AS_I_2015_01_02_

Finding mention in the Bible, cinnamon is one of the oldest

trade spices of the world. Prized for both its unique flavour

and medicinal properties, this spice does wonders for your

mind, body and soul

By Rama Ahuja

cinnamon

miracle spice

the

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NATURE’S TONIC

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NATURE’S TONIC

66 asiaSpa India January-February 2015 asiaSpa India January-February 2015 67

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his winter add a zing to

your holidays with the spicy

scent of cinnamon that

is commonly associated

with winter and with

family holiday celebrations.

Whether you sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal

or on a mug of hot chocolate, or enjoy its

fragrance in potpourri and scented candles,

there’s this unmistakable spicy warmth to it

that gives you a fuzzy warm feeling

A favourite all around the world

Cinnamon holds the distinction of being

one of the oldest spices known to mankind.

History shows that the spice has sailed a

thousand ships. It was very rare as most

of the supply and trade was controlled by

Venetians and Middle East. The Portuguese

defi ed this norm when they sailed to Ceylon

and discovered it in abundance. A favourite

of one and all; Romans used cinnamon to

make their strong, bitter wine palatable,

Greeks to season meat and vegetable dishes,

Arabs in tea, Egyptians added it to their

embalming mixturesand nearly everyone

in baked goods. The English nobility

were known to hoard the delicate Ceylon

cinnamon to fl avor breads and puddings.

Finding it’s place in the kitchen

“Cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be

used to prepare desserts as well as savory

dishes,” says Ashish Bhasin Executive Chef

at Trident, BandraKurla, Mumbai. “It can

easily be used on its own or even blended

with other spices. In Indian cuisine, it is

mostly used as a whole spice for various

curries and must be added to hot oil to

release its’ fl avour. For a stronger aroma,

one can lightly broil cinnamon and ground

the spice. It is advisable to always buy

fresh cinnamon and store it in an airtight

container. The spice is also well known for

its’ medicinal values as it behaves like a

stimulant, astringent and a carminative

thus used as an antidote for diarrhea and

stomach upsets,” he adds.

For flawless skin

• With consistent application
  this mask will lighten up marks,
  blemishes and scars. It will
  reduce fine lines and wrinkles, it
  will also help your skin to glow
  and look healthy.


• 1/2 teaspoon organic cinnamon


• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg


• 1 teaspoon raw honey


• 2 teaspoons lemon juice


• Mix together into a thick paste.
  Apply and let it sit for thirty
  minutes.

Honey face mask for

acne-prone skin

• 3 teaspoons raw honey


• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon


• Mix honey and cinnamon
  together, and apply to your
  face. Leave the mask on for
  10-30 minutes. The antibacterial
  properties of both honey
  and cinnamon are especially
  beneficial and very effective for
  acne-prone skin.

Nature's tonic-Final-Corrected.indd 66-67 02/01/15 6:54 PM