Cinnamon-Ceylon (Organic Chai Supplies)

Sweet cinnamon, often referred to as ‘true cinnamon’, has a more subtle, delicate, and sweet flavor than the closely related cassia cinnamon. Recent scientific studies validate many of the traditional uses of this medicinal spice, indicating its health enhancing properties.

In Ayurveda (traditional Indian system of healing) cinnamon is referred to as ‘twak’2 and believed to support the respiratory, digestive, nervous, circulatory, urinary, and reproductive systems.2 It is a highly valued and multipurpose medicinal herb. According to the Ayurvedic practitioner, Karta Khalsa, “the classic patient who can benefit from cinnamon is cold, dry, and frail.”2 Cinnamon is considered to be a warming herb that is stimulating to the circulatory system and soothing to the digestive system.2,21 The essential oil is used extensively as a flavoring for soft drinks, baked goods, sauces, confectioneries and liqueurs. It is distilled from a mixture of leaves, twigs and bark, and must be used with caution as a fragrance as it does have skin sensitizing properties.18 Cassia is the cinnamon most often used in TCM as it is native to China.