Cinnamon

If you're like me, you didn't know cinnamon actually had health benefits. You'd sprinkle it on apples, into some dishes. etc., and all the while doing yourself a favor. There have been many studies about the benefits of cinnamon on the body. There are two different types of cinnamon sold; cinnamomum zeylanicum nees or cinnamomum cassia (L.) blume. The cinnamon commonly found in the grocery store is cinnamomum cassia. In my search, I found many different "dosage" suggestions. The most common is 1/4 teaspoon taken twice daily.

Benefits to cinnamon:

• cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar (cassia cinnamon)
• cinnamon can have antioxidant effects
•  cinnamon can have the ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections
• cinnamon can have an anti-clotting effect on the blood
• Those who combined cinnamon with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain. (study at Copenhagen University)
• cinnamon can inhibit bacterial growth and food spoilage
• smelling cinnamon can boost cognitive function and memory
• cinnamon can fight the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices 
• cinnamon is a source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium
• cinnamon may improve cholesterol levels

What are the risks of taking cinnamon? (webmd.com)

• Side effects. Cinnamon usually causes no side effects. Heavy use of cinnamon may irritate the mouth and lips, causing sores. In some people, it can cause an allergic reaction. Applied to the skin, it might cause redness and irritation.
• Risks. Very high quantities of cassia cinnamon may be toxic, particularly in people with liver problems. Because cinnamon may lower blood sugar, people with diabetes may need to adjust their treatment if they use cinnamon supplements. People who have cancer that’s affected by hormone levels, like breast cancer, should not take cinnamon. An ingredient in some cinnamon products, coumarin, may cause liver problems. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, cinnamon -- as a treatment -- is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using cinnamon supplements. They could interact with medicines like antibiotics, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, heart medicines, and others.