Introduction:
Did you know that cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known? It has a mention in the Bible. It was used in ancient Egypt not only as a beverage flavoring and medicine, but also as an embalming agent. It was so highly treasured that it was considered more precious than gold. Cinnamon has found a mention in the Chinese botanical medical texts, as early as 2,700 B.C.
Cinnamon’s was one of the most popular spices in medieval Europe. Due to its demand, cinnamon became one of the first commodities traded regularly between the Near East and Europe. Cinnamon is produced in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil and the Caribbean.
The oldest written reference to honey dates back to the Egyptians in 5,500 B.C. But honeybees are far older than man’s historical record, written or otherwise. Homo sapiens evolved 50,000 years ago; bees were making honey perhaps 40 million years before that.
A combination of Cinnamon and honey:
Ayurvedic and Unani physicians and Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine have been using a mixture of honey and cinnamon in treating numerous diseases for several centuries.
Arthritis
A paste of one-teaspoon cinnamon, one part honey and two parts of lukewarm water is massaged over the painful joint and it gives relief. Patients suffering from arthritis may also take 1 cup of lukewarm water mixed with 2 teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
Upset stomach
A mixture of honey with cinnamon powder cures is curative for dyspepsia, bloating and hyperacidity. It is said to have to have amazing digestive power after a heavy gastronomic extravaganza.
Toothache
It was an ancient practice in India to use a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey for relieving a toothache.
Protects against Influenza and bolsters the immune system:
Honey and cinnamon have natural anti-microbial activity against many common bacteria and mild viruses and can be used as alternatives in mild influenza.
Heart diseases
Pastes of honey and cinnamon powder may be applied on brown bread and taken for breakfast. These two ingredients have the power of reducing cholesterol levels naturally and thus help preventing coronary artery disease. It is also said to have the power of reducing arteriosclerosis, which makes arteries rigid.
Acne, eczemas and ringworm of the skin.
It is a home remedy in these conditions. Three tablespoons of honey is mixed with one tablespoon of cinnamon and turmeric powder. This is applied on the affected skin part, while going to sleep and washed off in the morning.
Weight Loss.
Drinking honey and cinnamon power boiled in a of cup water daily in the morning, half an hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping is said to induce weight loss. Ayurvedic physicians swear that this mixture prevents the absorption of fat from the gut.
Bad breath.
People of South America gargle their mouth with honey and cinnamon powder to keep their breath fresh throughout the day.
Longevity.
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age.
Fatigue.
Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert, flexible and less fatigued.
Other uses:
This mixture is said to useful in restoring deafness. It is also said to regulate the clotting process. Cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin. It has been tried in terminal cancers and it has shown promising results in research in Japan and Australia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it is considered to be a warming agent and is useful in colds and flu’s. Cinnamon is also an excellent source of trace minerals, manganese, iron, and calcium and dietary fiber.
Conclusion:
Nature has provided all the means to be healthy and free from illness. Cinnamon and honey are just two examples.
Nature is just enough; but men and women must comprehend and accept her suggestions.
-Antoinette Brown Blackwell.
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