Cinnamon: More Valuable Than Gold
Once considered highly valuable and rare, cinnamon was often more expensive than gold, and was imported through long and secretive trade routes from South or Southeast Asia.
Cinnamon is the bark taken from a tree that grows primarily in tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, where the climate is warm and humid.
🌿 Cinnamon Origins
The first documented use of cinnamon is by Ancient Egyptians, around 2000 BCE or earlier, who used it in embalming practices, perfumery, and as a flavoring agent in food and wine.
Cinnamon has documented medicinal properties and health benefits, both in traditional healing systems (like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) and in modern scientific studies.
Its benefits come largely from its essential oils and bioactive compounds, especially cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and polyphenols.
☀️ Energizing Effects
Cinnamon is often described as energizing, both in traditional systems of medicine and increasingly in modern wellness contexts.
- It can have an invigorating effect due to its warming nature and ability to enhance metabolic activity.
- In Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s used to "wake up" the body, especially in cases of fatigue or coldness.
- The aroma of cinnamon is stimulating to the brain, and studies suggest it may enhance alertness, concentration, and counteract mental fatigue and boost focus.
🩸 Blood Sugar Regulation
- Cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood glucose levels.
- Especially helpful in managing Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.
- This is particular to Ceylon cinnamon.
🩺 Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant
- Contains polyphenols and other antioxidants that help reduce chronic inflammation.
- May support conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel issues.
- High in polyphenols, which protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage.
- Ranked among the top spices for antioxidant activity.
🛡️ Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties
- Effective against certain bacteria (like E. coli, Listeria) and fungi (like Candida albicans).
- Can help preserve food and may assist in oral health.
🧠 Neuroprotective Potential
- Some studies suggest cinnamon may help protect brain function and reduce markers of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, due to its ability to inhibit tau protein aggregation and support neurotransmitter balance.
🍲 Digestive Support
- Traditionally used to soothe indigestion, bloating, and nausea.
- Stimulates appetite and gastric juices.
❤️ Cardiovascular Health
- May help lower LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
- Could reduce the risk of heart disease when used consistently and moderately.
☕ The Cinnamon in Your Cauxffee
There are over 200 types of cinnamon, but most people know about the main two–Ceylon and Cassia.
Cassia is the one most commonly found in grocery stores, it's considered "false cinnamon" because it's cheaper and isn't potent for the health benefits outlined above. It can be mucilaginous when added to hot drinks (creates a slimy texture!), and has compounds that in high doses are even considered toxic.
Ceylon cinnamon is milder in taste, doesn't get goopy, and is the most liver-safe cinnamon with the most potent health benefits. It's also a lot more expensive!
As we scale Cauxffee, we're working to transition all our ingredients to be grown on family-owned, regenerative, and US-based farms, like our friends on Manadina Farm in Hawaii.
Here's a video of us learning how to harvest Ceylon cinnamon - it's actually the inner bark of a tree!
