Energetics: Warm and Drying
Taste: Pungent and Sweet
Therapeutic Amount: 1-6 grams/day (1/2 teas – 1 tbl)
******Should not be taken in large amounts during pregnancy
There are over 100 different kinds of cinnamon trees, but two are commercially available: Cassia Cinnamon from Indonesia is Pungent and Spicy and most commonly used (meats and soups). Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka is Sweet and Lighter (desserts). In herbal medicine they are used similarly.
Cinnamon mildly thins the blood and increases circulation, bringing warmth to the hands and feet. It is also good to warm a person shivering from a cold or flu.
Cinnamon has been studied extensively and studies have shown that cinnamon (esp cassia) can dramatically decrease blood glucose and insulin levels. Research shows that taking 3 grams of cinnamon with meals improves metabolic function, thus decreasing your risk for chronic disease.
CHIA SEED PUDDING WITH CINNAMON-MAPLE SYRUP
Pudding:
1/3 C. Chia seeds Combine, let sit covered in fridge 3-5 hours or
1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk overnight. Will have a thick pudding-like consistency.
7/8 C. plain Greek yogurt
1/2 C water
Syrup:
2 Tbls butter or coconut oil Melt the butter/oil in a small saucepan. Blend in the
1 Teas. Cinnamon powder cinnamon and cardamom. Add the maple syrup and
¼ Teas. Ground cardamom stir to blend. Pour equal amounts of syrup into 4 small
¼ C Maple syrup jars or cups. Fill the cups with chia seed pudding…… the syrup will naturally layer as you add the pudding.