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CINNAMON
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(Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
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Other Names
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Cassia
, Ceylon
Cinnamon, Sweet Wood.
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Description
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Cinnamon is native to Asia and the West Indies were trees reach 30 feet in
height. Collectors strip the aromatic bark from young
branches.
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Classification
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Dry
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Taste
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Pungent/Sweet
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Hot
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Humor
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Fire
é Water
ê Air
ê
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Uses/Applications
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Use Cinnamon to relieve nausea, vomiting, and mild
diarrhea. It is also used for flatulence and indigestion. Put cinnamon on a
toothache to deaden the nerve. Cinnamon also prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and vaginal yeast
infections.
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Bark
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Capsules
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Use for cold conditions affecting the kidneys and
digestion.
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Decoction
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Use for chronic diarrhea or complaints related to weak kidneys
(Qi
energy). It can also be used for cold conditions.
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Powder
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Use for colds and chills.
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Tincture
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Use for colds and chills.
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Essential Oil
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Inhalation
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Inhale the steam for coughs and respiratory irritation.
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Massage Oil
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Use for abdominal colic, stomach chills, or diarrhea.
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Twigs
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Compress
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Used to relieve arthritic or rheumatic pain.
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Decoction
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Take for colds, stomach chills, and as a circulatory
stimulant.
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Combinations
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Ginger.
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Constituents
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Volatile Oils, Tannins, Mucilage, Gums, Sugars.
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Action
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Carminative, Astringent, Aromatic, Stimulant, Anti-Spasmodic, Antiseptic, Tonic,
Uterine Stimulant.
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Food Values
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None.
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Part Used
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The bark is stripped from branches of trees older than 3
years.
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Collection
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Collected commercially.
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Preparation
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Cinnamon may be freely used in mixtures or by itself. It is usually used in powder
form.
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Bark
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Tincture
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Dilute to 5 ml. in a little hot water for colds and
chills.
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Essential Oil
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Inhalation
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Dissolve 5 drops of oil in boiling water. Inhale the steam for coughs and
respiratory irritation.
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Massage Oil
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Dilute 10 ml Cinnamon Oil in 25 ml. Almond or Sunflower
Oil.
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Growing Directions
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Cinnamon is commercially collected.
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History
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Cinnamon has been used by the Chinese for centuries. The Chinese prefer the native
variety “C cassica” and make use of both the bark and the twigs referred to as “rougui and gui
zhi.” Traditionally the bark was believed best for the torso, while the twig was
believed best for the fingers and toes.
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Additional Information
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1. In the west, the bark, sold as Cinnamon sticks, is used mostly for
digestive problems such as indigestion, general sluggishness, colic, and
diarrhea.
2. It also promotes sweating so it is good when used for
colds.
3. The essential oil is distilled from the bark and is used in many parts of
the world for a wide range of chronic infections.
4. A study by the USDA found Cinnamon reduced the amount of insulin required
by people with diabetics.
5. A German study showed Cinnamon completely suppressed the cause of moist
urinary tract infections.
6. Cinnamon is pungent and warming, so it is good for all sorts of “cold”
conditions from the common cold and stomach chills to arthritis and
rheumatism.
7. Current research has highlighted hypoglycemic properties useful in
diabetes.
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Cautions
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1. Avoid therapeutic doses of cinnamon during
pregnancy.
2. Use with care in overheated or feverish
conditions.
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Masculine
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Planet:
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Sun
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Element:
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Fire
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Deity:
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Aphrodite, Venus
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Powers:
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Healing, Psychic Powers, Protection,
Spirituality.
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Magickal Uses:
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Burn an incense to raise spiritual vibrations, aid in healing, stimulate
psychic powers, and produce protective vibrations. Cinnamon is also used is
sachets.
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