Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon Tree

Cinnamomum verum

Physical Characteristics

Cinnamomum verum is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, but also widely cultivated throughout the Tropics.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Leaves Oil Edible Uses: Drink Oil The stem bark is used as a flavouring[ 296 ]. A very well-known flavouring, it is used in curries and a wide range of sweet dishes. Essential oils, obtained from the leaves and the bark, are used as food flavourings in a range of foods including sauces and pickles, baked goods, confectionery and cola-type drinks[ 301 , 303 ]. The leaves are often used in cooking to impart a cinnamon flavour[ 301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Aphrodisiac Astringent Carminative Digestive Sedative Tonic Cinnamon bark oil is employed in a range of dental and pharmaceutical preparations[ 303 ]. Historically, cinnamon drops were regarded as a tonic, a sedative in childbirth, and a remedy for many common disorders. Cinnamon served as a breath sweetener in the past. In medieval times, cinnamon was distilled to produce cordials, ostensibly to aid in digestion. In the Orient, cinnamon and its near relatives are still widely used for local remedies, particularly for gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders and as an aphrodisiac. In the Philippines and the Pacific, it is taken to relieve headache. In Colombia, cinnamon sticks are chewed to speed parturition. In Ghana, bark of young shoots are used as a carminative and to treat catarrh (coryza), and the bark extract is an intestinal astringent. In Haiti, the essence is used as a poultice for rheumatism and is taken orally for spasms and for stomach and intestinal gas[ 303 ].

Known Hazards

None known