Cinnamomum cassia, C. Verum, (and other varieties) – Family: Lauraceae
What is Cinnamon and where is it found?
Cinnamon is the inner bark of specific types of trees. There are many different species of cinnamon, but the two most common ones are Cassia & Ceylon. Cassia looks more like thick bark, while Ceylon looks like layered paper rolled up. If you hear someone say, “true cinnamon,” they are referring to Ceylon. Ceylon cinnamon is found on a tree in Sri Lanka and Cassia is found on a tree in China.
How is cinnamon sold?
Cinnamon is bought and sold as powder, chips, sticks, and essential oil.
Cinnamon Preparations
Powder
- Culinary: Cinnamon powder can be used with food and in recipes. It is often found in sweet dishes and desserts. This is perfect because part of cinnamon’s magic is lowering blood sugar levels.
- Powder stirred into cool or room temperature water.
- Capsules. Cinnamon can be bought as capsules. This can be helpful when working with cinnamon for blood sugar and diarrhea.
Chips & Sticks
- Short infusion: Pour boiling water over chips or broken up stick. Cover and let sit for 10-20 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
- Long infusion/Cold infusion: Pour room temperature or boiling water over chips or broken up stick. Cover and let sit for a minimum of 4 hours. Strain and drink. Can reheat after straining if desired.
- Decoction: Put chips or broken up stick into a pot. Add water. Cover and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain and drink.
Contraindications
You may have heard that large quantities of cinnamon can be toxic. This is only the case with the Cassia variety. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can be toxic in high doses. If you only use cinnamon in your occasional baked treat, you have nothing to worry about when using cassia. However, if you are eating cinnamon every day, Ceylon is probably the better choice.
Cinnamon has a very helpful effect on lowering blood sugar levels. So much so, that if you have diabetes or are on medication for moderating glucose levels, your dosage may need to be changed when having cinnamon. Talk to a doctor before adding cinnamon into your life if this applies to you.
