Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine. It is the oldest spice known to man. It had been used both as a flavoring agent and an embalming agent by the ancient Egyptians.

Cinnamon is the brown bark of the cinnamon tree, which is available in its dried tubular form known as a quill or as ground powder.

The two varieties of cinnamon, Chinese and Ceylon, have similar flavor, however the cinnamon from Ceylon is slightly sweeter and more refined.

Cinnamon contains Manganese, Iron, Calcium and fibers. It has several medicinal properties.

1. It is an anti clotting agent.
2. It has anti microbial actions.
3. It controls blood sugar.
4. It boosts the brain function by its pleasant smell.
5. It protects the colon from colon cancer.
6. It protects us from heart diseases.
7. It has a warming quality which makes it very useful in winter season.

Cinnamon can be stored in air tight glass containers in a cool, dark and dry place or in a refrigerator.