Bulk Herbs: Cinnamon sticks - whole

There are many alternatives and supplements to pharmaceutical medicines that can be found in nature. Many of these items are found in gardens, or even kitchen cabinets. One of these health superpowers that may often be overlooked is cinnamon sticks. Most people think of cinnamon as a spice used to flavor desserts like pies and cookies, and occasionally to add a lighter note to a savory dish. But cinnamon also carries surprising health benefits. For hundreds of years, people have been using this spice to provide relief for a wide variety of ailments.

One of the most potent uses of cinnamon sticks is in treating illnesses like the common cold. Because cinnamon helps to fight bacteria, it is also highly effective in helping the body ward of germs such as E. Coli and salmonella. People who have colds, coughs and sinus ailments have often reported that taking cinnamon on a regular basis can help them to recover faster, and even help in illness prevention. Because of cinnamon's ability to fight germs and bacteria, it is a wise choice to use in treating intestinal and stomach disorders caused by germs, such as food poisoning or diarrhea. Those who suffer with digestion issues may also find cinnamon to be a source of relief.

Some studies have noted that for people who are watching their cholesterol, taking cinnamon sticks may be an effective way to help keep their cholesterol levels stable, or even help to reduce overall cholesterol. Cinnamon has also been found effective in treating arthritis, mosquito bites, toothaches, and more. Recent studies have also shown hope for using cinnamon sticks to treat more serious diseases, such as cancer. It has been reported that cinnamon may be effective in helping to prevent additional growth and spread of cancer cells in certain types of cancers.

Cinnamon can be used to treat health concerns from head to toe, and it's a form of natural medicine that is actually quite tasty and easy to incorporate into the daily diet. Cinnamon comes in two forms: ground and in sticks. It can be taken internally or even applied topically to areas of the body that need special attention. Though some people prefer to merely increase the amount of cinnamon they use in their foods to increase their intake levels, other people prefer a more direct approach. This can be accomplished by making teas and drinks that contain larger amounts of powder and cinnamon sticks and drinking them on a daily basis.

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From Our Mailbox

Greetings!
I have a great use for the cinnamon sticks I got from you! When I was canning applesauce recently, I put a whole stick in each quart of applesauce, and then processed them as usual. After a few months, we opened a jar to find a super-tasting cinnamon applesauce. I thought you might want to pass this along to others as it is apple harvest time. This would be an easy way to add delicious flavor to applesauce. Thanks for providing excellent quality products!

~Jennifer Brooks

From Our Reading and/or Experience...

• This is not like the Cinnamon you may find on a spice rack in a supermarket. This is much fresher and more effective.
• We use it very often in tea and tincture combinations. Of course, it can be used in many other types of remedies. Most often we add it to other remedies (especially tinctures) to make them taste better.
• Chewing on a few sticks after a meal is a great way to neutralize the germs that cause cavities. They also freshen your breath, and are a digestive aid. We love it!
• Cinnamon is a food and spice. Thus, we keep it in the kitchen as all other food ingredients. We add it to many dishes (hot cereals, meat dishes, deserts, stir fry, vegetables, etc.) to enhance the flavor and add nutritional value to our foods.
• Like most spices, Cinnamon is a potent flavor enhancer. Use it often, but a little goes a long way. We find ourselves adding it to more recipes everyday.
• Cinnamon can be used to benefit anyone: men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing), children and animals.
• It can be used as often as you would like, and in any way you choose.
• As is the case with most spices, Cinnamon should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place.