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Useful properties and uses of cinnamon tree
Description of the cinnamon tree
cinnamon tree is an unusual evergreen shrub that has cylindrical branches. Closer to the top, the branches become trihedral. Opposite oval-oblong leaves are located on interesting short petioles. Each leaf leathery plate has several main veins. The bright flowers of the plant are collected in amazing panicles of pale greenish color. They have a rather unpleasant smell. Small fruits are represented by purple berries with a single seed, the diameter of which does not exceed 1 cm.
The cinnamon tree is widely distributed in Sri Lanka. Its homeland can be called the West Indies and the Seychelles. To date, such a shrub is cultivated in tropical Asia in other zones similar in climate. For medicinal purposes, raw materials are harvested only from special cultural plantations of the cinnamon tree.
Since this plant is in great need of an abundance of groundwater, it is always planted near water bodies. The bark must be torn off in the form of peculiar grooves with special knives. After that, it should be thoroughly cleaned of the outer layer, and then dried well in the open air.
Useful properties of cinnamon tree
The main active ingredients are mucus, tannins, and a unique essential oil with a high content of cinnamaldehyde. The use of the plant in aromatherapy is due to special volatile substances. The essential oil of the tree and various extracts have been proven to be effective in the treatment of numerous colds. Moreover, the incomparable cinnamon oil is included in many warming and irritating ointments for external use.
The undoubted folk remedy are flashy drops. They are indicated for heavy menstruation. For toothache, you can use special decoctions from the plant. The incomparable alcohol extract has the necessary destructive effect on various viruses and tuberculosis bacilli. Moreover, it is also active against numerous gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Cinnamon oil has long been prescribed for trembling limbs.
The bark of this magnificent tree has a luxurious aroma and a sweetish taste with astringent spicy notes. Healing essential oil is recommended for getting rid of many problems of the gastrointestinal tract. Regular use of all kinds of medicines containing cinnamon significantly reduces glucose levels and improves the absorption of sugar. In addition, taking such natural medicines has a beneficial effect on lowering cholesterol and triglycerides in human blood.
It has been proven that cinnamon tree is excellent for stimulating the liver and perfectly increases appetite. It restores the full functioning of the gallbladder, kidneys, which significantly affects the increase in efficiency, good health and mood. Various drugs not only improve mood, but also strengthen the nervous system, helping to fight the inevitable daily stress and depression. Moreover, they boast antipyretic, diuretic, antibacterial and powerful antiseptic effects.
Application of cinnamon tree
The cinnamon tree is indicated for flatulence, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, for mild disorders of the gastrointestinal activity with spasms, as well as for insufficient secretion of important digestive juices. Such a wonderful gastric remedy has a strong smell, due to which it is often added to ordinary teas to enhance the taste and beneficial properties.
For self-preparation of tea based on cinnamon, it is recommended to pour a glass of boiling water over 1 tsp. bark. It is advisable to insist the remedy for at least 20 minutes. After that, tea can be drunk before meals, 3 cups a day. To solve problems with thrush, there are special drugs that are extremely effective in resistant forms of this unpleasant disease.
Some modern doctors advise using cinnamon wood as a fantastic tonic for fatigue and lethargy. In addition, it is indicated after the flu with asthenia. If you add it to warm wine, you can get a unique tonic drink that speeds up blood circulation. Such a remedy is considered an excellent prophylactic drug during mass epidemics. Patients with hypertension are prescribed to take cinnamon in combination with curdled milk or honey.
Since ancient times, in Chinese medicine, the cinnamon tree has been used for frigidity, impotence, pain in the knees or lower back, as well as for shortness of breath and vegetative-vascular dystonia. It is also effective for eye inflammation, heart pain, diarrhea, amenorrhea, ulcers, and dizziness. In European medicine, such a unique spice is prescribed as an antiemetic and antispasmodic. It perfectly tones and improves digestion.
When inhaling, you can add this miraculous cinnamon oil. In addition, for colds, it can be mixed with almond oil in the proportion of 2 drops of cinnamon oil per 5 ml of almond oil for rubbing the back and chest.
Cinnamon tree flowers
The flowers of the evergreen cinnamon tree are always collected in beautiful panicles. They have a greenish tint and a rather unpleasant smell. The dried flowers of the plant have an interesting club-shaped shape. Their length does not exceed 1 cm. After grinding dry raw materials, it is mixed with tree bark for medical use.
Contraindications of cinnamon tree
To date, with proper use, no side effects have been identified. However, the recommended dosages should not be exceeded when using the pure essential oil of the plant. In concentrated form, it can often irritate the skin and cause palpitations, as well as stimulate diarrhea and sweating. During pregnancy and lactation, cinnamon should be taken with great care.