Cinnamon (Cinamomum zeylanicacum) is one of the oldest known spices. In Europe it is above all the cinnamon that originally came from Ceylon that is best known; the Portuguese brought cinnamon from Sri Lanka to Europe at the beginning of the 16th century. Nowadays cinnamon comes mainly from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Madagascar, Mauritius and South America. The evergreen cinnamon tree from Sri Lanka is grown as a bush - the cinnamon is obtained from its inner bark. First the cork-like outer bark is removed and then the inner bark thus exposed is shaved off and rolled into tubes to dry.

In traditional herbal medicine, cinnamon was perscribed by Hippocrates as a medicine for the stomach. The etheric oil that is part of cinnamon also has a stimulating effect on the circulation of the blood.

A much more important healing effect was found, as is the case in so many instances, purely by accident. As part of a general examination of food values the scientist Richard Anderson working in the Human Nutrition Research Centre in Maryland (USA) looked at the very traditonal apple tart with a dusting of cinnamon. Predicted was a that a rise of the amount of sugar in the blood should ensue, whereas in fact sugar levels fell! Further scientific research showed that it was in fact the polyphenol MHCP (methyl-hydroxy-chalzone-polymer) that was responsible for lowering sugar levels. MHCP activates the insuline receptors and works in the cells synergetically with insulin. In addition, a lowering of cholesterol levels was noted.

People with an increased sugar level are recommended to take 2 to 4 grammes of cinnamon per day. Unfortunately, this amount of cinnamon can - because of its strong and sharp taste - be difficult to take, which is why capsules containing an extract of cinnamon can be so much more pleasant. If sugar levels are too high then it may be necessary to avoid taking in carbohydrates such as potatoes, white rice, flour and all foods containing large amounts of sugar. Vegetables and wholemeal products are much healthier and can help to control blood sugar levels.