Healing

Herbs

Spicy cinnamon

(Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Description

HERBS are generally thought of as being rather small loose floppy plants, but many, like this one are actually quite large, long lived trees. Cinnamon is a tropical evergreen tree that grows to a height of up to 10m. It has thick, smooth bark and leathery leaves. The bark, small white flowers and bluish berries are all fragrant.

Cultivation

THIS tree likes a very sandy soil with consistent rain and high temperatures characteristic of tropical areas. Under these conditions, they grow easily from seed, but will also grow from semi hardwood cuttings kept under mist, or root division. Since the spice comes from the inner bark which is then dried (called quills), trees grown for commercial use are kept coppiced to keep a supply of smaller stems.

Uses

THE bark is used for culinary purposes in spiced teas, desserts and in mulled wine as well as some savoury Asian and African dishes. Essential oil made from the bark, leaves and berries is used in perfumery. It blends particularly well with citrus oils. As a massage oil, it is noted for its antiseptic and warming properties. It is also used to treat nausea, but its use should be avoided during pregnancy.