Two of the most delicious superfoods on the planet — honey and cinnamon — may also be some of the most medicinal. Find out how this power duo can help you amp up your health.
Cinnamon has been used medicinally by Chinese and Ayurvedic practitioners for over 2,000 years to promote optimal health. (1) Honey is equally as popular, with a rich history that goes far back as ancient Rome, Egypt and Greece as an antibacterial agent. (2) The healing power of honey was known as early as 300 BC by Aristotle and Aristoxenus as a salve for the eyes and wounds. (3) [tweet_quote] Mixing honey and cinnamon boosts their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. [/tweet_quote]
There are many folk stories that say these powerful foods are medicine that can heal everything from everything from diabetes (4) to acne, and now scientific research is proving that there’s truth in the ancient folklore.
Here are the most common ways honey and cinnamon can be used to treat various conditions.
Honey and Cinnamon Health Benefits
Cinnamon is most popular as an anti-inflammatory and in treating digestive imbalances, menstrual pain and joint pain thanks to its high content of cinnamaldehyde – the anti-inflammatory compound that gives it taste and smell. (5)
Honey, also known as an anti-inflammatory, is also full of these nutrients:
- Amino acids
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
Honey is a also powerful antimicrobial, wound-healer and antioxidant. When combined, cinnamon and honey make a powerful duo that boast a wide range of health benefits. (6)
8 Amazing Benefits of Cinnamon & Honey
Alone, cinnamon and honey make very potent medicinal foods that control inflammation, fight free radicals and benefit the immune system. Looking specifically, here are some of the benefits experienced by people who mix honey and cinnamon:
Arthritis is essential inflammation of the joints, which causes pains in the muscles around the joint area. Due to it’s anti-inflammatory benefits, research shows that old bee’s honey can be effectively used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. (7)
Regularly consumed first thing in the morning, a mixture of warm water, honey and cinnamon can help improve blood glucose levels and reduce body fat. One study in particular finds that if you replace sucrose with raw honey it can help prevent weight gain, while promoting the secretion of leptin and gerdin – appetite suppressing hormones that keep us from overeating. (8) (9)
Fights Bacterial Skin Infection
Raw honey in combination with cinnamon essential oil is an incredible remedy for treating bacterial skin infections and acne. This is due to the antibacterial properties in both of these medicinal substances. (10) Manuka honey, hailing from New Zealand, is particularly great for skin infections as it contains a significantly higher antibacterial power compared to most other honey. (11)
Both cinnamon and raw honey are wonderful immune modulating medicines. Many scientific studies have found that the some 200 plus nutritional properties to raw honey strengthens the white blood cells, which help fight off harmful pathogens. Raw honey also up-regulates the detoxification system, which helps keep toxicity low and the immune system from going into overdrive as in the case of autoimmunity. (12) (13)
The antibacterial activity of cinnamon and honey is great for clearing away pathogens that can lead to sinusitis. Sinusitis is caused by bacterial biofilms, which are a sticky, filmy coating that protects bacteria clusters. Manuka honey and cinnamon are actually more effective than antibiotics in killing off this bacterial biofilm and relieving sinusitis. (14)
Treats Hair Loss
A mixture of warmed olive oil, one tablespoon of raw honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon can help halt hair loss. Studies suggest that the use of honey on the scalp can effectively treat seborrheic dermatitis. (15)
Traditional Chinese Medicine used cinnamon to promote a flow of vital energy for many centuries. Cinnamon can regulate insulin levels, resulting in improved brain activity and locomotion. (16) Again, Ceylon cinnamon is the best quality honey for achieving this result.
In combination with honey, which is pure glucose readily absorbed by the liver, you get a low-glycemic energy boost that fuels our body easily.
How To Take Cinnamon & Honey
There are many ways to consume cinnamon and honey together, but the best way is to simply mix 1 tablespoon each per cup of hot water and consume at least twice daily. You can also use a Manuka honey irrigation for sinus problems or apply as a facial mask. The options are endless!
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