Most of us love cinnamon and ginger in the cooler months -- in our coffee drinks, cakes, pies, and teas. Considering all the benefits from these two spices, you may want to start using them more throughout the year, even on a daily basis. Used together or separately, cinnamon and ginger can do wonders for your health.
Combining cinnamon and ginger
As you know, spring and summer are prime times for allergy symptoms to kick in, and we've probably all had at least one nasty summer cold in our lifetimes. One of the best beverages you can drink when you have chest congestion due to allergies or a cold is a tea made of cinnamon, ginger and licorice. Adding fresh ginger to the tea can boost the effects.
For head congestion, powdered ginger or cinnamon (cinnamon is stronger), or a mixture of both can help by opening sinus cavities to help clear out excess mucus. Try creating a paste by adding a small amount of water to your powder, then apply it to your face around your sinuses. Be sure to keep it away from your sensitive eye tissues. Leave on for about 10 minutes, or until it dries, then carefully wash it off, avoiding the eyes. Test it on your skin first, as it's normal to feel a slight burning sensation, and if it's too much you may want to use less powder. This will also help relieve sinus headaches.
Cinnamon
Ayurvedic tradition uses cinnamon to help:
- balance digestion
- soothe an upset stomach
- clear mucus due to cough, cold, or asthma
- relieve headaches
- promote healthy circulation and joints
- relieve abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal troubles
- reduce insulin resistance, thereby reducing blood sugar level
Other tips for cinnamon use:
- regular consumption of supplements or a daily pinch in food can help maintain glycemic levels
- a cup of cinnamon tea improves digestion, and a cup a day may help you lose a little weight
- a natural blood thinner, can help redce high blood pressure
- tooth and gum care products often contain cinnamon to help prevent cavities and bad breath
Ginger
Ginger has similar traits to cinnamon, though it's used more often for gastrointestinal issues. Try it for:
- motion/air sickness
- joint pain
- asthma and other respiratory problems
- relief from cough and sore throat
- nausea
- morning sickness
Other tips for ginger use:
- ginger tea supports digestion and detoxification, reducing bloating
- stimulating heart and circulatory system
- ginger products help your body absorb nutrients from other foods
Try our favorite ginger and cinnamon products! (Click on any of the items below.)
Himalaya Chyavanaprasha Superfood Powder
Patanjali Pachak (Digestive) Hing Goli
Dabur Red Ayurvedic Toothpaste
Organic India Tulsi Masala Chai Stress-Relieving Tea
Himalaya Koflet Lozenges, Original Menthol Flavor
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*No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.