Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Cinnamon contains substances that, in test tube studies, wake up body cells to the hormone insulin. Because insulin regulates glucose metabolism and thus controls the level of glucose in the blood, the substances may have the potential to delay or prevent adult-onset, or type 2, diabetes.

Cinnamon is a spice which has been used for thousands of years as a herbal medicine. In powder form, it can be used as a flavouring because of its sweet smell and it’s oil has been used as a herbal medicine.

The connection between diabetes and cinnamon has recently been studied scientifically. Dr Richard Anderson at the US Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland found that just half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in diabetics (c. -20%). The effects of cinnamon on diabetes can even be achieved by adding some cinnamon bark when tea is 'brewed'. Cinnamon can also reduce blood sugar in non-diabetic people.

The herb has also been used in fungal infections, stomach ulcers and some allergic reactions.