PRIMARY USS:

Type 2 Diabetes (adult onset, insulin resistant), Pre-Diabetes, Diabetic Side Effects, Blood Sugar Control, High Cholesterol, Cataracts, Neuropathy and Retinopathy, Gastrointestinal Complaints.

PROPERTIES:

Hypoglycemic; Hypolipidemic

Digestive; Stomachic

Anti-Bacterial; Anti-Fungal

Anti-Oxidant

INDICATIONS:

Historically, cinnamon has been used for loss of appetite, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal complaints such as indigestion and dyspepsia. The spice has recently gained much attention for its potential treatment for blood sugar swings and type 2 diabetes, also knows as adult onset insulin resistant diabetes.

There are two major types of cinnamon both of which are from the bark of related trees. Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum is one. Cinnamomum cassia or Cinnamomum aromaticum is the type most commonly used as a spice. Cinnamon cassia has been more qualitatively studied, and is thought to have more blood sugar balancing and insulin-stimulating properties.

Blood sugar swings from hypo (low) to hyper (high) glycemia is a very common condition that results in energy and mood swings. Control of these swings is attained through diet and exercise regulation. Cinnamon can also help to balance such swings and help energy and mood fluctuations. It can also help prevent one from moving toward the more severe Type 2 Diabetes. Cinnamon can be used when acute as needed if such swings are rare. It can also be used long term for more chronic blood sugar swings issues to help establish balance.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It can start while still young in age. It is one of the fastest growing diseases in western civilizations. Is it thought to be caused by the over consumption of food and lack of exercise. The complications of this disease are extreme and life threatening.

In type 2 diabetes, the insulin made by the pancreas can’t get inside fat and muscle cells to produce energy. Because the cells are not getting the insulin hey need, the pancreas keeps producing more and more. Over time, abnormally high levels of insulin accumulate in the blood. These high levels of insulin can lead to many diabetes related complications such as heart disease and stroke, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, kidney disease, blindness, nervous system disease and more. Extracts of cinnamon cassia have been found to increase glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, and phosphorylation of the insulin receptor. Cinnamon is also through to aid in triggering the insulin cascade system. A 2003 study published in Diabetes Care reported that treating type 2 diabetes patients significantly lowered concentrations of glucose and also reduced the patients’ triglyceride levels and total cholesterol. No significant changes were seen in the placebo group. The study observed a continued maintenance of lower serum glucose and lipid concentrations even after the patients had stopped consuming cinnamon. In addition to improving cellular glucose metabolism, cinnamon also demonstrated antioxidant activity important for the prevention of the diabetes related complications mentioned above.

Another study found that compounds in cinnamon cassia bark, primarily cinnamaldehyde, are very effective for cataracts, neuropathy and retinopathy. It exhibited potent inhibitory activity against aldose reductase. Aldose reductase is an enzyme in the polyol pathway (sorbitol-aldose reductase pathway) hat catalyzes the reduction of glucose to sorbitol. In diabetes the increased availability of glucose in tissue that is sensitive to insulin such as the eye lens, nerve and retina tissue leads to increased formation of sorbitol. Sorbitol does not easily pass across cell membranes and a high accumulation of sorbitol within cells can lead to cataracts, neuropathy and retinopathy. In the study, cinnamaldehyde demonstrated the strongest inhibitory activity blocking aldose reductase 100%. Cinnamaldehyde has also been shown to have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and intestinal modulating effects.

Cinnamon is indicated for individuals with type 2 diabetes or in those with pre-diabetes to assist in controlling elevated glucose and lipid concentrations. Its antioxidant activity can help prevent and/or stop diabetes related complications. It is also indicated for healthy individuals who simply want to maintain normal blood sugar levels and avoid future problems.

Additionally, cinnamon can be used for gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dyspepsia, bloating and flatulence. (combine with Digest-Ease/Digest-Aid for digestive deficiency or Neutralizing Cordial for digestive excess).

CONTRA-INDICATIONS AND CAUTIONS:

Allergy to Cinnamon or Peruvian Balsam

Pregnancy

Nursing

COMPLIMENTARY FORMULAS & SINGLE HERBS:

Adren-Aid (formula to help the body to regulate sugar and energy)

B-Complex (nutritional and cardiovascular support)

Digest-Ease/Digest-Aid (if low in digestive enzymes)

Neutralizing Cordial (if digestive excess, need antacid)

Oregano Oil (powerful anti-microbial)