This popular spice is not just a kitchen staple or an important ingredient in a lot of our holiday cooking; cinnamon also packs a powerful health punch!

Cinnamon comes from a type of tree, believe it or not, and the unique smell, color and flavor is a result of the oily part. The health benefits come from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. The compounds that come from this bark, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid and cinnamate, make cinnamon one of the most beneficial spices on earth.

A little bit of cinnamon goes a long way. As wonderful as it smells, and great as it tastes in snickerdoodles, we all know overpowering with cinnamon is a mistake! But it doesn’t take much for this sweet-smelling spice to get to work and start benefiting our body’s health!

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

1. Anti-Inflammatory – The components and antioxidants in cinnamon have been shown to decrease levels of inflammation in the body. The polyphenols, especially, have been praised for their anti-inflammatory properties. Because of its ability to lower swelling and help prevent inflammation, cinnamon can also help with pain management such as muscle soreness and menstrual cramps (some good news, ladies!).

2. Regulate Blood Sugar – It’s considered one of the best foods for diabetics. Cinnamon is well known for decreasing the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream after a meal. It interferes with digestive enzymes, causing carbohydrates to take longer to break down.

3. Oral Health – Cinnamon has been shown to help kill off harmful bacteria and promote oral hygiene. One study found that cinnamon was effective at blocking the growth of a type of bacteria responsible for dental plaque, bad breath, tooth decay and cavities. Historically, it has been used as a natural remedy for issues like toothaches and mouth sores.

4. Brain Health – Our brains do A LOT for us…and they suffer from a lot of wear and tear over the years. One study showed that the compounds found in cinnamon helped to protect neurons, normalized neurotransmitter levels, and improved motor function.

5. Heart Health – Cinnamon has circulation boosting properties, making for healthy blood and heart. It was also shown to improve heart health by decreasing bad (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In studies, people who consumed a single teaspoon of cinnamon each day had lower LDL cholesterol but maintained good (HDL) cholesterol.

6. Fight Infections – Cinnamon is used in many cultures to naturally help fight harmful infections and viruses. Cinnamon has antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral properties and its essential oil contains compounds that contain powerful immune-boosting properties.

Different Kinds of Cinnamon

Yes…there is more than ONE kind of cinnamon! But what is the difference between them? Do they all have the same taste and benefits? Are there warnings that come with each one?

Cassia – Cassia cinnamon is a redish-brown color. It has a spicy yet sweet flavor and a warm aroma that’s often associated with sweet treats and baked goods. It also contains high amounts of the chemical coumarin, which, when consumed excessively, can cause liver damage.

Ceylon – Ceylon cinnamon is a tan brown color. Known as “true cinnamon”, this is the most common variety and is native to Sri Lanka. Ceylon has a more subtle flavor and much less of a kick than most other cinnamons.

Saigon – Saigon cinnamon is a specific variety of cinnamon with a stronger, more distinct flavor and unique chemical composition. It’s flavor is similar to cassia, but much stronger. Saigon is not as easily accessible as the other kinds of cinnamon and may not be found at your everyday grocery store. Saigon cinnamon also contains higher amounts of coumarin and you should use caution so as not to consume in high amounts.

Ah! The smells of Christmas! The food, the tree, the candles…and, yes, even some of the decorations. There are just some smells that we can all pretty much agree are… Christmasy!

-Nutmeg

At first it may not seem very Christmasy…but just wait:

Nutmeg: You will find some very popular Christmas foods contain this ingredient: Homemade Eggnog, a very popular Christmas drink! Cocoa! Hot Apple Cider! All of these delicious holiday drinks are great with a little sprinkle of nutmeg. Or another one of your favorite holiday desserts.

Nutmeg Essential Oil: Stick a couple drops of Nutmeg with two drops Lemongrass, three drops Cinnamon, and three drops of StressAway to create a Christmas Gingerbread smell around the house.

-Cinnamon

Who doesn’t love the smell of cinnamon during the holidays?!

Cinnamon: Don’t you like the taste of cinnamon in your holiday desserts? You know it is also good for your immune system. And this is the season to keep it going strong! Double check!

Cinnamon Essential Oil: There is a lot of yucky-ness that goes around when family and friends get together for the holidays. Enter Cinnamon! It can help fight those little bugs…and it tastes good, too! You can also pop a few drops into your diffuser to help deodorize your home and fight anything that might still be flying around there.

-Peppermint

VERY much a Christmas smell, I think! A comfort for the stomach or the nose.

Peppermint: Whether you think of the plant or the hard candy…it adds some great flavor to foods or drinks. Put some mint leaves in water or tea to aid in digestion, OR flavor your food and please your taste buds!

Peppermint Essential Oil: A very cooling oil and soothing scent, you can place a few drops in a diffuser or spray bottle to make your house smell like a candy cane, or apply it topically to soothe muscle or a tummy that has had too many sweets this holiday season.

-Myrrh

Best known for its role as one of the gifts given by the Wise Men to Baby Jesus…

Myrrh Essential Oil: This is a good one for winter skin…especially when it gets all dry, cracked and chapped this time of year. It is also known to be helpful for relaxation…’cause we could all use some of that after the excitement of these days.

-Frankincense

A resin also best known for its role as another gift given by the Wise Men to Baby Jesus…

Frankincense Essential Oil: Also a good one for the immune system and healthy skin…both well needed during the winter and holiday months. It is wonderful for the brain and helpful in improving sleep.

There are many other wonderful oils and herbs that you can use throughout the winter and holidays, but these are just a few favorites. Perhaps you learned something that you want to add to your stash for next year…or even this year.

Diffusing oils can have a dual purpose. Not only does it get your house smelling lovely during the holidays and get you all excited for all the Christmas festivities, but certain oils can also help keep you healthy and improve your mood during all the craziness and running around these days.

So, without further ado, here are some holiday favorites to pop into your diffuser and start smelling!

1. Cinnamon

Apple pie, pumpkin pie, snickerdoodles, sweet potatoes, etc. Many of our favorite holiday dishes contain cinnamon. It’s one of the top smells that remind us of Christmas and the holidays. It is also a good cleaning agent and can help support the immune system.

Caution: This is a hot oil that can cause skin or nose irritation if inhaled direction from diffuser or bottle. Also, if you want to apply this topically, avoid putting it on your skin without a carrier oil (coconut oil is a favorite carrier).

2. Pine

Smells like a Christmas tree AND can support and help the respiratory system? Great combo! This is also a good one to mix with a few drops of cinnamon or orange.

3. Orange

It may not seem like orange would be a holiday oil, but this not only can help give your immune system some support… it also mixes wonderfully with Cinnamon or Wintergreen oil for a delicious holiday blend.

4. Peppermint

I think we can all agree that peppermint is a smell that reminds us of Christmas time. This is a favorite to diffuse, not only for its wonderful smell, but also for its immune boosting and mood lifting abilities. It may also help improve respiratory issues.

5. Four Thieves Blend

This one has so many benefits! This already smells like the holidays, plus it has other great benefits… but I think that helping to  support the immune system should be right at the top of your list during Christmas and all of the related events.

6. Wintergreen

What a perfect name for the wintertime! Mix a few drops with a few drops of Orange oil for a great immune booster and a nice comfortable winter smell. OR… it can stand on its own feet, as well.

Happy diffusing and Merry Christmas!!

The days are getting shorter. The air outside feels lighter and you can almost taste cinnamon and apples on the breeze. You know what that means?…

It’s time for sweaters, boots, soup, pumpkin spice, and orange, red and yellow leaves on the trees.

Though we here in Texas may not experience all this yet (if at all), we can expect to experience many of the changes that fall brings. And we should be prepared, because not all of them are pleasant changes… you know, the ones we wait all year to experience.

Immune System Support: What to Do

• Eat foods in season – God had this great idea to have different foods grow at different times during the year! Before our modern day food processing system, people had to eat food ONLY when it was growing. So I think we should probably adhere to that practice. Food is medicine and can do wonderful things for our bodies… but only if we use it in the time that it was intended.

• Essential oils – Diffuse them into the air, apply them topically or spray them on your bed or couch. There are several oils that help keep toxins and all the nasty things at bay. Peppermint, Lemon, Rosemary and Lavender are some favorites for supporting the immune system. And Cinnamon and Clove are also great for the fall time!

• Supplements – Vitamin C and Probiotics are pretty popular and well known when it comes to supporting the immune system (and the gut). Now… Elderberry is also a great supporter of the immune system. It helps to protect the cells from damage and activate the immune response. Echinacea (aka the purple cone flower) is another one that may enhance immune system activity in the long run.

• Herbs – Plants are so useful! Echinacea and Elderberry, Ginger and Garlic... and Calendula are some of the top 10 herbs to help keep up a strong immune system defense.

• Water – Keeping hydrated, yes even when the weather is cooler, is still key to good health. It helps keep your body in good fighting condition… and it helps to flush out  the bad stuff that gets in your body.

Immune System Busters: What NOT to Do

• Stress – It’s not fun, and it’s not good for us. Unfortunately, we cannot get rid of every little bit of stress in our lives every day… but we can limit it. Unnecessary stress in a huge enemy of good health. The stress you do have control of… control it.

• Sugar – It’s sweet and we love it… TOO MUCH! We Americans consume so much sugar it breaks down our bodies natural defenses against illness, and most of the sugar we consume nowadays does nothing for us. Try substituting some organic raw honey when you get a bit of a sweet craving.

• Caffeine – A cup on coffee now and then is not a bad thing… and sometimes it can be a good thing. But if that is your biggest liquid intake it can weaken your immune system. Though it is a favorite for keeping one’s eyes open at work or school, it should not be your first line of defense.

• Processed foods – Should be taken out completely. It masquerades as something beneficial and delicious… but all it does is damage.

• Late-nighters or all-nighters – How many of us, when we are suffering from lack of sleep, are at our very best physically, emotionally or mentally? A good night’s sleep is essential for your body to be able to defend itself against everything trying to take it down. We all struggle with this, and I know it’s hard (boy do I know!). But sometimes it is best to put away your work, school or that unfinished project for the night… and go to bed. You will be more productive after a good sleep anyway.

Now I do want to point out one thing: just because you do these things, or not do these things, does not mean that you will never get sick. There is always the chance, while we are here on this earth, that we will catch something nasty. But if you take care of your body and give it the fuel it needs to defend itself… you have a better chance.

Have a happy fall, everyone! And may it be full of chilly weather, pumpkin spice and LOTS of pretty colors!