Diabetes 25 Herbal Remedies - 3

Herbal - 03 Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a small tree that is commonly found in South Asia and the Middle East region. The cinnamon that we typically purchase in our supermarkets is actually the bark of this tree, either sold as sticks or ground into a powder. The two most popular types of cinnamon are Ceylon and Cassia, each of which are derived from different trees.

Cinnamon has extremely high anti-oxidant activity, and the oil of cinnamon has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Cinnamon is also a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium. It has been used as an effective home remedy for 

1. Reducing blood sugar levels and treating Type 2 Diabetes.
2. Lowering cholesterol.
3. Aiding digestion.
4. Treating diarrhea.
5. Curing the common cold.
6. Reducing arthritis pain.
7. Boosting memory and cognitive function.
8. Treating toothaches.
9. Eliminating bad breath.
10. Curing headaches and migraine pain.

Cinnamon contains biologically active substances that have demonstrated insulin-mimetic properties. Cinnamon improves insulin mediated glucose metabolism, enhances insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and helps glucose to glucogen conversion. Thus, cinnamon is considering as an anti-diabetic herb.

Cinnamon lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Cinnamon lowers LDL cholesterol responsible for the plaque formation. Additionally, cinnamon has antioxidant property, which helps prevent the LDL cholesterol oxidation, thus prevent inflammation of arteries and further plaque formation.  Cinnamon bark actually contains calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A, Bi, B2, and C, many of which are important for the prevention or treatment of diabetes.

Cinnamon improves the way the body handles sugar. When sugar enters the body, insulin is called upon to help manage it. People with diabetes lose the ability to do this effectively, so the body keeps producing more insulin to take care of the problem. Cinnamon helps the body become more sensitive to the insulin that is already there, and in so doing, boosts the mechanism of dealing with sugar by as much as 15 - 20 times.

 

Medicinal uses

Diabetes cinnamon is now the subject of numerous studies for its ability to support proper glucose metabolism. Its natural compounds help maintain both healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It remains a warming circulatory tonic, as well as a digestive aid to soothe upset stomach, gas, bloating and occasional indigestion.

Cinnamon is useful:

1. Who is obesity-related diabetes, and to control hyperlipidemia
2. To alleviate indigestion, stomach cramps, intestinal spasms, nausea, flatulence, and it improves the appetite, and treat diarrhea.
3. Stop yeast infections, anti-clotting effect on the blood, boosts cognitive function & memory, prevents nervous tension, helps to treat headache, asthma, excessive menstruation, uterus disorders and gonnorhea.
4. Great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium
5. Reduce leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

 

Cinnamon Benefits

Below are five known ways cinnamon can be helpful to your metabolism:

1. Cinnamon can increase your glucose metabolism about 20-fold, which significantly improves   

     blood sugar regulation

2. Cinnamon has been found to have "insulin-like effects" due to a bioactive compound, qualifying 

     it as a candidate for an insulin substitute.

3. Cinnamon slows the emptying of your stomach to reduce sharp rises in blood sugar following 

     meals, and improves the effectiveness, or sensitivity, of insulin.

4. Cinnamon actually enhances your antioxidant defenses. A study published in 2009 stated, 

    "Polyphenols from cinnamon could be of special interest in people who are overweight with  

    impaired fasting glucose since they might act as both insulin sensitizers and antioxidants."

5. A bioflavonoid found in cinnamon called proanthocyanidin may alter the insulin-signaling   

    activity in your fat cells.

Other health benefits of Cinnamon :

       • Supporting digestive function

       • Relieving congestion
       • Relieving pain and stiffness of muscles and joints
       • Reducing inflammation and symptoms of arthritis
       • Helping to prevent urinary tract infections, tooth decay and gum disease
       • Relieving menstrual discomfort
       • Stimulating circulation with blood-thinning compounds

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Blood Sugar Regulation 

Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes. Simply eat half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder daily. The cinnamon can be added as a mild sweetener to coffee or tea.

Lower Cholesterol

Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

Cancer Prevention

In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Arthritis Relief

In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.

Anti-Clotting

It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

Yeast Infection

In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.

Anti-Bacterial

When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

Brain Health

One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.

Coli Fighter

Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in     unpasteurized juices.                          

         

Toothaches

Cinnamon has been known to help relieve toothache pain. Simply make a paste using five teaspoons of honey mixed with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply a small amount of this paste directly onto the aching tooth 2 or 3 times daily until the pain is relieved. You can store any extra paste in a small container at room temperature. 

Coughs and the Common Cold

Chinese medicine has long used cinnamon as a natural remedy for coughs and the common cold. A simple herbal remedy for treating a sore throat is the following:

• Add a cinnamon stick to boiling water.
• Let boil for 2 minutes.
• Remove the cinnamon stick.
• Use the cinnamon water for any herbal tea, such as green tea.
• Drink this tea two times per day. If the cold persists for longer than 3 days, consult your doctor.

Recommended Daily Dosage

The daily dose of cinnamon you need for diabetes control may vary depending on your age, weight and health status. Only your doctor can recommend the appropriate dosage for you, consult your doctor before you begin taking cinnamon supplements to control blood-sugar level.

The dosage of ground cinnamon bark is 2 to 6 g daily and cinnamon oil dosage is 0.05 to 0.2 g daily. Your doctor may adjust your dosage of cinnamon to meet your blood-sugar regulation needs.

Side Effects of Cinnamon

Some recent studies in Europe have shown that cinnamon derived from the Cassia plant contains a toxic compound known as Coumarin. This compound is known to cause liver and kidney damage in high concentrations. Since the powdered cinnamon that we purchase in our supermarkets is typically derived from the Cassia plant, it is important to avoid consuming high doses of it.

Since cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, caution should also be exercised when it is used in combination with other blood-thinning products such as aspirin. Large quantities of cinnamon should also be avoided during pregnancy due to the possibility of adverse effects on the uterus.

Anyone that is currently taking medication for controlling blood sugar levels or blood thinners should consult their doctor before using cinnamon as a regular supplement.