HERB HERITAGE: CINNAMON

Dalchini is not just a spice for enhancing flavour—it is a multifaceted medicinal plant with a long history of use in both traditional Indian medicine and folk remedies. From digestive health to cardiovascular support, its healing properties are vast and well-documented. Whether used for its therapeutic effects, its ability to promote overall well-being, or its importance in rituals and beauty treatments, it is commonly known as cinnamon and is a popular spice derived from the bark of Cinnamomum verum trees.

Cinnamon continues to hold an essential place in Indian culture and medicine. It is native to Sri Lanka, Mayanmar, Malabar Coast of India, Southeast Asia, South America, and the Caribbean including the West Indies. People have been using this spice since 2000 BC in ancient Egypt, where it was more valuable than gold and was sought for religious and embalming purposes.

Dalchini is made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees, its inner bark is extracted and the woody parts are removed. When the woody part dries, it is converted in strips that curl in to rolls, known as cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon powder is formed by grinding these sticks.

Cinnamon has long been associated with vigour and spiritual awakening. It has a warm and stimulating energy that can elevate your spirits, revitalise your senses, and give you a renewed sense of enthusiasm. Incorporating cinnamon into your daily routine will help you overcome exhaustion, release sluggish energy, and boost your motivation and inspiration.

It was treasured in many ancient societies for its capacity to increase spiritual consciousness and strengthen one’s relationship with the divine. It is thought to open the third eye and crown chakras, promoting higher consciousness and spiritual growth. Cinnamon has also been utilised as a protective herb, shielding against negative energy, psychic attacks, and undesirable influences. Burning cinnamon incense or putting cinnamon powder around your sacred area can form a spiritual shield.

Cinnamon has amazing emotional healing qualities. Stress, worry, and de­spair can all be lessened by its calming and pleasant scent. The comforting aro­ma of cinnamon encourages stability, anchoring, and emotional equilibrium. Additionally, it can increase sentiments of courage, confidence, and self-accep­tance. You can promote emotional heal­ing and cultivate a peaceful inner state by incorporating cinnamon into your self-care routine or utilising it during meditation.

Its use transcends generations, and modern science continues to validate many of the age-old benefits attributed to this powerful spice. Incorporating Dalchini into daily health routines— whether in teas, curries, or as part of a skincare regimen—can contribute to a healthier and more balanced life. It has been an integral part of Ayurvedic medi­cine for centuries. Known for its warm­ing, aromatic, and healing properties, Dalchini is used to treat a wide variety of ailments, balancing the doshas and promoting overall health. Beyond its medicinal uses, Dalchini also holds deep cultural significance in India, where it plays a vital role in folk medicine and traditional practices. In Ayurveda, Dalchini is classified as Ushna (hot) in nature, and it is known for balanc­ing Kapha and Vata doshas. It is also considered to have a tridoshic effect, meaning it can be beneficial for all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—when used in the right proportions. Dalchini is prized for its ability to stimulate diges­tion, balance blood sugar, ease inflam­mation, and support overall vitality.

It is known by the following names:

In Ayurveda literature, it is known by the following synonyms—utkata, tanutvak, darusita, varanga, svadvi, tvak patra, bhrngam, kavaca, sakala, saihala, latapatra, ramapriya.

Various Ayurveda texts that men­tion Dalchini in therapeutic contexts can be listed as: Dhanvantari Nighantu, Shodhal Nighantu, Kaideva Nighantu, Bhavaprakasha, Raj Nighantu, etc.

The plant possesses medicinal prop­erties as it is antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, lowers cholesterol level in the body, gastrointestinal tract infec­tion and balancing sugar level and many more. This herb manages Vata and Pitta components of the body.

Rasa Panchak of Cinnamomum zey­lanicum (Dalchini)

• Rasa/Taste: Katu, Madhura, Tikta/ Pungent, Bitter, Sweet
• Guna /Physical Property: Laghu, Rook­sha, Tikshna/Light, Dry, Piercing
• Virya/Potency: Ushana/ Hot
• Vipaka/Metabolic Properties: Katu/ Pungent

Cinnamon has a long history as a traditional medicine for bronchitis, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes and loss of appetite. It also increases saliva­tion and improves digestive functions, as reported in Ayurveda. It is used as flavouring agent in confections, and from beverages to bakery. Oily part of cinnamon gives the flavour and distinct smell that contains the compound cin­namaldehyde, which has an antipyretic activity. The cinnamon tree’s inner bark provides higher therapeutic benefits and more essential oil than the outer bark. In cooking, cinnamon bark is used as a seasoning and flavouring agent. Its effects include being carminative, as­tringent, stimulating, and antibacte­rial. This herb’s essential oil has strong antibacterial, antifungal, and uterine stimulating properties. It is effective in preventing vomiting, easing flatulence, and controlling it.

Its essential oil that is extracted from bark fragments is used in perfumes, drugs, liquor and food. It is most com­monly used in market as an aromatic condiment and flavouring additive in the variety of cuisines, tea and traditional foods.

Some major Ayurvedic medicinal uses of Dalchini are:

• It provides relief in sore throat, influ­enza, common cold and headache.
• It is also used as an expectorant and has antitubercular activity.
• It is a natural remedy in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Also helpful in reducing cholester­ol levels and tends to strengthen heart muscles.
• It provides relief in menstrual pain.

Ayurveda uses Dalchini for manage­ment of fevers, burning disorders, thirst, blood disorders, nausea, urinary issues, various skin issues.

Recommended dosage –

Powder: 1-3 gm*

Oil: 2-5 drops*

(*or as directed by an Ayurveda phy­sician)

Some reports suggest that cinnamon also improves the health of the colon, thereby reducing the risk of colon can­cer. It is used to prevent bleeding. Cin­namon increases blood circulation in the uterus and advances tissue regeneration. It has also been traditionally utilised for toothaches, dental problems, oral micro­biota and bad breath

*The writer is an Ayurveda physi­cian, DST Woman Scientist A, AIIMS New Delhi, and founder of Pratha Ayurveda.