Cinnamon was one of the most common ingredients in various religious/spiritual incenses in ancient Egypt.

• botanical information
• origin
• history
• part used
• nutritional information
• preparation
• astrological correspondences
• magick correspondences and uses
• magick incense
• Goddesses and deities
• health care
• external skin care
• cautions and contraindications

botanical information:

    Botanical name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum

    Common name: cinnamon

    Use the botanical name when ordering seeds (bulbs, etc.) or when looking up information in the library. Common names vary by nation, culture, and region, and sometimes the same common name is applied to different plants.

origin:

    Origin: Sri Lanka

history:

    History: Cinnamon and cassia were imported into Egypt from China and southeast Asia by 2,000 B.C.E. Pleasant smelling scents were associated with goodness and purity.

    Around 1000 B.C.E. Arab traders who supplied the Mediterranean with cassia and cinnamon made up wild stories of their origin (supposedly in Africa) to obscure the real sources and hold onto their spice monopoly. In the first century C.E. the Roman general Pliny the Elder wrote that the Arabian tales were crafted to inflate prices.

part used:

Part Used: Dried bark in sticks, chips, or ground. Information courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbs

nutritional information:

    Cinnamon bark is an herb and herbal tea that helps nourish the kidneys.

    Cinnamon is a spice that increases sexual energy and enhances fertility.

preparation:

    Sprinkle cinnamon on French toast, oatmeal, bread, bananas, or hot chocolate.

astrological correspondences:

    Astrological planet: Sun

magickal correspondences and uses:

    Incense: Cinnamon incense corresponds with wednesday and is a good incense to burn on wednesdays.

    Incense: Cinnamon incense or herb is appropriate for burning in love spells, such as the Aphrodite New Moon love spell, Hecate black candle love spell, or Isis Full Moon love spell.

    Gender: masculine (traditional western European magickal gender)

    Western element: fire

    Magickal uses: strength and success

    Solar spells: Cinnamon (as herb or essential oil) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to solar matters (healing, illumination, magickal power, physical energy, protection, success, and putting an end to legal matters). Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. These substitutions do not apply to medical uses. See the article on the Sun for a list of herbal substitutes for cinnamon.

    Using essential oils: Essential oils are just too concentrated and too expensve to use without dilution. If you purchase pure essential oil from a source such as Mountain Rose, you will want to place just a drop or two into a neutral carrier vegetable oil or jojoba. This conservation is typical of the use of essential oils in spells and other magick. It is wise to test a bit of any essential oil on your inner wrist before use. If any irritation occurs, do not use the essential oil. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets and away from heat and light. See the article on essential oils for detailed information on how to mix and use essential oils.

    Magick food for love spells: Cinnamon is an appropriate ingredient for use in food for love spells, such as the Aphrodite New Moon love spell, Hecate black candle love spell, or Isis Full Moon love spell. See the article on foods for more information on using food magick in spells.

    Magickal substitutions: Rosemary usually may be safely substituted for any herb in magick spells and rituals. Roses may safely be substituted for any flower.

    Because cinnamon was sacred to Aphrodite and Venus it was considered to be an aphrodisiac.

Magical Uses Use in money drawing spells. Also aids in healing, esp. digestive problems. Ruling Element: Fire. spirituality and healing, cleansing. Spiritual quests, augmenting power, love, passion, success, psychic work, healing, cleansing. Used in dream pillows to increase psychic awareness and prosperity. Will stimulate and excite the passions of the male. Mix with Myrrh for a good general propose incense. Tie 3 Cinnamon sticks together with a green ribbon and hang on front door of business to bring customers. Spirituality, Success, Healing, Power, Psychic Powers, Lust Protection, Lovefont> information courtesy of

deities associated with cinnamon:

• Aphrodite (Greek Goddess)
• Bast (ancient Egyptian Goddess)
• Venus (Roman Goddess)

health care uses:

    Health Notice: Attempting to be an amateur doctor is potentially dangerous to your health. This web page is not professional medical advice. Nothing on this website should be considered as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice. Persons should seek the advice of qualified health providers. Self-medication should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. Please confirm all self-medication with your doctor or health care professional. See the article on healing for recommended healers.

    Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar, inhibits cancer cells, and is anti-inflammatory, according to research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

herbal healing:

    Cinnamon helps lower plasma glucose levels in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, according to research at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland. One-half to three teaspoons of cinnamon a day improves blood glucose, triglycerides, and fats after just 40 days.

    Cinnamon is a digestive aid that helps relieve gas and bloating.

    Cinnamon is an antibacterial agent, especially effective against bacteria such as E. coli.

    Adding cinnamon to dairy foods sometimes makes them more digestible.

external care:

    External skin care: Cinnamon in Rhonda Allison Grape Seed Parfait Mask: “The Grape Seed Parfait Mask has overall hydrating effects provide skin with valuable nutrients that assist in replacing vitamins and antioxidants that strengthen and firm the skin. Provides skin with valuable nutrients that assist in replacing vitamins and antioxidants that streghten and firm for an overall hydrating effect. With shea butter, grape seed extract, squalane. Smells heavenly with blend of orange, clove, and cinnamon. Smooth onto face and neck for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Scoop out a small amount and smooth onto face and neck evenly. Place moistened chamomile tea bags or sliced cool cucumbers on the eyes and lie down to soothing relaxing music for 15 minutes or soak in your favorite herbal bath. Rinse away with warm water and blot skin dry.” Rhonda Allison Grape Seed Parfait Mask

    External skin care: Cinnamon essential oils in Rhonda Allison Grape Seed Hydrating Serum: “All natural, nutrient-enriched hydrating antioxidant oil goes on smooth and silky. Provides the skin with powerful blend of essential vitamins and protective antioxidants. Massage a few drops into face and neck every day.” Rhonda Allison Grape Seed Hydrating Serum

cautions and contraindications:

    Non-toxic to animals: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center has determined that cinnamon “has not been reported as having systemic effects on animals or as having intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract.” —ASPCA

    Wild gathering: Avoid wild gathering. Some plants are endangered species. Please grow your own herbs in your own goddess garden (or window boxes).

See also: herbs

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