Health Benefits of Cinnamon in Respiratory Diseases

The scientific name of cinnamon is ”Cinnamomum verum” and comes from the Greek “Kinnamomon”.

Cinnamon is used as a spice and for its medicinal properties since ancient times. It is documented in China 2700 BC, in India in the Ayurvedic medicine and later in Greece and during the Roman imperium.

Cinnamon has many health benefits but here we will emphasize the benefits in respiratory diseases.

Due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, cinnamon is a good ally in fighting respiratory infections such as sinus infection, bacterial infection, bronchitis, coughing, bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis, ear infection and recurrent respiratory infections. Being a powerful anti-bacterial, cinnamon is the best remedy in stomach flu and bacterial infections, fighting against Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other strains of bacteria.

Preparations made with cinnamon oil can be used as a natural disinfectant or antimicrobial agent against Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium digitatum to prevent respiratory or local infections. Cinnamon oil can prevent tooth decay and gum disease and can be found as a component in toothpaste, mouthwashes, chewing gum, etc.

Cinnamon is also a potent virus fighter, and research studies indicate benefits in fighting HIV, herpes virus and adenovirus that causes respiratory infections. Fungal respiratory infections can also benefit from its anti-fungal property.

Cinnamon is one of the top anti-oxidants in the world, with a value of over 250 000 μmol TE/100g. It helps to reduce the formation of free radicals that causes many diseases and helps in repairing organ damages, promoting good health.

Its antibacterial and healing infections in gastrointestinal (GI) tract is not to be left aside. However since Cinnamon removes both bad and good bacteria from the GI tract you should be careful to repopulate with good bacteria by drinking probiotic or eating fermented food after taking Cinnamon for a long period of time.