Cinnamon

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), known as Twak or Dalchini in Sanskrit, is one of humanity's oldest known spices and medicines. The Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita both describe its medicinal uses extensively. In Ayurveda, Twak is classified as Deepana (digestive stimulant), Pachana (digestive), Shoolahara (pain-relieving), and Krimighna (anti-parasitic).

Two main types are used: Ceylon cinnamon (C. verum) — the "true" cinnamon with lower coumarin content and preferred for medicinal use — and Cassia cinnamon (C. cassia) — more common and higher in coumarin. For therapeutic use, Ceylon cinnamon is strongly preferred.

Cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate are the primary active compounds responsible for its remarkable metabolic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Blood Sugar: Mimics insulin and improves insulin sensitivity; reduces fasting blood glucose and HbA1c.
• Digestive: Powerful Agni-kindler; reduces bloating, gas, and nausea.
• Antimicrobial: Effective against Candida, H. pylori, E. coli, and many antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Anti-inflammatory: Cinnamaldehyde inhibits inflammatory pathways; reduces chronic inflammation markers.
• Cardiovascular: Reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; improves HDL.
• Neuroprotective: Shown to inhibit tau aggregation in Alzheimer's disease models.
• PCOS: Improves menstrual regularity and insulin resistance in PCOS.
• Circulation: Warming properties improve peripheral circulation; reduces cold extremities.

• Cinnamon Tea: 1 stick or ½ tsp powder boiled in water for 15 min daily.
• In Food/Milk: ½ tsp of powder in warm milk, oatmeal, or recipes daily.
• Cinnamon + Honey: Classic combination for digestion and blood sugar.
• Trikatu Variation: Combined with ginger and cardamom for digestive support.
• Cinnamon Capsules: 500-1000 mg of standardized extract twice daily.