Can Cinnamon Help Arthritis?

If you believe you have arthritis, you may be wondering what you can do combat its symptoms. The first thing you should do is see a doctor to confirm that you are suffering from the condition. From there, you should following any recommendations that your physician gives you and should talk with her about any home remedies you are considering trying.

Arthritis

• Arthritis is a painful condition caused by a swelling of the joints, resulting in stiffness and limited movement. There are roughly 100 types of arthritis, and in addition to the pain and stiffness they can cause red skin or warmth around the joint. Treating this problem varies based on factors such as your age, occupation and daily activities. Although arthritis is not curable, the symptoms can be reduced. Along with rest and diet, certain foods, herbs and spices can be beneficial. One of these is cinnamon.

Cinnamon

• Although cinnamon is most often thought of as a spice used in sweets, it is also used in other dishes, such as Indian curries, and for its medicinal benefits. In fact, it is used to suppress appetite and treat gastrointestinal tract conditions such as bloating and flatulence. Cinnamon is also used as a flavoring component in drugs used to treat diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Other uses for cinnamon are as a germicide and stimulant.

Honey and Cinnamon

• Cinnamon in combination with honey is effective in treating many ailments, including arthritis. For diabetics worried about cinnamon's potential negative effect on their blood sugar, it is not harmful if taken in small doses. To combat arthritis, mix 1 cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder and drink once in the morning and once at night.
  Another option is 1 tbsp. of honey combined with 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon powder before breakfast. According to a study conducted at Copenhagen University, this combination helped 73 of 200 arthritis experience pain relief within the first week. Most of the other patients who suffered arthritis to the point that they couldn't move around were able to start walking without pain within a month of using this treatment.