As you know we are all about where inner beauty meets outer beauty, so it’s only natural that every so often we’ll bring you a bite sized well being post providing you with simple ways that you can boost both your inner and outer beauty.

Cinnamon is another one of those centuries old remedies that our ancestors swore by and which many of us take for granted. It is considered by many to be a superfood because of its numerous health benefits, so here goes:

The buzz

Inner beauty
∗Loaded with powerful antioxidants: apparently more than most other superfoods including garlic.
∗Anti-inflammatory properties: May cut the risk of heart disease Cinnamon can improve some key risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol and blood pressure.

Stimulates blood vessels, bringing blood to the surface of the skin and giving a plumping effect (lips too!)

Outer beauty
∗ Great for treatment of Eczema
∗ Has antiseptic properties- Applying cinnamon essential oil directly to the skin can be helpful in reducing inflammation, swelling, pain, and redness.
∗ help to unclog the pores and helps fight acne – try this easy to make mask twice a week for 10-15 minutes (as with all products do a skin test first)
• Cinnamon – 1tbsp
• Raw organic honey – ¼ cup
• Nutmeg – 2 tbsp
Mix it all together and apply to the face. The honey soothes the skin and is a natural antioxidant and the Nutmeg helps to reduce inflammation and redness caused by acne as well as help to dry it out.

∗Good for preventing skin ageing and to soften and soothe dry and dead skin – good to be used as an exfoliant but the anti-oxidant properties will also soften the skin :

∗Cinnamon powder can be a very good exfoliant in combination with almond oil, olive oil or honey depending on your skin type.  Here is a recipe for a simple exfoliator: mix a teaspoon of cinnamon with one of the above to make a paste, apply to face and scrub gently, rinse thoroughly. (always do a skin test first)

∗Cinnamon essential oil can be used as a massage oil to help with arthritis and general pain.

Where does it come from?
Cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of the Cinnamomum tree. The inner bark is then extracted and the woody parts removed from it when it dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls, called cinnamon sticks. The sticks can be ground to form cinnamon powder.
The best kind to use is ‘Ceylon cinnamon’ or true cinnamon because it contains minimal levels of courmarin. Cassia cinnamon is the widely sold variety that many of us are familiar with but it contains higher levels of courmarin which can be toxic if ingested in high quantities.
How to use it
Of course you can cook with it, add it to food, or drink it as cinnamon tea with a touch of honey if needed.

As little as 1/2 of one teaspoon of cinnamon daily can have positive effects on blood sugar levels, digestion, immunity, and more. However stronger doses are also extremely beneficial for improving heart disease risk and cutting risk your for diabetes, cancer, and neuro-degenerative diseases.

Are you a regular cinnamon user? is it part of your holistic beauty and wellness regime? how do you use it?