Herbs and spices - Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of my favourite spices. You can add it to your oatmeal, spice apples before covering them with a lovely crumbly blanket, mix it into your coffee or other milky beverage or bring out the flavours of the chilli con carne.

From the Ayurvedic perspective, cinnamon has pungent (spicy), sweet and warming qualities. It helps to bring Vata and Kapha down while delicately raising Pitta, but without the risk of aggravating it.

Cinnamon can be added to both savoury and sweet dishes. So don’t hesitate and experiment a bit!

Due to its properties, cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels, protects us from certain viruses, and is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. To make things even better, cinnamon is full of antioxidants, potentially has a positive impact on the levels of cholesterol and reduces blood pressure. All you need is less than one teaspoon of cinnamon a day.

Cinnamon in the nutshell

• Pungent, sweet and warming

• Elevates Pitta and should be used cautiously by people with high Pitta and bleeding disorders

• Improves circulation

• Relieves muscle tension

• Helps to treat cough, cold and flu

• Increases digestive fire (Agni)

• Perfect for Autumn, Winter and early Spring