - The Versatile Spice

The common spice of cinnamon has a long history of use around the globe. With a history that dates back to approximately 2800 B.C., records show that the Chinese used a cinnamon as a remedy for digestive disorders and in the treatment of colds. Cinnamon holds a prominent place in Biblical history as well as modern history. It was the main ingredient used by Moses to prepare anointing oils and in the first century A.D., Pliny the Elder wrote that: “350 grams of cinnamon was equivalent to more than five kilograms of silver.”

From its first discovery, cinnamon has been one of the spices treasured for its versatile nature. It can be used as a flavoring In food preparation, as an essential oil or incense for fragrance. But cinnamon also is highly regarded in many cultures for its health benefits as well.

The cinnamon spice is derived from a small tree that is indigenous to Sri Lanka, Vietnam and India. What medical practitioners are discovering about the spice is that 1 teaspoon of cinnamon contains 1 mg of iron, 1 mg of fiber, 28 mg of calcium, vitamin C, manganese and vitamin K. However the benefits of cinnamon spice do not end there.

Recently it has been discovered that a small helping of cinnamon can't improve the health of individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted at the Beltsville human nutrition research Center in Maryland by Dr. Richard A. Anderson.

Together with his colleagues at the USDA agricultural research Center, the study reviewed 60 individuals with diabetes will consume capsules containing differing levels of cinnamon and a placebo capsule containing wheat flour everyday for a period of 40 days.

While the individuals who took the placebo showed no change in their blood sugar level, the individuals who have received the cinnamon capsules experienced a reduction of 30% in their blood levels of cholesterol, glucose and lipids.

In addition Cinnamon has been noted for its ability to improve mental alertness and clarity, soothe an upset stomach and block the bacteria responsible for yeast and urinary tract infections.

However the quality of the cinnamon that you use as a definite impact on the effectiveness of the results you receive. Ground cinnamon will lose its potency after about six months. The gourmet grade of cinnamon from Rawleigh products from Sri Lanka is produced through a special process to retain 3% of its natural oil content.

Enjoy the Benefits of Cinnamon - the Versatile Spice

The Camphor tree is indigenous to Japan and China but can now be found in many different regions of the world; the United States, Brazil, Egypt, Madagascar, Argentina and southern Europe. This hardy tree can grow to a height of over 100 feet producing white flowers with red leaves and berries.

In ancient times, camphor oil was believed to hold magical healing properties. It is produced by steaming the bark of the camphor tree to produce a powerfully fragrant, white crystalline substance for medicinal purposes.

These trees are slow in growing and many people in Asian countries believe that real camphor oil is at its best once the treaty reaches 50 years of age. This tradition is also honored in the United States, however due to market demand most of the camphor will you can purchase is synthetic.

Camphor oil was first discovered our Marco Polo in the 13th century where it had been used to treat a variety of medical problems, as an embalming fluid and also for its fragrance. This essential oil also played a large role in the Moorish medical traditions, and the many of the plants is derived from the Arabic words "al kafur" for eucalyptus. In the Ayurvedic medical system camphor oil is used regularly to treat respiratory congestion, strengthen the heart and soothe aching muscles.

It is a primary ingredient in many cold remedies: the oil is used in steam vaporizers and as an ointment to smooth the respiratory tract and control coughs. Traditionally camphor oil has been used to relieve pain from osteoarthritis and discomfort caused by congestion, neuralgia, rheumatism and strained back muscles acting as a mediator between the nerves and the pain impulses sent to the brain.

Modern medical practitioners in Western countries are beginning to fully study the long-term benefits of topical applications prepared with camphor will. The “Journal of Rheumatology” published a clinical study in 2003 that verifies the effectiveness of camphor oil use in conjunction with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. The results of the study showed the liberal application of camphor oil preparation such as Camphor Balm by Rawleigh Products significantly