Pharmacy name: cinnamon – Cinnamomi zeylanici cortex (formerly: Cortex Cinnamomi), cinnamon oil – Cinnamomi zeylanici aetheroleum (formerly: Oleum Cinnamomi).
Botanical description. The bark supplied to pharmacies is obtained from a tree native to Sri Lanka. Cylindrical branches of it are opposite, large, oval leaves with short petioles; These leaves smell like cloves. Whitish-green, inconspicuous flowers are collected little by little in panicle-shaped inflorescences.
Collection and preparation.The bark of the cinnamon tree is obtained almost exclusively from cultivated plantations that are planted near water bodies, as this plant needs an abundance of groundwater. After several years, the trunks are cut down so that offspring form on the stumps. Two years later, these offspring are cut and freed from leaves. Then, at a distance of about 20 cm from one another, ring cuts are made in the bark and connected to each other by longitudinal cuts. The bark is torn off with special knives in the form of grooves. Then it is cleaned of the outer layer, for which it is put on a stick made of its own wood and scraped with blunt scrapers. Several of these peeled pieces are put into each other and hung out to dry. After drying, which is traditionally done outdoors in the sun, the bark is sorted and sold. Essential oil is obtained by steam distillation.
Active ingredients: essential oil with cinnamic aldehyde, which in good pharmaceutical raw materials should contain at least 1%, mucus and tannins.
Healing action and application.Although cinnamon oil may well be used as a gastric remedy, it is practically falling into disuse, apparently due to its strong odor. In medicine, it is still used sometimes, but mainly as a flavoring additive to gastric tea. The so-called cinnamon drops for easing heavy menstruation should be considered rather as a folk medicine, as well as a mixture of cinnamon oil with clove for toothache. Ailments such as a feeling of fullness, flatulence and mild disorders of the gastrointestinal activity of a spastic nature, for example due to insufficient secretion of digestive juices, are the areas of application for the bark of the cinnamon tree, as indicated by the German National Health Service on inserts for packs of medicinal plants. . Contraindications: ulcers of the stomach and intestines. Do not use during pregnancy.
- Tea from the bark of the cinnamon tree: Pour 1 teaspoon of the bark with boiling water and leave for 10 minutes. Recommended dosage: 2-3 cups every day before meals.
Use as a condiment. Cinnamon in the form of sticks or as a powder serves as a seasoning for Christmas dishes, mulled wines and burnt wines, for sweet dishes and compote. It is also used by gourmets as a seasoning for food, especially goose and duck roasts. It is added, though sparingly, to the prepared dish and thus improves its aroma and taste. If you sprinkle just a little bit of cinnamon powder on a ham, cutlets (especially lamb) or schnitzel before frying, then this seasoning manifests itself in an absolutely amazing way. Good cinnamon for boiled fish, roast pork and boiled beef. And, in addition, cinnamon is an integral part of curry, which is so beloved at the present time.
Side effects. Cases of harmful effects of the use of cinnamon bark are unknown. Pure essential oil should not be overdosed, since in concentrated form it irritates the skin and mucous membranes, can cause palpitations, profuse sweating and diarrhea.