benefits. Cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Numerous Biblical references have cited cinnamon's potency.
The first mention of a particular spice in the Old Testament is of cinnamon where Moses is commanded to use both sweet cinnamon (Hebrew qinnāmôn) and cassia in the holy anointing oil. King Solomon refers to cinnamon in Proverbs, where the lover's bed is perfumed with myrrh, aloe and cinnamon. Again in the Song of Solomon, a song describing the beauty of his beloved, cinnamon scents her garments like the smell of Lebanon. Cinnamon was so highly prized among ancient nations that it was regarded as a gift fit for monarchs and even for a god.
The Cassia Cinnamon tree grows to 10–15 m tall, with grayish bark and hard elongated leaves and have a decidedly reddish color when young. Whole branches and small trees are harvested for cassia bark which is a much thicker and rougher texture than that of ceylon cinnamon.
Cinnamon has been used for health purposes since ancient times and is considered to be anti-diabetic,, helping to regulate blood sugar. Clinical research showed that cinnamon decreases serum glucose levels.
Cinnamon promotes heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The US Department of Agriculture researchers have reported that cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells in amimals. Research conducted at Copenhagen University in Denmark, showed that cinnamon helps relieve arthritis pain. Cinnamon extract has a positive effect on memory, increasing concentration and improving retention. Cinnamon is antibacterial, antirviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial It is a general tonic, sexual stimulant, digestive aid, and increases blood flow.