cinnamon
A spice obtained from the inner bark of trees of the Cinnamomum genus. There are two types of cinnamon: ceylon and cassia cinnamon.
Cassia is the most common and accessible type of cinnamon, it is known for a stronger and hotter taste. It contains Coumarin which in large doses can be toxic. Ceylon contains far less, therefore is safer if you're big cinnamon consumer and fan.
Ceylon or "true cinnamon" originates primarily from Sri Lanka and India. Ceylon is typically lighter both in colour and taste, with lower levels of both the cinnamaldehyde essential oil and the coumarin toxin. It is less common and more expensive than the cassis cinnamon.
Cinnamon has been used historically to alleviate respiratory and digestive problems for centuries. Both types of cinnamon are powerful spices, and are a proven and rich source of antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, and promotes cardiac and neurological health. It also naturally lowers blood sugar levels, and regulates hormones.
It has also been used as a perfumatory and masking agent: Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon as both a perfume and anti bacterial agent during the embalming process; Romans used it in funeral pyres to mask burning flesh; and the bible mentions its use in perfuming bedding, clothes and annointing oil.
How to incorporate cinnamon--add cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon to hot drinks like coffee, hot cocoa, tea, or even hot water and lemon. It's great on any kind of breakfast, fruit, smoothies. It's also great with curries and meats. Not to mention - stock up on chai and other cinnamon based tea!
Magical properties of cinnamon: cinnamon is a fire scent, it can bring luck, can invoke lust and be used as an aphrodisiac. You can hang cinnamon sticks to protect your space from negative energy and bad intentions. Or you can burn cinnamon sticks as a more discreet-scented smudge stick.