Old cinnamon: what it is for and how to make the tea

Old cinnamon, also known by its scientific name Miconia Albicans, is a medicinal plant popularly used to help treat arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatism, relieving pain, swelling and inflammation of the joints.

These benefits of old cinnamon occur due to the presence of flavonoids, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, α-amyrin, quercetin and rutin, which are bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties.

Old cinnamon can be found in pharmacies or health food stores in the form of an ointment or gel. Furthermore, it is also possible to find old cinnamon in the form of teas, capsules or drops. However, there are still no studies that prove the safety of using these forms of the plant and, therefore, their commercialization is not permitted in Brazil.

What is it for

Old cinnamon can be recommended for the following situations:

1. Relieves pain

Old cinnamon has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, relieving pain and reducing inflammation and swelling of the joints and, therefore, can be used to complement the treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Furthermore, old cinnamon can also help relieve muscle pain. See more tips for relieving muscle pain.

2. Improves digestion

Because it has digestive action, old cinnamon can improve digestion, relieving symptoms such as burning, poor digestion and excess gas. Check out other home remedies for poor digestion.

3. Prevents premature aging

Old cinnamon prevents premature aging, because it contains quercetin and rutin, which are flavonoids with antioxidant action that combat excess free radicals, which are responsible for the damage caused to healthy skin cells.

4. Prevented diabetes

Old cinnamon can help prevent diabetes, as it inhibits tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a protein that deregulates the action of insulin, which is the hormone responsible for balancing blood glucose levels.

5. May prevent the onset of cancer

Due to its antioxidant properties, cinnamon can prevent the emergence of some types of cancer, as it protects healthy cells against damage caused by free radicals.

However, more studies are still needed to prove the benefits of old cinnamon for cancer prevention.

Does old cinnamon make you lose weight?

Old cinnamon does not contain components that stimulate the loss of body fat or reduce hunger. Therefore, the use of this plant does not promote weight loss.

To lose weight, it is important to reduce calories in your diet, maintain a healthy diet and practice physical activity regularly. See some tips for losing weight and losing belly fat.

How to use

Old cinnamon can be used in the form of an ointment or gel. Furthermore, it is also possible to use this plant in the form of teas, capsules or drops.

However, there are still no studies that prove the safety of using teas, capsules and drops of old cinnamon and, therefore, the sale of these forms is not permitted in Brazil.

1. Old man’s cinnamon tea

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of chopped dry leaves of old cinnamon;
• 1 cup of water.

Preparation mode:

In a pan, boil the water. Remove the pan from the heat, add the old cinnamon leaves, leave, cover the pan and let it rest for 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 cups of this tea throughout the day.

The use of old cinnamon tea should only be done under the guidance of a doctor or other health professional specialized in the use of medicinal plants.

2. Old man’s cinnamon ointment or gel

After bathing, a small amount of old cinnamon ointment, or gel, should be applied to the area to be treated, using circular movements until the product is completely absorbed.

3. Old Cinnamon Capsules

The generally recommended dosage of old cinnamon in capsules is 1 capsule of 500 mg, twice a day, which should be taken after lunch and dinner.

Old cinnamon capsules should only be used under the guidance of a doctor or other healthcare professional specialized in the use of medicinal plants.

4. Old cinnamon drops

The generally recommended use for old cinnamon drops is to dilute 20 drops of this plant’s concentrate in 1 glass of water and take after meals, 2 to 3 times a day.

The use of old cinnamon drops should only be done with the recommendation of a doctor or other health professional specialized in the use of medicinal plants.

Possible side effects

There are still no studies that indicate a safe amount of old cinnamon. However, excessive intake of this plant can cause poisoning.

Who shouldn’t use

Old cinnamon should not be used by children and people allergic to this plant. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Furthermore, people with health problems or who regularly use medications should always consult their doctor before using old cinnamon.