Cinnamon and its benefits
Cinnamon is a spice with several health benefits for dogs. Some of the key benefits include:
Antioxidant: Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in a dog’s body, preventing premature ageing and degenerative diseases.
Anti-inflammatory: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain in dogs with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetic dogs or those at risk of developing diabetes.
Digestion: It aids digestion by relieving gas and indigestion, enhancing enzymatic activity, and promoting a more efficient digestive environment.
Antimicrobial: Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacterial and fungal infections.
Additional information on cinnamon for dogs:
Ceylon Cinnamon vs. Cassia Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon is considered safer for dogs as it contains lower levels of coumarin, a substance that can be toxic in large quantities. However, the darker Cassia cinnamon, more commonly found in supermarkets, is still safe when given in appropriate doses.
Appropriate dosage
Introducing cinnamon into your dog's meals should be done cautiously and in moderation. A small pinch mixed into their food is enough to gain the benefits. Always use pure cinnamon powder (never offer cinnamon sticks) and avoid products containing sugar or other additives.
Making homemade biscuits infused with cinnamon can be a great way to incorporate cinnamon into your dog's diet.
What Traditional Chinese Medicine Says About Cinnamon
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cinnamon is highly valued and has been used for thousands of years due to its therapeutic properties. Known as "Rou Gui" (肉桂) when referring to the inner bark, and "Gui Zhi" (桂枝) when referring to the younger, thinner branches, cinnamon has various applications in TCM. Here are some of the main uses:
Properties and Uses of Cinnamon in TCM
Warming the Body: Cinnamon is considered a warming herb, used to heat the body, especially in cases of internal cold. It is often used to treat colds and conditions associated with cold.
Blood Circulation: Cinnamon helps improve blood circulation and is used for conditions related to blood stagnation, including abdominal pain and muscle aches.
Supporting Yang: Cinnamon is known to strengthen Yang, the body’s vital warming energy. It is particularly useful for animals and people who show signs of Yang deficiency, such as cold limbs, fatigue, and low energy.
Joint Pain Relief: Due to its warming and circulatory properties, cinnamon is used to relieve joint pain, especially those worsened by cold and dampness.
Digestive Improvement: Cinnamon helps strengthen the spleen and stomach, promoting better digestion. It is used to treat symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain related to slow or weakened digestion.
Stabilising the Mind: Cinnamon is also considered beneficial for stabilising the mind and improving mood, helping with anxiety and stress.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cinnamon is a versatile herb with a wide range of therapeutic applications. Its primary uses are to warm the body, improve circulation, and strengthen Yang, making it a valuable choice for treating various health conditions associated with cold, stagnation, and Yang deficiency. Modern science and research have increasingly confirmed the same benefits that TCM attributes to cinnamon.
Reference and sources
· Cinnamon: Potential Role in the Prevention of Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2010 May