INGREDIENT FEATURE: the Health Benefits and Significance of Cinnamon
The Health and Historical Differences Between Ceylon and Cassia Cinnamon
Cinnamon, a beloved spice used in kitchens worldwide, is more than just a flavoring agent; it has a rich history and numerous health benefits. What many don't realize is that not all cinnamon is created equal. There are two primary types: Ceylon cinnamon, often referred to as "true cinnamon," and Cassia cinnamon, a more common variety. Both possess distinct flavors, medicinal properties, and historical significance, but they differ profoundly in health benefits and potential risks.
Historical Roots and Traditions
Cinnamon's history stretches back over 4,000 years to ancient Egypt, where it was highly prized not only as a flavoring and medicinal substance but also as an offering to the gods. It was considered more valuable than gold at certain points in history and played a significant role in ancient trade routes. Ceylon cinnamon, native to Sri Lanka, was regarded as the more precious variety, often reserved for royalty and aristocracy. The word "cinnamon" itself is derived from the ancient Hebrew "qinnamon," which is mentioned in the Bible as a sacred spice.
Cassia cinnamon, on the other hand, originates from China and other parts of Southeast Asia. While it is more widely available and less expensive than Ceylon, it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia, praised for its ability to stimulate circulation and warm the body. Both forms of cinnamon made their way across ancient trade routes, infusing themselves into the culinary and medicinal traditions of various cultures.
Ceylon vs. Cassia: A Nutritional Comparison
Ceylon cinnamon, often referred to as "true cinnamon," is considered the purest form of the spice, prized for its delicate, sweet flavor and low coumarin content, making it the safer and more healthful option for regular use. Cassia cinnamon, on the other hand, is sometimes seen as the "fake" or lesser variety. While it shares the warm, spicy characteristics of Ceylon, it has a much stronger, harsher taste and contains significantly higher levels of coumarin, a compound that can be harmful in large amounts. This distinction between "true" and "fake" cinnamon isn't just about flavor; it also highlights the significant health risks and benefits between the two, with Ceylon being preferred for its gentleness and medicinal properties, while Cassia is more common, cheaper, but best consumed sparingly.
From a health perspective, Ceylon cinnamon offers a range of benefits, including its ability to:
Lower blood sugar levels: Cinnamon, particularly Ceylon, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Reduce inflammation: Ceylon’s anti-inflammatory properties help combat chronic inflammation, a root cause of many diseases.
Act as a potent antioxidant
Ceylon cinnamon contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress, which can contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.
Cassia cinnamon also offers benefits but is best consumed in moderation due to its higher coumarin content. Its warming properties can aid digestion, improve circulation, and soothe sore muscles, yet the risks associated with overconsumption make it less ideal for regular use.
Spiritual and Energetic Qualities of Cinnamon
Beyond its nutritional advantages, cinnamon has long been revered for its spiritual and energetic qualities. In many cultures, cinnamon is associated with warmth, protection, and prosperity. In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was burned during rituals to purify spaces and invoke divine energies. In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon is considered a "yang" herb, balancing coldness in the body and activating the flow of energy (qi). It is often used in blends meant to stoke inner warmth and vitality.
Ceylon cinnamon, with its lighter, more delicate flavor, is sometimes linked to gentler spiritual practices, such as enhancing meditation, promoting peace, and deepening connection with one’s inner self. Its association with lightness and clarity makes it a popular choice in rituals focused on tranquility, intuition, and purification.
Cassia cinnamon, with its stronger, spicier profile, is more frequently used in rituals of protection and abundance. Its robust, fiery nature is said to dispel negativity, block harmful energies, and call forth material wealth. In this regard, it resonates more with the earth, grounding one’s intentions and bringing them into physical manifestation.
A Monthly Cinnamon Ritual for Abundance
Cinnamon has long been considered a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. A simple yet powerful abundance ritual involves using cinnamon at your doorstep, invoking blessings for your home and those who dwell within. This simple ritual can be performed monthly or at the beginning of each season as a way of aligning your intentions with nature's cycles of renewal and growth. By combining the ancient wisdom of cinnamon with the power of mindful intention, you open the doors to a more abundant life. Here is a step-by-step guide to this ancient practice for the first of each month:
You’ll need a small amount of ground cinnamon and a clear intention of what abundance means to you—whether it's wealth, health, peace, love, or personal growth.
Imbibe a cinnamon-infused treat and/or cacao elixir to deepen your intention. Focus on the comforting energy of the ingredients. This aligns your physical body with your intention and honors the sacredness of cacao, a heart-opening elixir used for centuries in spiritual ceremonies.
Open your front door and take a deep breath. Visualize the type of abundance you wish to invite into your home. Imagine it flooding your space with positivity, peace, and prosperity.
With the cinnamon powder in your palm, blow it across the threshold of your door. you might say or think, "As this cinnamon flows, abundance grows." Visualize the wind carrying your intentions into the universe.
After blowing the cinnamon, take moment to thank the universe, your higher self, or any spiritual forces you believe in for hearing your call. Trust that abundance is on its way.
Allow the cinnamon to rest on the floor for a few hours before sweeping it away, symbolizing the planting of your intention.
Finish your ritual by sitting in gratitude, letting the warmth of the cinnamon and cacao settle into your being, anchoring your desires into reality.
Often regarded as a mere flavoring, Pumpkin Spice is, in truth, a rich blend of potent botanicals. At Gnosis, we celebrate and elevate this cherished blend with the powerful benefits of turmeric, maca, and chaga mushrooms. This year, we proudly unveil a refined version, naturally sweetened with dates and completely free from added sugars.
The Freedom Bar is as low on the glycemic scale as you could ever go! The sweetener we use is your friend: Organic Stevia, and has none of the chemicals that compromise popular sugar substitutes. Made with Thai raw organic cacao beans and Ceylon Cinnamon and Malagasy Vanilla.
Prepare your immune system for Autumn and Winter with this bar! As the East Coast transforms with the changing leaves, embrace the season with chai spices that boost immunity and offer warmth and comfort. Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves enhance well-being and create a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy a cup of chai or add these spices to your meals to make the season a time of health and happiness.
If you’ve ever been apple picking, you know there’s something extra sweet waiting for you at the end of your day! Hauling the bushels you’ve collected towards the cashier, you smell hot cider, and freshly baked cider donuts! Enjoy that buttery, cinnamony sweetness in this seasonal bar, but without the fried gluten, sugar, and butter. To our caramelized vegan white chocolate, we’ve also added adaptogenic medicinals. Indulge your palate AND your health!
This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is truly unique - it is an elixir. Not only made with zero processed ingredients or “flavorings” - fastidiously sourced organic spices from around the world and real organic pumpkin, maply sweetness of coconut sugar and pure raw cacao… but we ALSO add turmeric and a slight crackle of black pepper (increases absorption of turmeric's curcumin!)
Apple picking, warming cider, trees beginning to turn, the faint smell of falling leaves through the petrichor… Gnosis’ Apple Cider Caramel Bar now re-connects us with the flavors of own childhood - both real and imagined. Apple and caramel are smoothed into a layer surrounded by bushels of Gnosis’ sumptuous chocolate. With warming cinnamon, chaga mushroom, pau d’arco, cat’s claw, and other herbs, this bar is the perfect marriage of truffle and bar, flavor and function.
Apple Cider Caramel with medicinal herbs for immunity
Elderberry Dark: our own elderberry syrup with raw dark velvet ganache and medicinal mushrooms
Fire Cider: our version of Rosemary Gladstar's elixir for health in dark velvet ganache
Skull Candy: our extra dark Brazilian velvet ganache with nootropics
Calabaza en Tacha Ghost: calabaza squash caramel in whyte shell with cinnamon, orange, and vanilla
Pumpkin Spice… because this collection would simply be incomplete without it!
All are low-glycemic, vegan, and free of soy, peanuts, dairy, refined sugars, GMO, and anything artificial. Our cacao is sourced with care for the land and people whose labor brings us some of the world’s finest heirloom beans.
Seasonal Flavors:
NEW! Phantom of the Oreo: white chocolate shell with chocolate “cookie” filling
NEW! Pistachio BerryBrains: white chocolate shell with pistachio creme and raspberry coulis
Apple Cider Caramel with medicinal herbs for immunity
Elderberry Dark: our own elderberry syrup with raw dark velvet ganache and medicinal mushrooms
Fire Cider: our version of Rosemary Gladstar's elixir for health in dark velvet ganache
Skull Candy: our new extra Colombian dark velvet ganache with nootropics
Calabaza en Tacha Ghost: calabaza squash caramel with cinnamon, orange, and vanilla
Pumpkin Spice… because this collection would simply be incomplete without it!
Signature Flavors:
Raspberry Dark: Ecuadorian dark velvet ganache with raspberry jam
Hazelnut: made from Piemonte hazelnut butter
Salted Caramel: not your usual caramel - mde with dates, cashew butter, maca, and Balinese pyramid salt.
Golden Creme: our best-selling salted vanilla creme infused with botanicals
All are low-glycemic, vegan, and free of soy, peanuts, dairy, refined sugars, GMO, and anything artificial. Our cacao is sourced with care for the land and people whose labor brings us some of the world’s finest heirloom beans.
Net Wt 1/2lb (8oz)
Ingredients: 70% raw chocolate (raw cacao beans*, coconut sugar*), cinnamon*, cayenne*, hawthorne*, vanilla beans*, nutmeg*, chipotle*, clove*, Love. *organic
Net Wt 1/2lb (8oz)
Ingredients: 70% raw chocolate (raw cacao beans*, coconut sugar*), cinnamon*, ginger*, cloves*, cardamom*, echinacea*, eleuthero*, rose hips*, pau d’arco*, cat’s claw*, burdock*, chaga mushroom*, Love. *organic
Each sip of this elixir will warm you with chai spices as it supports your immune system with herbs from Native American and Chinese healing traditions.
Surely an elixir of the Gods, this is hot chocolate whose spicy kick gives you an energy boost you will surely love. As a high octane fuel that doesn’t pollute, a delicious, full-bodied drink that packs a punch!