Smelling the sweet aroma of cinnamon takes me back to Thanksgiving Holidays growing up. The house would be bustling for days prepping for Thanksgiving dinner. The sweet and spicy smell of cinnamon filled the air, as it was used in sweet potato pies and sweet potato casserole. Over the past few years, I have added it to spices I use to season pork.

The Egyptians documented their use of cinnamon in a medical text around 1550 BC, Ebers Papyrus. It has also long been used in Ayurvedic Medicine, a system of traditional medicine native to India. Ayurvedic medicine uses a range of treatments including panchakarma (five actions), yoga, massage, and herbal medicine to encourage health and wellbeing.

In the practice of Ayurvedic medicine cinnamon has long been used as an antimicrobial substance to treat diseases such as diabetes, malaria, menopausal issues, headaches, digestive issues, sinus congestion, intestinal problems, gynecological issues and many more. I will introduce to you today ways to use cinnamon that you are not familiar with.

In the make-up world bronzing the cheeks is the latest thing to do to enhance your beauty. You may want to consider making a homemade bronzer to save a few bucks. Yes, cinnamon is one of the ingredients used to make a homemade bronzer. Please note, there are no measurements. Use more corn starch for a lighter color and more cocoa for a darker shade. Combine cinnamon, cocoa, cornstarch, and then add plain unscented lotion. Mix well and store in a lidded jar.

After performing tests on unpasteurized apple juice, researchers from Kansas City University were able to determine that cinnamon is effective for fighting bacteria, including salmonella and campylobacter. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the juice killed 99.5 percent of the bacteria in three days. After adding spices to raw ground beef and sausage, cinnamon with cloves and garlic was the most effective in killing E. coli.

Use cinnamon to fight off bacteria known to cause intestinal infections. Add the spice to all types of foods and beverages, including your morning coffee and smoothies. Try cinnamon tea, boil 8 ounces of water and then add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Continue to boil for 1 minute and then remove from the heat. Allow it to sit for 8-10 minutes before drinking.

Cinnamon combined with honey stimulates the scalp as well as increases hair growth. Cinnamon stimulates blood circulation in the scalp which improves the flow of nutrient-rich blood to the hair follicles. Combine a tablespoon of cinnamon and raw organic honey. After thoroughly combining, add one cup of extra-virgin olive oil to form a paste-like consistency. Parting the hair with a comb, apply a generous layer of the mixture to the scalp. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then shampoo and condition your hair as you normally do.

This is allergy season, and you may be plagued with cough and congestion, cinnamon is highly effective for reducing congestion and phlegm in the lungs. Combined with other spices, raw honey, and apple cider vinegar, a powerful potent cough and decongestant elixir is produced.

Recipe:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp. raw, organic and unfiltered apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp. filtered water
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. fresh grated ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1 tbsp. raw, organic honey
• As mall glass jar with a lid

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt the honey by placing it in a small glass bowl. Put the small bowl in a larger container filled with hot water. Do not microwave or place on stove top.
2. In the small glass jar, add the apple cider vinegar and water, then add the cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and garlic. Place the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until well combined.
3. Add the melted honey to the jar and shake to combine.
4. When ready to use, take one to two tablespoons. If used within three days, there is no need for refrigeration.

Invasion of nature’s critters has begun. Ants are appearing everywhere. Consider using cinnamon as a combatant versus a toxic, chemical-filled sprays or other chemical repellents to fight off ants. The solution is simple, just sprinkle cinnamon across and around areas you notice them invading, don’t forget cracks, and windowsills. A second option is to dip cotton balls into essential oil and place them around your home. Both options are effective.

Once a month I perform a detox bath, and cinnamon sticks are one of the ingredients included. To deal with stress, or illness, soak in a cinnamon bath. It warms the body, relieves congestion, and acts as a detox. For centuries a cinnamon bath has been used for spiritual purification in many cultural traditions. It was meant to eliminate toxins in the body, helping to cleanse, invigorate, and lift one’s mood.

Using either ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks, place three cinnamon sticks into a running bath, or place into a cheesecloth about one-quarter cup of ground cinnamon, and drop it into the water.

I love wood furniture, but the scuffs and scratches are inevitable. Rub a pinch of ground cinnamon onto the affected area, and just like that, the scratch is gone!

The older we get; our memory and cognitive function may deteriorate. Aside from the usual brain stimulation, games, and puzzles, use cinnamon. The smell of cinnamon can boost your memory and cognitive function. When learning a new language, other skill, or studying for a test, sip cinnamon tea, (recipe above), or keep a little bottle of cinnamon essential oil with you and occasionally take a good whiff!

There are many more odd uses for cinnamon, however, I found these to be the most unusual. Use some of them to improve your health, mood, and environment, without toxicity or side effects.

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings💖

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