Warming Spices such as Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg and Ginger have a long tradition of use in winter foods and drinks such as mulled wine or minced pies. The traditional use of these spices may not only be because they are delicious, but because they also contain an array of medicinal properties which can benefit our health.
Cinnamon is a spice which has been traded across the world for millennia, historically being sought after for its medicinal virtues. We now know through modern research that Cinnamon does indeed have numerous health benefits. Cinnamon contains a high level of volatile or ‘essential’ oils which provide it with its delicious smell and taste but are also one of the sources of its medicinal powers. Cinnamon can help improve our digestion and relieve wind, indigestion and nausea. Cinnamon also contains anti-microbial compounds which can help to keep stomach bugs, colds and viruses at bay. Cinnamon may help to balance our blood sugars and could be useful in the management of Type II diabetes (NB Always also consult a doctor if you suspect you may be suffering from this). Cinnamon is lovely and warming and excellent for stimulating our blood flow if we are prone to poor circulation and can also be useful for helping ease period pain.
If you think you might benefit from taking Cinnamon why not add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to your porridge every morning or simmer cinnamon bark for 5-10 minutes to make a delicious tea.

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