🔥 Herb of the Week: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Cinnamon is a warming, stimulating herb with a long history of use for digestion, circulation, and overall vitality. Known for its sweet, spicy aroma and flavor, cinnamon has been valued across cultures as both a culinary spice and a powerful herbal ally. Its action is strong and supportive, especially when the body feels cold, stagnant, or depleted.

Working with cinnamon brings warmth and movement into the body. Whether used as a tea, decoction, or spice, this herb supports circulation, digestive fire, and a sense of inner warmth and resilience.

Botanical Snapshot

Latin Name: Cinnamomum verum
Family: Lauraceae
Common Names: Cinnamon, True Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon
Parts Used: Inner bark
Native Range: Sri Lanka and southern India

According to Plants of the World Online, Cinnamomum verum is an accepted species traditionally valued for its aromatic bark.

Energetics and Herbal Actions

Cinnamon is warming, drying, and stimulating. It increases circulation, supports digestion, and helps move stagnation.

Herbal Actions

Carminative
Circulatory stimulant
Antimicrobial
Antioxidant
Warming tonic
Astringent

Therapeutic Uses

Digestive Support

Cinnamon is commonly used to support digestion, especially when symptoms include bloating, gas, or sluggish digestion. Its warming nature helps stimulate digestive secretions and ease discomfort.

Circulatory and Warming Support

This herb has traditionally been used to improve circulation and warm the body. It is often helpful for cold hands and feet or when circulation feels sluggish.

Blood Sugar and Metabolic Support

Cinnamon has been used traditionally to support metabolic balance. It is often included in formulas designed to help stabilize blood sugar when used alongside diet and lifestyle support.

Immune and Seasonal Support

With its antimicrobial properties, cinnamon has long been used during seasonal challenges. It helps warm the body and support immune response during cold weather.

Contraindications and Safety

Use in moderation, especially internally.
Avoid large doses during pregnancy.
May be irritating to sensitive stomachs in excess.
Cassia cinnamon differs in strength and chemistry from Ceylon cinnamon.

Folklore and History

Cinnamon has been prized since ancient times and was once considered more valuable than gold.
It was used in ancient Egypt for medicine, ritual, and preservation.
In traditional systems, cinnamon symbolized warmth, vitality, and protection.
The spice has long been associated with abundance and strength.

Practical Ways to Work with Cinnamon

Tea: Simmer cinnamon bark gently for a warming decoction.
Culinary Use: Add to foods and drinks for digestive and circulatory support.
Herbal Blends: Combine with ginger, cardamom, or licorice root.
Seasonal Support: Use during cold months to support warmth and immunity.
Daily Ritual: Add a pinch to morning tea or coffee for gentle stimulation.

✨ My favorite way: a cinnamon and ginger decoction on cold mornings to warm my body and support digestion.

Cinnamon reminds us that warmth can be deeply restorative. Its stimulating yet comforting nature supports movement, vitality, and strength, helping the body reconnect with its natural rhythm.

References and Further Reading

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing.
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: Old World Plants. North Atlantic Books.
Plants of the World Online (Kew): Cinnamomum verum
Natural Medicines Therapeutic Research