How to Use Cinnamon in a Variety of Ways

Stick cinnamon is very inexpensive and can be found in most supermarket international sections. Cinnamon is most commonly used as a spice for flavoring in foods. It is used in chocolate, desserts, apple pies, cinnamon buns, and commonly in Indian cooking for curries. The spice can be sweet as well as “hot” and spicy in hard cinnamon candy. There are different varieties of cinnamon; the “true cinnamon” comes from Sri Lanka, while there are other varieties that are sold and can be used for different purposes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• cinnamon

1. Place a dash of cinnamon in a pot of brewing coffee – This will remove the bitterness of the coffee.

2. Break up and place a cinnamon stick in a pan and bring to a boil - Not only will you add humidity to the air but the scent of cinnamon is wonderful.

3. You can use the liquid from the boiled cinnamon stick (in step 2)to gargle with. Allow the liquid to cool down first and then swish in your mouth. Cinnamon acts as a natural antiseptic.

4. 
    
   teapot (Fg2)

   Brew your tea with a stick of cinnamon – Cinnamon has compounds that naturally neutralize gas and aid in digestion of food.

5. 
    
   Vacuum (Ciwi)

   Place a stick of cinnamon in your vacuum cleaner’s bag – helps reduce musty smells when vacuuming.

6. Toss a stick of cinnamon in with your cornmeal and flour containers – Cinnamon has a compound that is considered by some to be a natural insect repellent.

7. If you feel a cold coming on - cinnamon has been known (as well as some other spices) to help cure a cold – Although that has not been proven.

8. Cinnamon has a high antioxidant activity.

9. 
    
   Cappuccino with cinnamon (Fg2)

   Reportedly, cinnamon is said to have beneficial effects in the treatment of type II diabetes.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if there is no proof of some of the claims about cinnamons health benefits; it is still a very useful spice.
• As is the case for most things, cinnamon should be used in moderations since overuse may cause tender gums, and mouth ulcers.
• May cause sleepiness, depression and convulsions if used in large quantities.
• If you plan to grind your own cinnamon; it would be wise to purchase the “true cinnamon” because it is easily ground in a spice or coffee grinder. The other varieties can damage the grinders because of their toughness.

[kmphillips73]

on 4/4/2009 Thanks for the info. I love cinnamon! I had no idea it could cause sleepiness, depression and convulsions. Great article, well written!

[stjohnswood]

on 4/3/2009 Great ideas. I put cinnamon in my oatmeal. It's suppose to be good for your blood pressure.

[PABechko]

on 2/16/2009 Great stuff, cinnamon. Excellent article.