Daily Health Tip | Cinnamon
Although the thought of cinnamon may provide invigorating and flavorful aromatic qualities that come to mind - the health benefits of cinnamon are just as inviting. Both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine use cinnamon as a healing spice since ancient times. As a matter of fact, in medieval times cinnamon was more valuable than gold. Today, cinnamon is used holistically to treat the common cold, high cholesterol, balance blood sugar and aid in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients. Cinnamon also pacifies Vata and Kapha dosha - however- increases Pitta (fire/heat/agni). This is very helpful to know when used for indigestion, and other digestion issues.
There are two types of Cinnamon on the market - Cassia Cinnamon (the one found most available in grocery stores) and the Ceylon variety which imparts the health benefits, while cassia cinnamon contains large doses of the compound coumarin. Couramin can cause certain unwanted side effects, such as increased heart rate and liver and kidney problems. Plants such as parsley, celery, chamomile, and sweet clover also contain couramin. - (Tip from Madhavi Rathod)
Here are some common Ayurvedic home remedies for cinnamon provided by Madhavi Rathod - Modern Ayurveda Practioner:
- To reduce the Kapha provoking properties of rice and other carbohydrates, add cinnamon to the dish.
- For a common cold, cough or congestion, combine ½ tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp of raw, uncooked honey and take two or three times a day.
- For coughs, colds, and sore throats, boil cinnamon sticks in water and inhale the vapor.
- For a sinus headache, make a paste of ½ tsp cinnamon powder and water and apply topically.
- For diarrhea, combine ½ tsp of cinnamon powder, a pinch of nutmeg. and ½ cup yogurt and consume this combination two to three times daily.
- For lowering LDL cholesterol, take ½ tsp of cinnamon daily.
For comments, questions or concerns e-mail Taylor @ fourcornersyoga1@gmail.com
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Daily Yoga Tip | Ardha Chandrasana
Half Moon Pose, Ardha Chandrasana, is one of my favorite balancing poses. It's such a radiant and expansive pose. If balancing is tough for you in this pose try it on the wall to experience the radiance. Flex your top foot and press you heel away from your head to grow in your spine. Lift your top fingertips up towards the ceiling and drop the bottom hand to the earth. As you inhale expand more in all of these directions and take up more and more space! As you exhale concentrate on holding the shape. Inhale, expand. Exhale, concentrate.
