Honey and cinnamon have a long history as home remedies and their distinctive healing properties are some of the most thoroughly researched in the world. Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to mankind and it’s derived from the leaves and inner bark of certain tree species that are native to India, Egypt, Chine, Sri Lanka and Australia. Cinnamon contains essential oils with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Honey is produced by honeybees from plant nectar and much like cinnamon, also contains potent antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds which have been shown to reduce inflammation and stop the growth of bacteria and fungi in humans. In addition, honey has been found to contain generous amounts of amino acids, Vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc!
These two ingredients have been successfully used for medical purposes in many different cultures and ancient civilizations and have rightfully acquired a status of super foods over the centuries. For example, the combination of honey and cinnamon has been used as a medicine in both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, a system of healing founded 5000 years ago in India, and it was even referenced by Aristotle in ancient Greece.
According to Ayurvedic practices, when adequately prepared, honey and cinnamon can cure a long list of ailments, including bladder infections, colds, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, acne, and many more. This magic mixture has also been shown to accelerate weight loss and help rejuvenate aging skin and restore its health.
Although they work great when consumed individually, combining them in one sweet and spicy homemade remedy will amplify their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory healing abilities and provide an even wider range of health benefits.
Here are four common health issues that can be easily eliminated by consuming honey and cinnamon:
#1. The Common Cold
The active compounds found in both honey and cinnamon can effectively eliminate the micro-organisms characteristic to the common cold, such as E. coli, L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, or at least dramatically slow their growth. To boost your immunity and reduce the symptoms of the common cold, stir in 1 tbs. of raw honey and 1 tbs. of cinnamon into a cup of hot water and drink it while it’s hot.
Repeat twice a day or whenever needed. If you regularly drink this during the winter months, you might notice that you never get sick at all!
#2. Digestive Issues
To treat poor digestion, constipation, ulcers and acid reflux, take a spoonful of honey sprinkled with cinnamon powder before consuming a meal or prepare a honey cinnamon dressing and add it to salads or roasted potatoes. Honey has been found to have pre-biotic effects which means it improves the function of friendly gut bacteria, and it also eliminates H. pylori, a bacteria responsible for causing stomach ulcers. The unique anti-microbial properties of cinnamon also help fight bacterial infections in the digestive system.
To lose weight, drink a mixture of one tsp. of honey with half a tsp. of cinnamon powder boiled in water on an empty stomach every morning.
#3. Arthritis
While no formal studies have proved that cinnamon and honey can successfully treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in humans so far, studies performed on animals have shown that these two ingredients can significantly reduce inflammation and relieve arthritic pain. Also, one research project conducted at Copenhagen University found that a cinnamon and honey mixture taken before breakfast can provide substantial pain relief after a week of regular consumption.
To lessen the symptoms of chronic arthritis, mix 2 tbs. of honey and 1 tbs. of cinnamon powder in a cup of hot water and consume it twice a day, preferably in the morning and before going to bed. An equally efficient alternative is preparing a cup of honey and cinnamon tea and enjoying it every morning before breakfast.
#4. Skin Infections
People all over the world have been using honey and cinnamon mixtures to treat skin conditions because of their powerful antimicrobial, anti-parasitic and antioxidant capacities that help stop bacteria from getting out of hand. Acne is caused by the colonization of bacteria on the skin which can be effectively treated by applying a honey and cinnamon mixture on the skin and leaving it overnight.
This remedy will help ward off bacteria, reduce inflammation and provide a moist environment conducive to healing. Simply combine 3 tbs. of raw honey and 1 tbs. of cinnamon and apply it on acne spots as often as needed.