CINNAMOMUM VERUM J. PRESL) +++ LAURACEAE

MEDICINAL

PLANTS

CINNAMON

(Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) +++ Lauraceae

by

RETTODWIKART THENU, S.Pd

CINNAMON

(Cinnamomum Verum J. Presl) +++ Lauraceae

(Duke, J. A et al., 2003)

Cinnamon is a familiar kitchen spice around the world, adding fragrance and warmth to everything from breakfast cereal and cookies to curries and roasts. But what most people don’t realize is that cinnamon is also a potent, powerful, well-researched medicine. Cinnamon is actually the bark of fast-growing trees, members of the laurel family, native to Sri Lanka and India. The bark is harvested from young shoots that sprout from the stumps of the trees, which are cut back every couple of years. The bark is high in essential oils, coumarins, tannins, and other chemical constituents that help define its medicinal uses. Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), a close relative of cinnamon, is native to China, where it is used much like its cousin in medicinal and edible preparations. However, cassia tends to be warmer, more fragrant, and stronger tasting. But the two can be and often are used interchangeably.

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the cinnamon oil extracted from the bark, the cinnamon bark of younger branches and the cinnamon leaf oil.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are whitish-green, inconspicuous and have an unpleasant smell. They are about 0.5 cm long; arranged in loose, axillary or terminal panicles; and covered in silky hairs. The fruit is berry-like, ovoid-oblong, short-thomed and half-enclosed by the attached epicalyx.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a heavily foliated evergreen tree 6.5 to 12 m tall with a pale brown bark in thin quills, several rolled inside one another. The branches are cylindrical with a gray-brown bark. The tough leaves, which are opposite and splayed horizontally to leaning, are initially red then turn green. They are about 12 cm by 5 cm, roundish-ovate or ovate-lanceolate to oblong, more or less acuminate and entire-margined. The leaves smell like cloves.

Habitat: Cinnamon is indigenous to Sri Lanka and southwest India.

Production: Cinnamon consists of the dried tree bark, "separated from the cork and outer rind, of young shoots

••K growing on the branches of Cinnamomum verum. The tree is widely cultivated, and the harvested bark is dried in the shade.

Not to be Confused With: Confusion can arise with other powdered cinnamon varieties.

GROWING CINNAMON

A tropical native, cinnamon prefers warm, moist conditions and sandy soil. Depending on the variety, it matures as either a large tree or a large shrub and definitely will require a large space in the garden. North America generally does not offer the best growing conditions for cinnamon, and it is not commonly grown here. But if you happen to live in a particularly warm, moist region and have a large backyard, why not be the first person in the neighborhood to grow your very own cinnamon?

SYNONYMS:

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume; Laurus cinnamomum L.

NOTES (CINNAMON) (Duke, J. A et al., 2003)

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their … cinnamon, and odours, and ointments.

Revelation 18 (KJV)

And on a more romantic tone:

I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey.

Proverbs 7:17–19 (KJV)

I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; let us delight ourselves with love. For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.

Proverbs 7:17–19 (RSV)

I have besprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Do come, let us drink our fill of love until the morning; do let us enjoy each other with love expressions. For my husband is not in his house; he has gone traveling on a way of some distance.

Proverbs 7:17–19 (NWT)

There is near unanimity in the version regarding the intended use of these aromatic spices. And they are consistent in translating them as myrrh, aloes (in this case Aquilaria), and cinnamon, the latter more appealing to my olfactories. Zohary confirms that the long-discussed identification of the biblical kinnamon as Cinnamomum has been confirmed by various scholars. Alien to the Holy Land, and native to Sri Lanka and coastal India, it must have followed the old trade routes for drugs, incenses, perfumes, and spices.

COMMON NAMES (CINNAMON):

Like spice dealers, I once aggregated cinnamon and cassia, so many of the common names, activities, and indications below could well apply to either species. I would not hesitate to use one or the other for the indication of one or the other. Many of the reported studies were, in fact, performed on purchased materials that may have been one or the other or a mixture of the two. Who really knows which they studied if the material they studied had already been reduced to powdered bark (JAD).

FIGURE 1. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum).

Aakerpatri (Tel.; WO2); Arbol de la Canela (Sp.; KAB); Bahugandha (Sanskrit; KAB); Bois de Cannelle (Fr.; KAB); Bojevar (Bom.; KAB); Canalleira da India (Por.; AVP); Canela (Cr.; Sp.; AVP; USN); Canela de Ceilan (Cuba; Dr.; Sp.; AVP); Canela de Ceylan (Sp.; AVP); Canela de Ceylan (Cuba; RyM); Canela de India (Por.; AVP); Canaleiro (Por.; USN); Canelero de Ceilan (Sp.; USN); Canelo (Sp.; AVP); Cannalavangapattai (Tam.; KAB; WOI); Cannelier (Guad.; Seychelles; AVP; KAB); Cannelier de Ceylan (Fr.; USN); Cannella (It.; EFS); Cannella di Ceylon (It.; KAB); Cannelle (Fwi.; Haiti; AVP); Cannelle de Ceylan (Fr.; EFS); Cannelle Aromatique (Guad.; AVP); Ceylonzimt (Ger.; USN); Ceylonzimtbaum (Ger.; USN); Ceylon Cinnamon (Eng.; Ocn.; AH2; EFS); Ceylon Kaneel (Dutch; EFS); Ceylon Kanel (Den.; Swe.; EFS; KAB); Ceylon Cimtbaum (Ger.; EFS); Ceylonzimt (Ger.; KAB); Cheriyilaivannam (Mal.; DEP); Chinese Cassia (Eng.; MPI); Chitari (Peru; Shipibo/ Conibo; EGG); Cinnamon (Eng.; Scn.; AH2; CR2; VOD); Cirfah (Arab.; Syria; HJP); Cynamon (Pol.; HH2); Daichini (Guj.; DEP); Dalachini (Kan.; DEP); Dalchini (Beng.; Dec.; Hindi; Mar.; Nepal; DEP; SUW); Dalochini (Oriya; WO2); Darachini (Mar.; KAB); Darchini (Urdu; KAB); Darasini (Arab.; NAD); Darchini (Pun.; DEP); Darchinisailaniyah (Iran; KAB); Darsini (Arab.; Syria; DEP; HJP); Daruchini (Beng.; Guj.; Hindi; Kan.; Kas.; Mah.; NAD); Darushila (Sanskrit; SKJ); Dasamchakkaluk (Tel.; MPI); Echter Ceylonzimt (Ger.; USN); Gudatvak (Sanskrit; DEP); Gudatwoko (Oriya; KAB); Hmanthin (Burma; KAB); Ijin (Tulu; KAB); Ilayanngam (Tam.; WO2); Kalphah (Bom.; NAD); Kanel (Creole; Haiti; VOD); Kanel des Indes (Creole; Haiti; VOD); Karitsa (Rus.; KAB); Karruwa (Tam.; DEP); Kaya Manis (Malaya; EFS); Kevei (China; NAD); Kinnamomum (Greek; NAD); Kinnamon (Bib.; ZOH); Kirfa (Pun.; KAB; NAD); Korica (Rus.; HH2); Kukhi taj (Nepal; SUW); Kulit Manis (Malaya; NAD); Kurundo (Sin.; NAD); Kuruva (Sri.; KAB); Lavanga (Kadir; KAB); Lavanga Patta (Mal.; DEP); Lavangachakke (Kan.; KAB); Lowangapatta (Mal.; Tam.; Tel.; NAD); Lulingyaw (Burma; DEP); Malabar Leaf (Egypt; JLH); Qalamidarchini (Beng.; Dec.; Hindi; KAB); Qirfahesailaniyah (Arab.; KAN); Qualami (Dec.; NAD); Rassu Kurundu (Singh.; DEP; KAB); Saila Myah (Iran; NAD); Salikhah (Arab.; Syria; HJP); Sanalinga (Tel.; DEP); Sannalavanga (Tel.; KAB); Scortisoare (Rom.; KAB); Seylan Tarcina (Tur.; EFS); Skoricovnik Ceylonsky (Che.; HH2); Taj (Bom.; Guj.; DEP); Tali Khahe (Iran; DEP); Tamalapatra (Sanskrit; WOI); Tarcin (Tur.; KAB); Timbootikyoobo (Burma; NAD); Tiqui (Kon.; KAB); True Cinnamon (Eng.; Ocn.; AH2; VOD); Tvach (India; JLH); Tvak (Ayu.; AH2); Twak (Sanskrit; MPI); Varangam (Sanskrit; NAD); Vazhana (Mal.; WO2); Zimmt (Ger.; NAD); Zimtbaum (Ger.; USN); Zimtlorbeerbaum (Ger.; EFS).

MEDICINAL USES (Gladstar, R. 2012)

Because of its warming and stimulating properties, cinnamon is used to boost vitality, improve circulation, and clear congestion. It is a well-respected digestive aid, particularly for cases of overeating, bloating, and sluggish digestion, and one of the best herbs around for stabilizing blood sugar levels. It is also a powerful antiseptic, with antiviral and antifungal properties, and is often indicated in cases of viral infections, fungal infections, and colds and flus. It is a mild emmenagogue, making it useful in cases of sluggish and painful menstruation. And finally, because of its sweet, warming flavor, cinnamon is often used in medicinal formulas simply to improve their flavor.

Figure 2. What we know as cinnamon stick is actually the inner bark of young plant shoots.

Part Used

Inner bark of the tree (powdered, chopped, or as whole sticks)

Key Constituents

Essential oils, tannins, iron, magnesium, mucilage, zinc, coumarins

Safety Factor

Though cinnamon is generally considered safe and nontoxic (have you ever seen a warning label on a spice jar in the supermarket?), it does have slight emmenagogic properties (meaning it stimulates the uterus); while it may be useful to help encourage a late menstrual flow, it’s not recommended in large amounts in the early stages of pregnancy. (Truthfully, though, there aren’t any reports of a miscarriage resulting from the use of cinnamon.)

MEDICINAL USES (Chevallier, A. 2018.)

Parts Used

·         Essential oil

·         Inner bark

Key Actions

·         Antimicrobial  

·         Aromatic

·         Astringent  

·         Mild stimulant

·         Relieves gas

Digestive Upsets and Colds

Cinnamon’s warming, stimulant action has made it a favorite remedy for digestive upsets. As an infusion, it helps to soothe gas, bloating, nausea, and indigestion as well as speed recovery from gastrointestinal infection. It has moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity and acts against Heliobacter pylori, an organism that can cause stomach ulcers. In colds, flu, chest infection, and coughs, cinnamon provides a pleasant treatment that can be safely given to children.

Other Uses

Cinnamon’s ability to stimulate the circulation is often overlooked; taken long term, it strengthens blood flow to the hands and feet, helping those with poor peripheral circulation. It can also be taken on a regular basis—one recommendation is a teaspoon of cinnamon powder at night—to support stable blood sugar levels.

Native to India and Sri Lanka,

Cinnamon is widely cultivated as a spice and medicine.

ACTIVITIES (Duke, J. A et al., 2003)

Adipogenic (1; X15468836); Allergenic (1; APA; X15186386); Analgesic (f1; APA; CAN; ZUL); Anesthetic (f1; APA; CAN; TRA; ZUL); Anthelmintic (f; LIB); Antiaggregant (1; X10632089); Anticonvulsant (f1; LIB; TRA); Antidiarrheal (f1; CAN; TRA); Antiemetic (f1; HOS; WO2); Antifungal (f; CRC); Antihistamine (1; WHO); Antiinflammatory (f1; HOS; LIB); Antileukemic (1; TRA; WO2); Antilymphomic (1; WO2); Antimycobacterial (1; PR14:303); Antioxidant (1; CRC; X10641152; X14585184); Antipeptic (f1; HOS); Antiplatelet (1; X10632089); Antiprostaglandin (1; HH2; TRA); Antipyretic (f1; CRC; TRA); Antiseptic (f1; APA; CAN; TRA; WO2; ZUL); Antisialogogue (f; HOS); Antispasmodic (f1; CAN; MPI; TRA; WHO); Antitubercular (1; PR14:303); Antitussive (2; HOS); Antiulcer (f1; APA; WHO); Antiviral (1; APA; BGB; CAN; TRA); Aphrodisiac (f; LIB; KAB); Aromatic (f; CRC); Astringent (f1; CAN; TRA; ZUL); Bactericide (12; APA; KOM; PH2; TRA; WHO); Candidicide (1; APA; CAN; WO2; JAR12:83); Carminative (f1; APA; CAN; TRA; VOD; WHO); Choleretic (1; APA); Circulostimulant (1; HOS); Cordial (f; CRC); COX-2 Inhibitor (1; HOS; X12444669); Cyclooxygenase Inhibitor (f; ZUL); Cytotoxic (1; CAN; TRA); Demulcent (f1; HOS); Depurative (f; APA); Diaphoretic (f; AHP; LIB); Digestive (f; VOD); Emmenagogue (f; LIB); Emollient (f; JLH); Estrogenic (1; PHR; PH2; TRA); Expectorant (f1; WO2); Febrifuge (f; VOD); Fungicide (1; KOM; PH2; TRA; WHO; JAR12:83); Germicide (f; CRC); Gram(+)-icide (1; WO2); Gram(−)-icide (1; WO2); Hemostat (f; KAB; MPI); Hepatotonic (f; KAB); HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (1; X4585184); Hypocholesterolemic (12; X14633804; X14585184); Hypoglycemic (12; X14633804); Hypotensive (1; ZUL); Hypothermic (f; CRC); Hypotriglyceridemic (12; X14633804); Hypouricemic (1; X11025157); Immunostimulant (1; HOS); Insecticide (1; PHR; PH2; WO2); Insectifuge (1; TRA); Insulin Potentiator (1; JAF52:65); Lactagogue (f; LIB); Larvicide (1; APA; BGB; CAN; TRA); Lipolytic (1; APA; BGB; LAF; TRA; WO2); Lipoxygenase Inhibitor (f; HOS; ZUL); Mutagenic (1; TRA; WHO; WO2); Myorelaxant (1; TRA; WHO); Narcotic (f; NAD); Nematicide (1; TRA); Nervine (f; NAD); Neurotonic (f; MPI); Orexigenic (f; CAN; LIB); Refrigerant (f; CAN); Secretogogue (1; HOS); Sedative (f1; CRC; LIB; TRA); Sialogogue (1; APA); Spasmolytic (1; ZUL); Stimulant (f; CRC; WO2); Stomachic (f; AHP; MPI); Teratogenic (1; WHO); Tonic (f; IED); Tranquilizer (1; HOS); Uterorelaxant (f; APA); Uterotonic (f; APA); Vibriocide (1; WO2); Vulnerary (f1; X13680838); Xanthine-Oxidase Inhibitor (1; X11025157).

INDICATIONS  (Duke, J. A et al., 2003)

Adenopathy (1; HOS); Alzheimer’s (1; COX; FNF; HOS); Amenorrhea (f1; CRC; KAB; WHO; WO2); Amnesia (f; ZUL); Anorexia (f12; CAN; GAZ; KOM; PH2; WHO); Aphonia (f; HOS); Arthrosis (f1; COX; CRC; HOS); Asthenia (1; BGB); Asthma (f; CRC; LIB); Bacillus (1; X10548758); Bacteria (1; WO2); Biliousness (f; KAB); Bleeding (f; KAB); Bloating (f1; BGB); Bronchosis (f12; CRC; KAB; PHR); Cancer (f1; COX; CRC; HOS); Cancer, abdomen (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, bladder (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, breast (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, colon (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, diaphragm (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, ear (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, gum (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, kidney (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, liver (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, mouth (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, neck (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, rectum (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, sinus (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, spleen (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, stomach (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, vagina (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f1; COX; HOS; JLH); Candida (f1; CRC; LIB; JAR12:83); Cardiopathy (f1; EGG; KAB; LIB; X14633804); Cerebrosis (f; KAB); Childbirth (f; LIB); Chill (f; PHR; PH2); Cholera (f1; CRC; SKJ; WO2); Cold (f12; CAN; GAZ; PHR; ZUL); Colic (f1; APA; CAN; EGG; TRA); Condylomata (f; JLH); Conjunctivosis (f; WHO); Convulsion (f; LIB); Cough (2; CRC; PHR); Cramp (f1; APA; DEP; VOD; ZUL); Dandruff (1; JAR12:83); Debility (f; LIB); Depression (f; LIB); Dermatosis (1; JAR12:83); Diabetes (f12; TGP; X14633804; JAF52:65); Diarrhea (f1; DEP; EGG; PHR; TRA; WHO); Dropsy (f; NAD); Dysentery (f; CRC; DEP; WO2); Dysmenorrhea (f1; APA; DEP; WHO); Dyspepsia (f12; CAN; IED; KOM; PH2; WHO); Dyspnea (f; WHO); Earache (f; LIB); Edema (f1; HOS); Enteralgia (f1; WHO); Enterosis (f; JLH; VOD); Enterospasm (2; KOM; WHO); Epidermophyton (1; JAR12:83); Escherichia (1; CRC; X10548758); Exhaustion (f; LIB); Fatigue (f; GAZ); Fever (f12; AHP; PHR; TRA; VOD); Fistula (f; CRC; SKJ); Flatulence (f12; KOM; VOD; WHO); Flu (f; PHR; PH2); Frigidity (f; LIB; WHO); Fungus (1; GAZ; LIB; X10548758); Gas (f1; APA; DEP; TRA; VOD); Gastrosis (f; DEP; HOS; VOD; WO2); Gastrospasm (f12; KOM; VOD); Gingivosis (f; JLH); Glossosis (f; DEP; HOS; WO2); Gonorrhea (f; LIB; NAD); Gout (1; X11025157); Halitosis (f; PH2); Headache (f1; DEP; WO2; ZUL); Heart (f; CRC); Hemorrhage (f1; APA); Hemorrhoid (f; KAB); Hepatosis (f; JLH; NAD); Hiccup (f; KAB); High Blood Pressure (f; LIB; ZUL); High Cholesterol (12; X14633804); Hydrocele (f; KAB); Hyperglycemia (f12; X4585184); Hypertriglyceridemia (f12; X4585184); Immunodepression (1; HOS); Impotence (f; LIB; WHO); Infection (2; PHR; WO2); Inflammation (f1; HH2; HOS; LIB); Itch (f; KAB); Leukemia (1; TRA; WO2); Leukorrhea (f; WHO); Listeria (1; X12380758); Lumbago (f; CRC); Lungs (f; CRC); Lupus (f; LIB); Lymphoma (1; WO2); Malassezia (1; JAR12:83); Mastosis (f; JLH); Melancholy (f; NAD); Menorrhagia (f; CRC; LIB); Mycosis (1; ZUL; JAR12:83); Nausea (f; CRC; EGG; TRA; ZUL); Nephrosis (f; CRC; LIB); Neuralgia (f; DEP; WHO; WO2); Obesity (12; X4585184); Oketsu Syndrome (f; LIB); Otosis (f; LIB); Pain (f1; KAB; WHO; WO2); Paralysis (f; DEP; HOS; WO2); Pharyngosis (2; PHR); Phthisis (f; CRC); Phymata (f; JLH); Proctosis (f; JLH; KAB); Prolapse (f; CRC; SKJ); Pseudomonas (1; HH2); Psoriasis (f; CRC); Rheumatism (f; APA; WHO; WO2; ZUL); Salmonella (1; WO2); Sinusosis (f; JLH); Sore (f; JLH); Spasm (f; CRC); Splenosis (f; JLH); Staphylococcus (1; CRC; HH2); Stomachache (f; EGG); Stomatosis (2; CRC; JLH; PHR); Stress (f; LIB); Syncope (f; WO2); Tension (f; LIB); Thirst (f; SKJ); Thrush (f1; LIB); Toothache (f; DEP; PH2; WHO); Tuberculosis (1; LIB; PR14:303); Tumor (f; CRC; JLH); Typhoid (f; LIB; NAD); Ulcer (f1; HOS; WHO); Vaginosis (f; CRC; JLH; WHO); Venereal Disease (f; LIB); Virus (f; LIB); Vomiting (f; CRC; PH2); Wart (f; CRC; JLH); Wen (f; JLH); Worm (f; PHR; PH2); Wound (f1; PHR; PH2; WHO; X13680838); Xerostomia (f; KAB); Yeast (f1; APA; WO2; X10548758; JAR12:83).

DOSAGES  (Duke, J. A et al., 2003)

FNFF = !!!

The bark is one of the world’s premier spices. Cinnamon leaves used also as spice (e.g., in Jamaica’s jerked pork) (FAC).

1.       1 tsp bark/cup water/2–3 􀁲/day with meals (APA);

2.       0.5–1 g bark, as tea, 3 􀁲/day (CAN);

3.       0.5–1.0 ml liquid extract (1:1 in 70% ethanol) 3 􀁲/day (CAN);

4.       2–4 ml cinnamon tincture (CAN, PNC);

5.       20 grains bark for dysentery (DEP);

6.       2–4 g bark (KOM); .

7.       05–0.2 g EO (KOM);

8.       0.05–0.2 ml cinnamon oil (PNC);

9.       0.3–1.2 ml spirit of cinnamon (PNC);

10.    0.3–1 g powdered bark (PNC); 2–4 g bark/day (WHO);

11.    0.05–0.2 g essential oil/day (WHO);

12.    1 tsp bark/cup water 2–3 􀁲/day (WIC).

·         Asian Indians use the bark in bolmes, enemas, or ghees for abdominal cancers (JLH). Asian Indians use a spicy triad trijataka (cardamom, cinnamon, and “tejapatra,” possibly cassia) for lengual paralysis, stomach cramps, and toothache (HOS). Ayurvedics consider the bark aphrodisiac and tonic, using for biliousness, bronchitis, diarrhea, itch, parched mouth, worms, and cardiac, rectal, and urinary diseases (HOS).

·         Belizeans for snoring suggest 1 cup of cinnamon tea with two teaspoons grated ginger and honey and milk added. Drink at bedtime each night until cured (or until death do us part!) (AAB).

·         Caribbean Tramilenos take the bark infusion for diarrhea and nausea (TRA).

·         Dominicans take bark decoction, with or without cilantro, for enterosis and fever (VOD).

·         Egyptians use the leaves for uterine cancer, the seeds for venereal warts (JLH).

·         Haitians use the bark decoction as carminative, digestive, and febrifuge (VOD).

·         Haitians use the essence topically for rheumatism, internally (dilute I presume) for enteric or gastric gas and spasms (VOD).

·         Lebanese use cinnamon as a stimulant, for colds, rheumatism, halitosis, and slobbering (HJP; HOS).

·         Pakistanis chew the bark for dysmenorrhea (DEP).

·         Peruvians suggest the bark infusion for the heart, the decoction for colic (EGG).

·         Ukrainians give raw grated carrots with cinnamon for anemia (HJP).

·         Unani consider the oil carminative, emmenagogue, and as a tonic to the liver, using it for abdominal pains, bronchitis, head colds, and inflammation (HOS).

DOSAGE (Medical Economics Company, Inc. 2000)

Mode of Administration: Comminuted drug for infusions; essential oil, as well as other galenic preparations for internal use. Bath additives, drops and compound preparations for external use.

How Supplied:

Extract — l:l

Preparation: To prepare a tea, pour hot water over 0.5 to 1 g cinnamon bark and strain after 10 minutes. A tincture is made from a maceration of 20 parts cinnamon bark + 100 parts 70% ethanol V/V (OAB90).

Daily Dosage: 2 to 4 g drug; 0.05 to 0.2 g essential oil. One cup of tea/infusion is taken 2 to3 times daily at mealtimes. Liquid extract is taken 3 times in 1.5 to 1 ml doses. Two to 4 ml of tincture are taken 3 times daily. The standard single

dose is 0.5 to 1 g of the drug.

DOSAGE AND SENSIBLE USE (Chevallier, A. 2018)

As with all medicines, getting the dosage right is essential. Too much and you risk overdosing, too little and the remedy may not work. Follow the guidelines on these pages to ensure that you use herbal remedies safely and appropriately.

ADULT DOSAGES Each of the remedies listed in the A–Z of Herbal Remedies has a letter indicating its adult dosage—how much of the herb to take per day or per week.

To take an example, passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) on p.173 has C for its dosage. Looking at the dosage guide (right), it can be seen that C = 2–4g a day or 30g a week. Passion flower should therefore be taken at these recommended dosages.

As another example, hawthorn leaf (Crataegus spp.) has M and C for its dosage. M applies to manufactured products: take prepackaged hawthorn products, such as standardized tablets and capsules, at the manufacturer‘s recommended dosage. C applies to dried hawthorn leaf or berry: take at the recommended daily or weekly dosage, i.e. 2–4g a day or 30g a week. Similarly, each of the other letters gives specific recommendations on how to use the herb.

Teas and decoctions The dosages given in the guide apply when making teas and decoctions from dried herb material—bark, leaves, roots, etc. For fresh herb material you can use 11⁄2–2 times the quantity of dried material.

Tinctures It is not possible to give clear guidelines for tinctures owing to the wide variation in their strength. Ask advice on dosage when purchasing a tincture. In general, the dosage range for a 1:3 tincture is the same (in milliliters not grams) as the above dosages, i.e. for A, the dosage of a 1:3 tincture is 5–15ml a day.

ADULT DOSAGE GUIDE

Recommended ADULT dosage as given in the key information boxes (see opposite page). For children and people over 70, see below and opposite.

Ø A = 5–15g a day, or max. 100g (31⁄2 oz) per week

Ø B = 3–7.5g a day, or max. 50g (2 oz) per week

Ø C = 2–4g a day, or max. 30g (1 oz) per week

Ø D = 1–2g a day, or max. 15g (1⁄2 oz) per week

Ø M = Take product at manufacturer‘s recommended dosage.

Ø T = Topical application on the skin only (Note: preparations made specifically for topical use should not be taken internally.)

Powders Take the minimum recommended daily dosage only.

Tablets and capsules Take at the manufacturer‘s recommended dosage.

CHILDREN’S DOSAGES Do not give babies under 6 months any medication without professional advice. You may need to adjust dosage levels for children who are particularly small or large for their age.

§ From 6 months to 1 year: give 1⁄10 the minimum adult dose

§ From 1 to 6 years: give 1⁄3 the minimum adult dose

§ From 7 to 11 years: give 1⁄2 the minimum adult dose

§ From 12 to 16 years: give the low adult dose.

DOSAGES FOR OVER 70s As we age, our bodies become less efficient at breaking down drugs, including herbs. From the age of about 70 onward it is advisable to take slightly lower doses: 80 percent of the standard adult dose is normally recommended. In very old and frail people the dosage may need to be as low as 50 percent of the standard adult dosage.

GENERAL CAUTIONS

v Do not take essential oils internally unless on advice of a suitably qualified health care professional.

v Do not give herbs to babies under 6 months old.

v Do not exceed the recommended dosage levels.

v If you are taking drugs prescribed by your doctor or hospital, check with them, or with a registered herbal or naturopathic practitioner, before taking a herbal remedy.

v People known to have allergies should start by taking a low dose and, if this is fine, then increase the dose.

Contact allergy can occur on handling fresh or dried herbs. Where such allergy occurs, do not take the remedy internally. Some people are allergic to specific plant families, for example the daisy (Asteraceae) family. Several herbs listed in this book, including chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), echinacea (Echinacea spp.), and feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), belong to this family and are known to cause contact allergy in sensitive individuals.

KEY INFORMATION (Chevallier, A. 2018)

Every remedy in the A–Z features a key information box that provides essential data on the herb. At the top, each herb is rated using a 5-star rating system, with 5 black stars = most. This gives some idea of the herb‘s:

v overall safety record (Safety)

v long-standing use in traditional medicine (Traditional use)

v evidence of effectiveness, as supported by scientific research (Research).

On the line below (Best taken as), suitable types of preparation are recommended; for example, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is best taken as a tea, which gets 3 checks. Dosage information is provided on the following line. Some entries include an ―Often used with‖ recommendation. The last and most important section lists known cautions for the remedy, and should be read carefully, especially before taking a remedy.

Figure 3. Example Key Information Used Herbal     Figure 4. Key Information Cinnamon Used

Cinnamon-Ashwagandha Rejuvenating Milk (Gladstar, R. 2012)

The herb ashwagandha is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote peaceful sleep and as a potent rejuvenating tonic. This warm milk, made with ashwaghandha and cinnamon and sweetened with a touch of honey, is a delicious and nutritive drink, especially useful in the evening for those who have trouble relaxing or falling asleep.

» 1 cup milk (cow, almond, rice, or any other)

» 1 teaspoon ashwagandha powder

» 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

» 1 teaspoon honey (or to taste)

To make the milk:

Warm the milk, then add the powders and honey. Stir well, taste, and adjust the fl avors if necessary.

To use:

Pour into a cup and drink slowly a couple of hours before bedtime.

Cinnamon-Ginger Tea for Menstrual Difficulties (Gladstar, R. 2012)

Both cinnamon and ginger are reliable aids for relieving stomach and menstrual cramps. A warm poultice or hot-water bottle placed over the pelvic area can also be helpful.

» 1 teaspoon chopped cinnamon bark

» 1 teaspoon chopped dried ginger or freshly grated gingerroot

» Honey, as desired

To make the tea:

Pour 1 cup boiling water over the herbs. Cover and let steep for 30 to 45 minutes. Strain, and sweeten with honey if desired.

To use:

Sip slowly. Prepare and drink as often as needed, until cramps subside.

Cinnamon Honey (Gladstar, R. 2012)

I’m not sure how “medicinal” this honey really is, but there’s no question that it’s delicious. You can use as much or as little cinnamon as you want, depending on the strength you prefer.

» ½ cup honey

» 1–2 tablespoons cinnamon powder

To make the honey:

Gently warm the honey until it is stirrable, and then stir in the cinnamon

To use:

Stir a teaspoon of the honey into warm water or herb tea. Or spread it over buttered toas. Or just lick it off a spoon; it’s that delicious.

Cinnamon Tincture for Stabilizing Blood Sugar (Gladstar, R. 2012)

If you are troubled by either high or low blood sugar, try this tasty remedy. In concert with a healthy diet, plenty of excerise, and reduction in stress levels, cinnamon can be extremely helpful in regulating blood sugar.

» 2–4 ounces chopped cinnamon bark

» 80-proof alcohol (brandy, vodka, or gin)

To make the tincture:

Place the cinnamon in a widemouthed glass quart jar. Cover with 2 to 3 inches of alcohol. Let steep for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain through a fi ne-mesh, stainless-steel strainer lined with cheesecloth. Discard the cinnamon, then bottle the liquid.

To use:

Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon two times a day for 5 days. Take 2 days off, then repeat the cycle. Continue in this manner for several weeks, or until blood sugar levels normalize.

Warming Cinnamon Bath Salts (Gladstar, R. 2012)

Bathe in cinnamon? Why not? Cinnamon is warming, decongesting, antiseptic, and antiviral and is a wonderful aid for colds and congestion. Any sea salt will do, but use large Celtic salt grains if you can fi nd them, as they add more minerals to the bathwater.

» 3 tablespoons cinnamon powder

» 1 tablespoon gingerroot powder (optional)

» 1 cup sea salt

To make the bath salts:

Stir the powdered herbs into the salt. Store in a sealed glass container.

To use:

Add ¼ cup of the bath salts to a bathtub fi lled with warm water. Stir well and step in.

Warming Cinnamon Bath Salts (Gladstar, R. 2012)

Bathe in cinnamon? Why not? Cinnamon is warming, decongesting, antiseptic, and antiviral and is a wonderful aid for colds and congestion. Any sea salt will do, but use large Celtic salt grains if you can fi nd them, as they add more minerals to the bathwater.

» 3 tablespoons cinnamon powder

» 1 tablespoon gingerroot powder (optional)

» 1 cup sea salt

To make the bath salts:

Stir the powdered herbs into the salt. Store in a sealed glass container.

To use:

Add ¼ cup of the bath salts to a bathtub fi lled with warm water. Stir well and step in.

Variation (Gladstar, R. 2012)

Not exactly medicinal, but certainly healthy, sensuous rose-cinnamon-cardamom bath salt are especially lovely for a romantic evening.

» 3 tablespoons cinnamon powder

» 1 tablespoon cardamom powder

» ¼ cup rose petals

» 1 cup Celtic salt (unrefined and chunky is nice)

» 5–10 drops cinnamon essential oil (optional)

» 5–10 drops cardamom essential oil (optional)

Cinnamon Spice Chai (Gladstar, R. 2012)

A delicious tea blend that originated in India, chai has as many recipes as drinkers. Here’s one of my favorite chai recipes. Use it as a warming, energizing tea in the morning, or ice it for a cool afternoon pick-me-up.

» 1 part chopped cinnamon bark

» ½ part coriander seed

» ½ part chopped gingerroot

» ¼ part coarsely ground black peppercorns

» ¼ part cracked cardamom seeds (put in herb mill and grind quickly)

» ¹⁄8 part whole cloves

» Darjeeling tea (or your own favorite black or green tea)

» Honey (to taste)

To make the chai:

Combine the cinnamon, coriander, ginger, peppercorns, cardamom, and cloves and mix well. Using 1 teaspoon of the herb mixture per cup of water, simmer the spices for 15 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat, add an appropriate amount of Darjeeling (depending on how many servings you’ve brewed), cover, and let steep 5 minutes. Strain, then sweeten to taste with honey.

To use:

Drink! I love this tea with frothed milk. It rivals the best latte and offers so much more in health-giving properties.

Cinnamon Spice Chai (Gladstar, R. 2012)

A delicious tea blend that originated in India, chai has as many recipes as drinkers. Here’s one of my favorite chai recipes. Use it as a warming, energizing tea in the morning, or ice it for a cool afternoon pick-me-up.

» 1 part chopped cinnamon bark

» ½ part coriander seed

» ½ part chopped gingerroot

» ¼ part coarsely ground black peppercorns

» ¼ part cracked cardamom seeds (put in herb milland grind quickly)

» ¹⁄8 part whole cloves

» Darjeeling tea (or your ownfavorite black or green tea)

» Honey (to taste)

To make the chai:

Combine the cinnamon, coriander, ginger, peppercorns, cardamom, and cloves and mix well. Using 1 teaspoon

of the herb mixture per cup of water, simmer the spices for 15 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat, add an appropriate amount of Darjeeling (depending on how many servings you’ve brewed), cover, and let steep 5 minutes. Strain, then sweeten to taste with honey.

To use:

Drink! I love this tea with frothed milk. It rivals the best latte and offers so much more in health-giving properties.

DOWNSIDES  (Duke, J. A et al., 2003)

CLASS 2B, 2D;

“Not for long-term use; do not exceed recommended dose (2–4 g bark/day; 50–200 mg essential oil daily).

May overstimulate the vasomotor center” (AHP, 1997). Commission E reports bark contraindications: hypersensitivity to cinnamon or Peruvian balsam and adverse effects: often allergic reactions of skin and mucosae. Tramil warns against continued use because of mutagenicity (TRA). Other sources report contraindications: GI ulcer, pregnancy (AEH). Newall, Anderson, and Phillipson (1996) caution that the cinnamaldehyde in the volatile oil is allergenic and an irritant. The allergenic oil should not be taken internally (CAN). “There are no known problems with the use of cinnamon during pregnancy and lactation, provided that doses do not greatly exceed the amounts used in foods. … May cause some people to break out in a rash” (Castleman, 1996). Regrettably, I was unable to read the article on allergic contact dermatitis from cinnamon used as an odor-neutralizing agent in shoe insoles (X15186386). High doses caused vomiting in experiments with dogs, corresponding with reported side effects in humans. Cinnamaldehyde 5% in petrolatum is a skin irritant. Prolonged contact with cinnamon oil on skin may cause burns. Cinnamaldehyde in cosmetics or perfumes may cause allergic reactions. Allergic reactions (i.e., swollen lips or tongue, itching, burning sensation, blistering of the oral mucosa, and urticaria) reported from contact with ointments, toothpaste, mouthwash, or foods containing cinnamon oil or cinnamaldehyde (AEH1). Sensitized and sensitive justifiable chemophobes may develop dermatosis using mouthwash, perfume, soap, or toothpaste flavored with camphor, cassia, or cinnamon (FNF; RIN). May reduce the activity of tetracycline (WHO). Extracts and cinnamaldehyde reported mutagenic in some studies, nonmutagenic in others.

Toxicity: Following ingestion of cinnamon, contact dermatosis may flare up. Eugenol has been reported to be an irritant and a weak tumor promoter. Cinnamic aldehyde in perfumes can cause dermatosis. In toothpaste it can cause sensitivity (DAD).

EXTRACTS  (Duke, J. A et al., 2003)

In a study by Park and Shin (2005), cinnamon and onion oil followed garlic and clove bud oils in lethality to the Japanese termite, Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe. Diallyl trisulfide was most toxic, then diallyl disulfide, eugenol, diallyl sulfide, and beta-caryophyllene (X15913300). Chericoni et al. (2005) found that eugenol was, by far, the most potent antioxidant in cinnamon’s essential oil, recounting its use as antioxidant, antiperoxidant, antiradicular, antiseptic, hepatoprotective, and sedative. Oral eugenol is rapidly absorbed, reaching blood plasma levels of 5 μM, significantly antioxidant levels, 2 hours after 150 mg of the eugenol, but almost completely excreted in the urine by 24 hours (X15941312). Pakistani scientists (X14633804) found that cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of type-2 diabetics. Cinnamon, consumed (1, 3, or 6 g/day) for 40 days followed by a 20-day washout period, reduced mean fasting serum glucose (18–29%), triglyceride (23–30%), LDL cholesterol (7–27%), and total cholesterol (12–26%) levels; compared to placebo (X4585184). Korean scientists (Lee et al., 2003) showed that cinnamate, a phenolic in the bark, enhances hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense systems in high cholesterol–fed rats. Cinnamate supplementation resulted in higher catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Lee et al. (2003) suggested that dietary cinnamate inhibits hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity, resulting in lower hepatic cholesterol (X14585184). LD50 (EO) = 690 mg/kg der (CAN); perhaps second only to some varieties of clove (up to 20% eugenol), cinnamon (to 3.8%) is a major source of eugenol, which has all sorts of biological activities. Analgesic; anesthetic 200–400 ppm; antiaggregant IC50 = 0.3 μM (PR4:93); antiarachidonate; anticonvulsant; antiedemic, 100; antiinflammatory (11 μM); antimitotic; antimutagenic; antinitrosating; antioxidant, IC65 = 30 ppm; antiprostaglandin, 11 μM, IC50 = 9.2 mM; antiradicular, EC50 = 2 μl/l; antiseptic (3 ml/man/day); antithromboxane; antitumor; antiulcer; apifuge; bactericide, 500 ppm; calcium antagonist, IC50 = 224 μM; cancer preventive; candidicide; carminative; choleretic; CNS depressant; cytochrome-p450 inhibitor; enterorelaxant; febrifuge (3 ml/man/day); fungicide; hepatoprotective, 100 ppm; larvicide; motor depressant; sedative; spasmolytic; trypsin enhancer; and vermifuge (FNF).

CONTRAINDICATIONS, INTERACTIONS, AND SIDE EFFECTS (Duke, J. A et al., 2002)

Class 2b, 2d. “Not for long-term use; do not exceed recommended dose (2–4 g bark/day; 50–200 mg EO/day). May overstimulate the vasomotor center” (AHP). Commission E reports bark contraindications: hypersensitivity to cinnamon or Peruvian balsam; and adverse effects: often allergic reactions of skin and mucosae. TRAMIL warns against continued use because of mutagenicity (TRA). Extracts and cinnamaldehyde reported mutagenic in some studies, nonmutagenic in others. Other sources report contraindications: GI-ulcer and pregnancy (AEH). CAN cautions that the cinnamaldehyde in the volatile oil is allergenic and irritant. The allergenic oil should not be taken internally (CAN). “No known problems with the use of cinnamon during pregnancy and lactation, provided that doses do not greatly exceed the amounts used in foods. “May cause some people to break out in a rash” (Castleman, 1996). High doses caused vomiting in experiments with dogs, corresponding with reported side effects in humans. Cinnamaldehyde, 5% in petrolatum, is a skin irritant. Prolonged contact with cinnamon oil on skin may cause burns. Cinnamaldehyde in cosmetics or perfumes may cause allergic reactions. Allergic reactions (i.e., swollen lips or tongue, itching, burning sensation, blistering of the oral mucosa, and urticaria) reported from contact with ointments, toothpaste, mouthwash, or foods containing cinnamon oil or cinnamaldehyde (AEH1). Cinnamic aldehyde in perfumes can cause dermatosis. In toothpaste, it can cause sensitivity (DAD). Sensitized and sensitive justifiable chemophobes may develop dermatosis using mouthwash, perfume, soap, or toothpaste flavored with camphor, cassia, or cinnamon (FNF; RIN). May reduce activity of tetracycline (WHO). Following ingestion of cinnamon, contact dermatosis may flare up. Eugenol has been reported to be irritant and a weak tumor promoter. EO LD50 690 mg/kg der (CAN). Perhaps second only to some varieties of clove (up to 20% eugenol), cinnamon (to 3.8%) is a major source of eugenol.

REFERENCE

Barnes, J., Anderson, L. A., and Phillipson, J. D. 2007. Herbal Medicines Third Edition. Pharmaceutical Press. Auckland and London.

Braun, L and Cohen, M. 2010. Hebs and Natural Supplements An Evidence Based Guide 3R D Edition. Elsevier Australia. Australia.

Chevallier, A. 2018. Herbal Remedies Handbook. DK Publishing. New York.

Gladstar, R. 2012. Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs : A Beginner’s Guide. 210 MASS MoCA. Way North Adams, MA 01247 www.storey.com

Linda S-Roth. 2010. Mosby’s Handbook Of Herbs & Natural Supplements, Fourth Edition. Mosby Elsevier. USA.

Medical Economics Company, Inc. 2000. PDR for Herbal Medicines". Medical Economics Company, Inc. at Montvale, NJ 07645-1742.