Cinnamon (Ròu Guì) is a commonly used spice and herb derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree, primarily produced in China and Sri Lanka. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is referred to as a “warming herb” due to its spicy, sweet, and warm properties, making it suitable for treating various ailments. Here are several main effects and uses of cinnamon:
Cinnamon (Ròu Guì) Effects and Uses
1. Warming Yang and Dispelling Cold: Cinnamon is warm in nature and has excellent warming and cold-dispelling effects, making it effective for treating symptoms of coldness in the body, cold extremities, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It promotes blood circulation, enhances internal Yang energy, and improves symptoms like cold hands and feet.
2. Supplementing Fire and Assisting Yang: In TCM theory, cinnamon can assist Yang and facilitate the interaction between Yin and Yang of the heart and kidneys, providing certain therapeutic effects for symptoms of Yang deficiency such as lower back and knee weakness and sensitivity to cold.
3. Digestive Aid: Cinnamon also has the effect of relieving food stagnation, which can be used to treat symptoms like chest tightness, abdominal distension, and loss of appetite caused by food accumulation, promoting digestion and improving appetite.
4. Activating Blood and Alleviating Pain: TCM believes that cinnamon has the ability to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, and alleviate pain, commonly used for treating dysmenorrhea, chest pain, and joint pain, especially pain caused by cold and blood stasis.
5. Enhancing Immunity: Cinnamon contains natural antibacterial components that can enhance the body’s immune function, increasing resistance to various pathogens.
6. Lowering Blood Sugar and Lipids: Modern scientific research has found that cinnamon is beneficial for lowering blood sugar and lipids. Some active components in it can mimic insulin’s function, helping to lower blood sugar levels. It also helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, providing auxiliary effects in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
7. Protecting Gastrointestinal Health: Cinnamon can relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, reduce stomach pain, and promote digestion, helping to maintain gastrointestinal health.
However, despite the numerous health benefits of cinnamon, any herb or supplement should be used in moderation.
Cinnamon (Ròu Guì) Contraindications
However, not everyone is suitable for using cinnamon; there are certain contraindicated groups that need attention. Here is a general description of the contraindicated groups for cinnamon:
1. Pregnant Women: Cinnamon is spicy and warm, with strong stimulating effects that may lead to uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid consuming large amounts of cinnamon or cinnamon preparations.
2. Individuals with Oral Ulcers: Due to its warm nature, cinnamon may exacerbate the condition of those with oral ulcers, delaying healing.
3. Individuals with Heat Constitution: TCM believes that cinnamon is a warming spice. For those with a heat constitution who are prone to heat-related issues, consuming cinnamon may cause discomfort such as heat, constipation, etc.
4. Hypertensive Patients: Cinnamon contains active components like cinnamaldehyde, which may raise blood pressure. Therefore, hypertensive patients should reduce their intake of cinnamon.
5. Individuals with Hypoglycemia: Cinnamon is believed to lower blood sugar levels. If someone already has hypoglycemic symptoms, excessive intake of cinnamon may lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, causing discomfort.
6. Liver Disease Patients: Patients with liver disease have weakened liver function, and some compounds in cinnamon may impose additional burdens on the liver. Therefore, individuals with liver disease should use cinnamon cautiously.
7. Individuals on Medication: Those taking certain medications should avoid cinnamon intake, as it may interact with medications, affecting their efficacy or causing side effects. For example, cinnamon may enhance the effects of certain anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding.
8. Patients with Stomach Ulcers or Gastritis: Due to its warming nature, cinnamon may irritate the gastric mucosa, worsening stomach discomfort.
It is important to note that these contraindications do not mean that everyone should avoid cinnamon in all circumstances. For most healthy adults, moderate consumption of cinnamon is safe. However, if there are specific health conditions or any of the above symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor or professional before deciding whether to consume it.
Cinnamon (Ròu Guì) Consumption Methods
Cinnamon is made from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, which is peeled, dried, and rolled into cinnamon sticks. It has a unique sweet and fragrant flavor, commonly found in various cooking, especially in baking and desserts. Here are several methods of consuming cinnamon:
1. Baking Use: The combination of cinnamon and sugar is common in many baked goods, such as cinnamon rolls, apple pie, banana bread, and cinnamon bread. When making these delicacies, cinnamon not only adds rich aroma but also imparts a subtle spiciness to their texture.
2. Beverage Flavoring: Cinnamon sticks or powder can be used to flavor various hot drinks, such as hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and apple cider. Cinnamon sticks are often used as flavoring agents in beverages, serving both as decoration and flavor enhancement.
3. Culinary Seasoning: In Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, cinnamon is one of the main spices in many curries, meat stews, and rice dishes (such as Indian biryani). Cinnamon sticks are added before cooking, releasing sweetness and aroma during the cooking process, and are usually removed before serving.
4. Jams and Candies: Adding cinnamon can bring extra flavor layers to desserts like jams, ice creams, and candies, especially in apple sauce and orange cinnamon candies.
5. Seasoning Powder: Cinnamon powder can be mixed with other spices (such as cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves) to create various spice blends, such as five-spice powder and pumpkin spice.
6. Medicinal and Health Benefits: In traditional medicine, cinnamon is believed to warm the body and promote digestion. Modern research indicates that cinnamon may have positive effects on blood sugar management, thus earning a reputation as a health food.
In summary, cinnamon, as a multifunctional spice, can play a unique role in various cooking, enhancing the flavor of dishes while providing additional health benefits. When used in moderation, it can add a lot of color to your culinary skills.