100 g (3.53 oz)
Echinacea angustifolia root*, Echinacea purpurea leaf*, black elderberry*, sweet orange peel*, and sweet cinnamon bark* (*organic)
100 g (3.53 oz)
Echinacea angustifolia root*, Echinacea purpurea leaf*, black elderberry*, sweet orange peel*, and sweet cinnamon bark* (*organic)
Pure organic ingredients that are completely earth-friendly.
Ethically wild harvested plants from their natural habitats.
All ingredients are non-GMO (not genetically modified).
Herbs are Kosher and everything is made with plant-based ingredients.
We use plant-based and cruelty-free ingredients and strive to be Earth-friendly.
Ingredients do not contain gluten.
Everything is handmade. We use minimal product packaging and large quantities for less waste.
We do not test on animals, nor contribute to the testing of animals.
Our herbs are lab-tested by a third-party laboratory to maintain quality and purity.
We follow the current good manufacturing practices according to law.
A blend of echinacea root and leaf, black elderberry, sweet orange peel, and sweet cinnamon bark warms the body and helps the body's natural responses to fight illness, including strengthening immunity, boosting the immune system, fighting any invading pathogens, soothing the stomach, and easing discomfort from colds, flu, and infection. It is valuable for cold, flu, respiratory infections, digestive infections, and the prevention or lowered impact of sickness. The blend of herbs contains antioxidant, anticatarrhal, diaphoretic, antipyretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory effects, antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral activities, helping symptoms of acute (short-term) infections, including common cold, flu (influenza), cough, sore throat, fever, upper and lower respiratory infections, laryngitis (infection of the voice box), sinusitis (sinus infection), tonsillitis, bronchitis (infection of airways), strep throat, pneumonia, digestive infections, food poisoning, stomach flu, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection, and bladder infection. The roots, berries leaves, peels, and berries of this particular tea requires a decoction brew.
The roots, berries, leaves, and peels of this particular tea require a decoction brew. To prepare herbal tea decoction, add water and herbs to a lidded saucepan. Bring water to a low gentle boil – light simmer of small bubbles. Continue to lightly simmer for 10 to 15 minutes and keep saucepan lidded for maximum herbal potency and retention. Remove the water from the heat and allow to rest till the simmering settles. Remove lid and strain herbs. Best served fresh. Can store in fridge for 2 to 3 days for highest potency. Teas have a stable shelf life and are packaged in a resealable air-tight bag. They should be stored in a cool dry dark location.
At the first sign of sickness, after vaccination, or after chemotherapy, brew 1 teaspoon (1 gram) herbal tea in 6 to 8 ounces (175-235 mL) water. Take 1-5 g per day, as needed. Continue everyday until 2 to 3 days after symptoms disappear. For children under 12 years but older than 2 years, brew 1⁄2 teaspoon (1⁄2 g) herbal tea in 6 ounces (175 mL) water, and take 1⁄2-3 g per day, as needed. For children under 2 years, brew 1⁄4 teaspoon (1⁄4 g) herbal tea in 4 ounces (115 mL) water then once completely cooled administer 1⁄2 teaspoon and repeat 2 to 3 times per day, as needed.
Dosage: 1 g / 1 tsp (100 doses per bag)
Daily Limit: 3-5 g
Amount per dosage | |
---|---|
Echinacea angustifolia root | 240 mg |
Echinacea purpurea leaf | 230 mg |
Black Elder berry | 200 mg |
Sweet Orange peel | 180 mg |
Sweet Cinnamon bark | 150 mg |
The recommended dose varies based on condition, sensitivity, body chemistry, and body weight. Each person will need to experiment to discover what dose works best with a specific tea. The absorption of all herbal compounds of tea varies greatly, as tea is heavily narrowed towards water-soluble constituents. Teas are used as needed. This recognizes that each person finds their constitution and condition in varying degrees, and possibly varying times of day. If you have never used the tea before, it is best to initially take only about 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended dosage, slowly increasing the dosage as needed with each use determining what dosage is best and when.
Botany. Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, is a perennial plant native to the eastern and central U.S. and southern Canada growing from the prairie states northward to Pennsylvania in open areas and meadows. Growing from a tapered root, the stout, bristly stem bears hairy, linear-lanceolate leaves tapering at both ends with the lower leaves on long petioles with the upper leaves sessile. The distinctive flower has 12 to 20 large spreading dull-purple ray florets on a round high conical disk made up of numerous purple tubular florets.
History. The western species, Echinacea angustifolia, also known as narrow-leaved purple coneflower, has been an important plant of the Indians of the Great Plains and continues to be used by them today. The plant was adopted by German pharmaceutical companies in the 1930s, which led to the eastern species, Echinacea purpurea. Throughout the U.S., Echinacea has been used extensively to treat sickness.
Constituents. Echinacea contains polysaccharides (including echinacin B); betaine; echinacin; xanthoxylin; polyacetylenes; alkylamides, mostly unsaturated isobutyl amides (including dodeca-2,4,8,10-ptetraenoic acid); resins; ; and fatty acids. The alkaloid compound that produces the tingling sensation in the mouth is xanthoxylin. Echinacea angustifolia root also contains caffeic acid esters (including echinacoside) and Echinacea purpurea herb contains cichoric acid.
Qualities. The root and leaves are earthy, mildly bitter, and sweet with an astringent, tingling, and diffusive taste and sensation.
Actions. Echinacea has many , including , , , , , and .
Our Echinacea angustifolia root and Echinacea purpurea leaf are organic, non-GMO, and Kosher. The Echinacea species is a powerful and well-known remedy for helping rid of infection and restore homeostasis to the body. Echinacea is effective against bacterial and viral attacks. Echinacea acts on various immune system pathways, including , , , , and . Echinacea is reported to be relatively safe for adults, children, and infants and Echinacea preparations are suggested for 7 to 10 days. The optimal effective dosage for adults range from 800 to 1500 mg per day, aligning with our daily recommendations of Cold & Flu Tea.
Echinacea is effective against various pathogens with the synergistic action of multiple compounds of the herb. The compound chicoric acid in Echinacea purpurea and the compound echinacoside in Echinacea angustifolia roots have shown particular antiviral effects, as well as the phenolic compounds contribute to the antibacterial activities. Echinacea purpurea has been shown to inhibit respiratory pathogens and several viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites, including Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Propionibacterium acnes, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia, Moraxella catarrhalis, Bordetella pertussis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Clostridium difficile, Candida albicans, Leishmania donovani, and Trypanosoma brucei, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are bacterial endotoxins. Echinacea has been shown to be effective against rhinoviruses, influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenoviruses, and coronaviruses. The volatile oil content of Echinacea has an antimicrobial action in the intestines. Echinacea, as an antimicrobial, is an immune system booster helping in the bodily detoxification and elimination processes. Echinacea angustifolia roots, containing echinacoside, have exhibited antibacterial activity against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause respiratory and skin infections, respectively. Research supports the use of Echinacea for helping symptoms of acute (short-term) infections, including common cold, flu (influenza), upper and lower respiratory infections, laryngitis (infection of the voice box), sinusitis (sinus infection), tonsillitis, bronchitis (infection of airways), strep throat, and COVID-19 (which can affect upper and lower respiratory tract). Preclinical and clinical studies are further recommended, however, Echinacea has been shown to be useful in combination with the broad treatment of COVID-19 because of the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory effects, antiviral and antibacterial activities, and antioxidant activities. The study concluded the herb may be beneficial for controlling symptoms, secondary infections, complications, disease progression or worsening, and fatality in COVID-19. Echinacea is also beneficial for the genital-urinary system. The therapy of the Echinacea angustifolia roots showed a reduction in the rate of growth and reproduction of Trichomonas vaginalis, and it is effective against Candida albicans infection, which is the most prevalent cause of fungal infections, including vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) and oral thrush. It is shown to be effective against inflammation of the bladder (cystitis), bladder infection, and urinary tract infection (UTI). The Tea can be therapeutically used in combination with the treatment of bladder infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), and vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis).
The herb can prevent infection and reduce the duration and severity of symptoms during infection. It allows the body to handle the infection and stimulate immune response. The herb can not only destroy pathogens directly but can boost activity of the immune system by increasing white blood cells to surround and destroy bacterial and viral invaders in the blood. This immune activity is valuable during treatment of infectious diseases and stimulating immune response after vaccination or chemotherapy. The polysaccharides of Echinacea possess immune-stimulating and antiviral properties, and the echinacoside glycosides appear to be the primary "antibiotic" in which the immune system is triggered to destroy the pathogenic cells. The white blood cells play the biggest part in fighting infection. When the immune system is triggered, lymph nodes produce white blood cells to protect from disease, as well as cleaning up fluids and removing waste materials from the body. The immune system uses white blood cells to fight infection. These white blood cells consist primarily of macrophages, B-lymphocytes (B cells), and T-lymphocytes (T cells). White blood cells move through blood and tissues throughout the body looking for foreign invaders to launch an immune attack. Macrophages, also called phagocytes, are white blood cells that swallow up and digest pathogens, plus dead or dying cells. The macrophages leave behind parts of the invading pathogen called antigens. The invading pathogen can include bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens, venom, and other various toxins, with each pathogen having unique antigens that will be recognized by T cells. The whooping cough bacterium, for example, will have different antigens on the surface than the tuberculosis bacterium. The immune system recognizes the antigens as foreign and dangerous, and then stimulates the release of antibodies. Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are protective Y-shaped proteins produced by B cells in response to invasion. Antibodies are unique to the specific antigen and combine chemically with them to eliminate them from the body. The antibodies destroy the antigen, which is then engulfed and digested by macrophages. White blood cells can also produce chemicals called antitoxins which destroy the toxins (poisons) some bacteria produce when they have invaded the body. Some bacterial diseases are not directly caused by a bacterium, but by a toxin produced by the bacterium. Tetanus, diphtheria, and scarlet fever, for example, are diseases where the bacteria secrete toxins that cause disease. T-cells create immunological memory and self-tolerance, and they recognize a familiar pathogen when the body is exposed to the same disease again. After the infection or vaccination, the immune system remembers what it learned about how to protect the body against that disease. If the body encounters the same pathogen again, the T cells recognize the familiar pathogen, B cells produce the specific antibodies to fight off infection, and the macrophages engulf the invading pathogens. The immune system keeps a record of every pathogen that it has defeated and will destroy the pathogen quickly if it enters the body again without the disease occurring. Echinacea activates macrophages, independent of any effect on T cells. The macrophages initiate the destruction of pathogens. This destruction is called phagocytosis. The herb increases phagocytosis by raising white blood cells, such as neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and B cells. Echinacea can enhance phagocytosis by 45%. It can also activate the immune system by increasing properdin levels. Properdin is a protein that activates the immune response, helps engulf and destroy pathogens, and alleviates tissue inflammation. Echinacin, an active compound in the herb, exhibits interferon-like activity that protects against virus related diseases.
Echinacea is a whole body and through its actions to restore proper function to the body and increase overall health and vitality. Alternatives were traditionally called "blood cleansers", however, if the blood truly needed cleansing a major medical emergency would be needed. By nature, the alternative action of Echinacea will aid circulation by helping the body function and support the lymphatic aspects of circulation. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the immune system. The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that work together to move lymph back into the circulatory system. It functions to protect the body from pathogens, maintain body fluid levels, and remove cellular waste. It is essentially a drainage system which transports excess fluid and metabolic waste products from interstitial spaces into the blood circulatory system. Lymphatic vessels transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, from body tissues into lymph ducts that drain into lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small oval-shaped nodes that occur in clusters throughout the body that filters lymph. They contain lymphocytes and help defend the body against infection. Much of the immune responses take place in the lymph nodes. Superficial lymph nodes are highly concentrated in the cervical (neck), axillary (arm pit), and inguinal (groin) regions. These are palpable and often used as indicators of infection because the lymph nodes become enlarged and swollen (lymphadenopathy) during infection due to the increased lymph flow into the nodes, which fluid may carry a higher amount of debris and waste. The inflammation occurs as more neutrophils and macrophages enter the node to remove debris from the lymph. In this aspect, the "blood cleansing" action can be seen in the ability of Echinacea to help the body in its own detoxing and eliminating processes of pathogens. Echinacea is stimulating on the lymphatic system and increases the ability to carry waste material and toxins away from areas of infection. The herb is especially valued for infections of the respiratory system. Echinacea is an that helps remove excess mucus in the upper and lower respiratory systems, which can accumulate and be caused by laryngitis, tonsillitis, common cold, strep throat, and other catarrhal conditions. The phenolic compounds of the herb have been shown to have free-radical scavenging and antioxidant activity, as well as augmenting endogenous (body-made) antioxidants. Echinacea purpurea enhances tolerance against stress and improves antioxidant activity in different tissues of the heart, brain, intestine, liver, stomach, kidney, pancreas, and blood, which may aid in the protective and adaptive responses against infections in the body. Because of the support in the body's cleansing and elimination processes, this can be helpful indirectly through the skin. Echinacea has shown beneficial for skin conditions and to stimulate wound healing, and blood clotting. The herb, in combination with external therapy with First Aid Salve or Dry & Itchy Salve, can be helpful for boils, carbuncles, abscesses, cellulitis, and other skin infections.
Safety Considerations. Echinacea may cause allergic reactions to those sensitive to plants in the family.
Botany. Black elder, also called European Black Elder, is native to Europe and takes the form of a shrub or small tree growing 10 to 30 feet in moist shady places. The bark is light brown near the base of the stem and gray-white higher up that is somewhat torn and stippled with warts. The leaves are dark green, opposite, odd-pinnate with ovate, pointed, finely serrate leaflets. In June and July it blooms flat-topped cymes of creamy-white fragrant flowers that develop into berries that turn from green through red-brown to shiny purplish-black in large drooping bunches.
History. Elder has an ancient history being used by Hippocrates, referring to the herb as a "medicine chest" because of its versatility, and by Dioscorides and Galen. Elder has been a favorable remedy of European tradition. It is mentioned in the old European herbal by John Gerard in the sixteenth century. It has been used extensively to treat the flu and infection throughout the world.
Constituents. Compounds of elderberry include triterpenes (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, α- and β-amyrin, sterols), fixed oils (fatty acids, mainly linoleic, linolenic, and palmitic acids), phenolic compounds (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and anthocyanin), and carbohydrates (dietary fiber, pectin, pectic acid, glucose, fructose). The anthocyanins are responsible for their deep purple-black coloring.
Qualities. The herb is tarty and earthy and useful for congested and ailing states.
Actions. The elderberry is a very potent , , , , , , and .
Our Black Elder berries, Sambucus nigra, are organic, non-GMO, and Kosher. The elderberries are fully ripened and heat-treated during the decoction process to create a quality potent tea, as the berries, along with Echinacea roots, extend their benefits when heated. Both in traditional herbalism and modern science, the herb has been used to treat influenza, colds, and respiratory infections. Elderberry has powerful antioxidants that contributes to the other actions of the herb. Because of many environmental, lifestyle, and pathological situations, excess free radicals can accumulate, resulting in oxidative stress that damages cells. Oxidative stress has been related to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Research suggests that antioxidants reduce damage to oxidative stress to the body by preventing or delaying cell damage. Particularly, elderberry has antioxidant flavonoids: quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and anthocyanin. The pigment-providing anthocyanin compounds contribute to the dark black-purple color of the berry and contribute to the strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of elderberry. Elderberry has been found to have 31 different anthocyanin compounds.
Black elderberry has shown to have antiviral properties. In one study, elderberry extract was investigated for treating influenza A and B infections with 60 patients who were beginning to experience flu-like symptoms. The patients were given elderberry extract or a placebo 4 times per day for 5 days. The patients who were given elderberry were relieved of their flu symptoms on average 4 days earlier compared with those that were given the placebo. Another study showed the use of elderberry was shown to be effective against 10 strains of the influenza virus, reduced the duration of flu symptoms to 3 to 4 days, showed a higher antibody level to the influenza virus, and activated the healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production. Inflammatory cytokines initiate the body's natural inflammatory response to regulate against pathogens that enter the body. These pro-inflammatory molecules play a role in the immune response. Normally, there is a balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The study concluded that elderberry would be beneficial to the immune system activation and in the inflammatory process in heathy individuals or those with various diseases having "immunoprotective or immunostimulatory effect when administered to cancer or AIDS patients, in conjunction with chemotherapeutic or other treatments." The herb appears to strengthen cell membranes to prevent virus penetration by inhibiting the viral enzyme that weakens cells. Elderberry’s powerful immune support and ability to fight infection quickly make it valuable for cold, flu, respiratory infections, and prevention or lowered impact of sickness. Though immunity and immune response is increased, elderberry is anti-inflammatory, particularly helpful for any inflammation of the upper respiratory system. Elderberry can be part of treatment for respiratory infections, including hay fever (allergic reaction to pollen levels), sinusitis, bronchitis, and strep throat.
Elderberry, as an anticatarrhal herb, helps the body remove excess mucus, whether in sinuses or in other parts of the body. Anticatarrhal herbs have a beneficial impact on upper and lower respiratory systems. Mucus is an essential body product. In response to infection or some other problem, the body may produce higher quantities in order to remove and expel the problematic organism or wastes eliminating them from the body. Anticatarrhal herbs benefit ear, nose, and throat infections. In the same eliminating way, elderberry has diuretic, diaphoretic, and expectorant actions. These actions play a role in treating sickness and helping the body eliminate illness and infection. As a diuretic, elderberry eliminates waste in the body and supports the whole process of inner cleansing by increasing blood flow in the kidneys. More blood flow in the kidneys means more urine is produced, which helps flush bodily systems. Caffeine-containing herbs, such as black tea or coffee, have this stimulating diuretic effect. As a diaphoretic, elderberry induces perspiration that can be helpful for balancing body temperature during fever Elderberry is an expectorant, which accelerates the elimination of bronchial mucus secretions from the bronchi and trachea. Specifically, elderberry is an amphoteric remedy working either as a stimulating expectorant or a relaxing expectorant, according to the body’s need. It reacts in a way the body needs acting either as an alkali or acid – stimulating expulsion of mucus or relaxing and soothing bronchial spasm (coughing) and loosening mucus. Garlic is another amphoteric remedy and is in our Fire Tincture, also beneficial during cold, flu, and infection. By supporting respiration, important for whole body health and function, elderberry may help the skin in a broad holistic way through these cleansing actions.
Safety Considerations. Elderberry should be heated in a decoction brew before consuming.
Botany. Orange is a small tree with greyish-brown bark and branches that spread into a fairly regular hemisphere with oval alternate glossy leaves. White fragrant blossoms with thick petals that curl back bloom in May. Orange blossoms are Florida's state flower. The fruit is earth-shaped and bright orange and they are harvested typically after the first frost of the cold season.
History. Orange peel has been long used in herbal medicine. Sweet orange is a hybrid plant, indicated by the "x" in the botanical name, cross-pollinated from the mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) and the pomelo (Citrus maxima). When this was done is not fully known, however, its name means "from China" and likely refers to where it was originally grown and used. Local Florida settlements have agricultural and economic roots in growing oranges and our state is still a major national producer today.
Constituents. Orange peel contains micronutrients (vitamin C), phenolic compounds, and volatile oils. Octyl acetate is a volatile compound contributing to the aroma and taste of oranges.
Qualities. It is sweet, sour, pungent, and invigorating. It is warming and stimulating on the stomach.
Actions. Orange peel contains and immunity action.
Our sweet orange peel, Citrus x sinensis, is organic, non-GMO, Kosher. Orange peel contains an abundance of valuable compounds, which makes extracting from the peel favorable and increases the benefits of the whole fruit. The pores in the peel contain a significant amount of the volatile oil. In one study, the phenolic composition, vitamin C content, and antioxidant activity of the peel of orange were higher than the pulp. The study concluded that the peels are considered good sources of phenolic compounds with excellent radical scavenging properties. The sweet orange peel contains 83.3 mg of total flavonoids per gram. The invigorating properties promotes increased appetite and digestion and the warming stimulating qualities help the body's cells nourish with water and nutrients.
Botany. Cinnamon is a small tree native to the Maluku Islands, formerly called the Spice Islands, known for their spice trade. Sweet cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum, is also referred to as true cinnamon, Sri Lanka cinnamon, and Ceylon cinnamon. It grows in Sri Lanka and southern parts of India. This cinnamon is of major economic importance to the country and the cultivation is mainly in the hands of smallholders, providing livelihoods for approximately 350,000 families in Sri Lanka. Cassia cinnamon, Cinnamomum aromaticum, and other types are grown in China and other parts of Asia. Sri Lanka cinnamon is sought after more because of the chemical composition, high quality, proven health benefits, and ultra-low levels of the chemical compound, coumarin, which is reported in comparatively high toxic concentrations in Cassia cinnamon. This allows easy medicinal use of Sri Lanka cinnamon compared to Cassia cinnamon as higher amounts can be taken, which includes the other beneficial compounds. Sweet cinnamon is tan-brown in color and has a papery, brittle consistency and is easily crushed or powdered. Cassia bark is thick, hard, and dark brown in color. Sweet cinnamon is spicy and sweet and Cassia cinnamon is bitter.
History. Cinnamon has been used by humans since ancient times. It was used in the embalming process in ancient Egypt and the Bible contains several references. It is used in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) to warm the stomach and liver, strengthening them for digestion, drying up the extra moisture from the stomach, attenuating phlegm, and cleaning it from waste materials.
Constituents. Cinnamon bark contains many beneficial compounds, including: cinnamaldehyde, methyl cinnamate, cinnamyl acetate, procyanidin-A, cinnamyl alcohol, linalool, β-caryophyllene, phenylpropanoids (medioresinol and crytamygin), and phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, gallic acid, and eugenol). The presence of cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon gives the sweet taste.
Qualities. The aroma and flavor is delicate but complex. The bark is spicy, pungent, and has a sweet aftertaste. It is warming and stimulating, which can be helpful for tired and weak states that would respond well to warmth and opened peripheral blood supply.
Actions. The aromatic bark has , , , , , antiproliferative, , , , anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-obstructive/opener, anti-atherosclerotic, , , and warming properties.
Our sweet cinnamon bark, Cinnamomum verum, is organic, non-GMO, and Kosher. Sweet cinnamon is also called true cinnamon, Sri Lanka cinnamon, and Ceylon cinnamon, and the old botanical was Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Sweet cinnamon has many therapeutic and preventive properties against common diseases and disorders. Research shows the many benefits of the bark, including lowering of blood glucose, blood pressure control, lowering of serum cholesterol, antimicrobial activity, antiparasitic activity, antioxidative properties and related free radical scavenging action, therapeutic effects for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), prevention of aggregates and filament formation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), gastritis and antigastric ulcer effects, inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, hepatoprotective effects. A systematic review of scientific knowledge of true cinnamon verified the anti-inflammatory properties, anti-microbial activity, reducing cardiovascular disease, and boosting cognitive function. Nanoparticles of cinnamon can remain in the bloodstream for a long period, facilitating bioavailability and absorbency, and enhancing therapy of the herb throughout the bloodstream.
Cinnamon bark has shown powerful antioxidant activities. An antioxidant is a type of compound that helps the body fight stress and prevents oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction in the body that can produce free radicals and chain reactions. Free radicals are formed in the body when exposed to waste products, bacteria, viruses, UV light, pollution, and environmental toxins, and they can damage cells in the body. Because of many environmental, lifestyle, and pathological situations, excess free radicals can accumulate, resulting in oxidative stress that damages cells. Oxidative stress has been related to sickness, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Research suggests that antioxidants reduce damage to oxidative stress to the body by preventing or delaying cell damage. Antioxidants are able to neutralize free radicals and end the destructive chain reactions that they cause. Polyphenolic compounds found in cinnamon carry antioxidant properties. In human beings, antioxidants can protect cells against the damage caused by reactive oxygen species and free transition metal ions, which damage structural and functional compounds in cells causing various health problems. When compared to synthetic antioxidants, natural antioxidants that come from plants are superior in terms of disease prevention, health promotion, and improved safety. It was shown that cinnamon bark inhibited the oxidative process. Cinnamon bark is a very potent in free radical scavenging activity especially against DPPH radicals and ABTS radical cations, while the hydroxyl and superoxide radicals were also scavenged. The oleoresins of cinnamon have shown inhibition of lipid oxidation activity. Further, some research found that cinnamon bark supplementation could improve the antioxidant status and serum lipid profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and could be used for reducing PCOS risk factors. A clinical study analyzed blood samples for biomarkers of oxidative stress, including Lipid Peroxidation Level (LPO), Total Antioxidant Power (TAP), and Total Thiol Molecules (TTM), and afterward participants that were treated with 100 mg of cinnamon bark in tea for 10 days had significant antioxidant effect in the reduction of lipid peroxidation and increasing TAP and TTM, in comparison with the non-treated control participants.The antioxidant effects are extended to other actions and benefits of the herb, indicating the synergistic action of all compounds of the herb.
Cinnamon is full of beneficial volatile oils, like various aromatic and flavorful terpenes. Carminative herbs, like cinnamon, can ease discomfort and pain caused by flatulence due to the volatile oil content. The terpene oils have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions on the lining and muscle of the digestive tract. As a warming astringent to the digestive system, the herb can alleviate nausea, looseness of bowels, diarrhea, griping pains, and abdominal cramping. Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid are said to be cardio-protective due to their ability to produce nitric oxide, as well as the associated anti-inflammatory property. Its vasorelaxation effect has also been attributed the cinnamaldehyde component. The bark has been shown to be a potential agent. A systemic review done of 3 studies have suggested that cinnamon can cause a significant fall in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, though the precise mechanism of action of the herb is unknown. Cinnamon was shown to boost collagen biosynthesis. Collagen is the primary building block of skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Cinnamaldehyde was the major active component promoting the expression of collagen, with it up-regulating both mRNA and protein expression levels of type I collagen without cytotoxicity.
Cinnamon is powerful for common cold, flu, and infection and aiding in the recovery of sickness. It shows influence over several microorganisms associated with several infectious diseases, including gastroenteritis (commonly known as stomach flu), strep throat, Candida (commonly known as oral thrush), common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, and other respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. There is much pharmacological evidence on the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, organ-o-protective and anti-depressant effects of cinnamon involved in contributing towards the treatment of this complicated disease. The compounds, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and eugenol, are responsible for the antimicrobial properties of cinnamon. Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid may damage cell membranes, alter lipid profiles, and inhibit enzymatic activities, reproduction, and biofilm formation of various pathogenic microorganisms. A systematic review analyzed 30 studies evaluating the antimicrobial activity, showing action against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The variety of bacteria that have succumb to cinnamon are Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter lwoffii, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus coaguiaris, Bacillus subtilis, Brucella melitensis, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus Influenza, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumonia, Listeria ivanovii, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus albus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Yersinia enterocolitica. It has been shown effective against rotavirus. Cinnamon gum containing cinnamic aldehyde and natural flavors showed a short-term effect against anaerobic bacteria (salivary anaerobes) after 20 minutes of chewing the gum, which could be useful between brushings and to alleviate bad breath. It has been show effective against the fungi, Aspergillus fiavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nididans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Crytococcus neoformans, Epidermophyton floccosum, Hisioplasma capsulatum, Malassezia furfur, Microsporum audouini, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagraphytes, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton tonsurans. The bark has showed significant improvement on oral candidiasis (oral thrush) caused by Candida.
COVID-19 is a complicated infectious disease with several aspects. Therefore, in its treatment, it is better to use therapies that combat it in several ways. Cinnamon can be recommended against the viral SARS-CoV-2 infection, due to the herb's multi-targeting properties. Several pharmacological studies confirm these effects. A study's findings suggest cinnamon as an anti-viral medicine for treating SARS-CoV-2 and similar respiratory diseases. The phenolic compounds of cinnamon inhibit virus proliferation through targeting essential proteins including SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SARS-CoV-2 Spro), human angiotensin−converting enzyme (hACE2), SARS-CoV-2 main protease (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro), SARS-CoV-2 endoribonuclease (SARS-CoV-2 Nsp15), SARS-CoV-2 ADP-ribose-1"-phosphatase (SARS-CoV-2 ADRP), SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (SARS-CoV-2 RdRp). Inflammation plays a key role in the occurrence of complications and organ damages of the coronavirus. Innate and adaptive immune responses result in the release of significant amounts of inflammatory cytokines. This causes severe inflammation, called a "cytokine storm." Potentially complicating symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, diarrhea and respiratory obstruction and inflammation, can be caused by elevated cytokines. Studies show that cinnamon and its phytochemicals, including cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, cinnamic acid, and polyphenol fractions, have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the expression of cytokines. It was found the anti-inflammatory effect was the combination of compounds of the herb and their whole synergistic action. In COVID-19 disease, several cytokines are involved in the natural inflammatory response, and inhibiting a number of inflammatory cytokines together may be more effective than concentrating on one alone. Cinnamon, with its various anti-inflammatory effects, can potentially reduce mucus congestion and obstruction. As a mucolytic, the herb exerts their effect on the mucus layer lining the respiratory tract with the motive of enhancing clearance of the obstructing mucus. The mucolytic potential of type-A procyanidin polyphenols and eucalyptol (1, 8-cineole) compounds of cinnamon have previously been studied in obstructive diseases. COVID-19 is a viral disease with excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which play a critical role in cytokine release in inflammation diseases. With the antioxidant activities of the herb, it has been shown to have protective effects against oxidative injury and restore the activities of antioxidative enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Acute myocardial injury, heart failure, myocarditis, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest are cardiovascular complications, which SARS-CoV-2 may cause. The sign of myocardial damage is the increase in cardiac troponin levels. A study reported the cardioprotective effect of cinnamon that improved activity of antioxidant enzymes, including serum CAT, SOD, GPx 5 days after reperfusion. In addition, the elevation of myocardial injury markers, cardiac troponin I, lactate dehydrogenase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) was prevented. Liver and kidney abnormalities have been observed in patients with severe COVID-19. Elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), proteinuria, and hematuria, a mild reduction in serum albumin, and mild elevation in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are reported in those infected with COVID-19. Liver injury may be related to inflammatory responses, direct viral cytotoxicity, anoxia, or drug-induced damage in SARS-CoV-2. The protective effect on the kidneys with cinnamon was indicated by decreased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose and increased serum albumin and total protein. Those infected have been shown to exhibit psychological symptoms, including anxiety, fear, distress, depression, and stress-related complication. Psychological, social interventions, and the use of plants can help to improve mental health problems. The anti-depressant effect of cinnamon might be due to its powerful antioxidant effect. The elevation of the various cytokines are contributed to depression-like symptoms. The compound β-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene in cinnamon, decreases the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and increases CB2 receptor expression in hippocampal tissue. In this way, it exerts anti-depressant effects through inflammatory response suppression.
The management of the glycemic index in a diabetic is one of the foremost challenges confronted by the physicians in daily practice. Precise control of not only the blood glucose levels, but also the lipid profile and blood pressure play a role in preventing complications in diabetes. Due to its abundant pleiotropic effects, true cinnamon has shown to regulate the glucose levels in the body. A meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials established that cinnamon, when taken in a dose of 120 mg to 6 g per day for approximately 4 months leads to a statistical decrease in levels of fasting plasma glucose along with an improvement in the lipid profile. Various hypothesis have been made as to how the herb is anti-diabetic, Cinnamon has been said to have an insulin mimetic and insulin sensitizing action. There is an increase expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) α and γ which can contribute to its role in insulin resistance. Its effect on PPAR γ is analogous with that of the thiazolidinedione in type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon contains phytochemicals which boost the brains ability to utilize glucose. This has even been illustrated by the decrease in markers of oxidative stress like malondialdehyde (MDA). The herb's ability to improve insulin resistance also limits the Alzheimer induced changes in the brain, as well as modulates the brain insulin signaling.
The effects of sweet cinnamon on neurological diseases have been investigated. The herb still has much investigation in regards to determining the preventative and treating doses for these neurological diseases, but sweet cinnamon bark could potentially be effectively used in combination with the therapy and treatment of these diseases. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, with patients showing symptoms of memory loss and cognitive degeneration. β-Amyloid peptide (βA) is mainly responsible for AD and it is the main toxic compound produced by the sequential proteolytic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein by β-secretase and ɾ-secretase enzymes. Neuronal cell death can be induced by the overproduction of βA, which forms oligomers and fibrils, and, therefore, the inhibition of the production of βA can be considered as a therapeutic means to prevent AD. It has been reported that cinnamon bark is effective against the development of AD due to the presence of phenylpropanoids, such as medioresinol and crytamygin. Parkinson's disease (PD) is another common neurodegenerative disorder, with a prevalence rate nearly 1–2% in aging population. It has been shown that cinnamon and its compound, sodium benzoate, could upregulate brain-derived neurotropic factors as well as neurotrophin-3. Parkinson's disease protein-7 (DJ-1) is recognized as a key neuroprotective protein and could be effective as a compound in therapeutic drugs to prevent PD, and it has been indicated that cinnamon could induce the production of sodium benzoate in blood and brain and thereby suppressing astrogliosis and the upregulation and/or protection of Parkin/DJ-1. Furthermore, cinnamon has been shown to reverse the biochemical and anatomical changes observed in PD-affected brains. Therefore, cinnamon bark shows great potential to reduce the development of PD. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system causing numbness in the limbs, paralysis, and loss of vision. It has been observed that sodium benzoate of cinnamon can inhibit the expression of various proinflammatory molecules in brain cells and augment the treatment of blocking the disease process of MS. It was shown that administration of cinnamon could upregulate anti-autoimmune Treg/Th2 cells and downregulate autoimmune Th17/Th1 cells, and concluded that it has the potential to control the occurrence of MS.
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Compost
Tea bags and brewed-out herbs can be composted. Bags compost in 12 months.