Answer: cinnamon
References:
Exodus 30:23
"Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane.
Song of Solomon 4:14
Spikenard and saffron, Calamus and cinnamon, With all trees of frankincense, Myrrh and aloes, With all the chief spices.
What It Is
Cinnamon is made by removing the inner bark from the stem of the cinnamon tree and extracting the woody part. When the woody part dries it becomes cinnamon stick. The sticks are ground into cinnamon powder.
Cinnamon is mainly used for fragrance/perfume and medicine. It is also used in cooking.
Fragrance
Cinnamon has a sweet spicy calming aroma that helps reduce depression and anxiety, and also, helps to better sleep.
Medicine.
According to CNN, cinnamon has antioxidants that help with diabetes, high cholesterol, HIV, dementia, cancer, high blood pressure, amongst other conditions.
Cinnamon is also used in weight loss programs.
Cooking: Cinnamon powder can be added to cereals and fruit salads. It is also used in baking cookies, bread, pies and puddings.
There are two types of cinnamon:
a. Ceylon cinnamon which has a milder sweeter flavor. It grows in Sri Lanka. It is considered the better type and is also called true cinnamon.
b. Cassia cinnamon has the stronger flavor and odor. It grows in China and Indonesia. It is darker in color and the stick is thicker. It is also cheaper and more common.
Caution:
1. Cassia cinnamon can contain coumarin, a plant compound that can damage the liver when used in large quantity for a period of time.
2. Always consult your health professional when starting a new diet.
Disclaimer: The page does not offer medical advice, instead it offers information only.
Sign up for a Harp Appreciation Seminar Today
