Botany and Origins

Plant Description

There are many species depending on their origin: however, the two most widespread species are: Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume or C. verum Nees) and Cassia or Chinese Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia Nees or C. aromaticum Nees). These two species have virtually the same therapeutic properties. The cinnamon tree is a species of tree in the Lauraceae family. 

The Lauraceae are often aromatic plants. This family groups a large number of plants that provide important essential oils such as camphor or common plants such as the avocado tree and the laurel tree.

The Lauraceae are often aromatic plants. This family groups a large number of plants that provide important essential oils such as camphor or very common plants like the avocado tree and bay tree.

It is a tree with green and persistent leaves that grows from 10 to 15 meters high. It is mainly known for its aromatic bark which is used as a spice and in medicine but also to produce essential oils used in aromatherapy.

The leaves of the Chinese cinnamon tree are alternate, oval in shape (10 to 15 cm long by 5 cm wide), leathery, with mid- and lateral veins that are sunken. Its small white or yellowish flowers give birth to red or black fleshy berries. The cinnamon tree blooms in January and the fruit ripens 6 months later.

Geographical origin

The Chinese cinnamon tree is native to the southwest of China but is found in many tropical regions.

History

Cinnamon bark has been used as a spice and as a medicinal plant for millennia. As a spice, it was the origin of the development of trade between Asia, India, the Middle East and Europe.

Since antiquity, it has been associated with medicine: it was used for its preservation power in embalming rites and for its digestive properties.

Today, it is still one of the major plants in Chinese herbal medicine. It is still recommended for the treatment of digestive problems, fighting against general fatigue and unexplained and for fighting against weight gain.