Cinnamon Tincture to Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Cinnamon has gained a lot of attention from scientists for its demonstrated ability to help regulate blood sugar. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Medicinal Food examined the results of eight clinical studies shows that cinnamon intake results in a statistically significant lowering of fasting blood glucose. The researchers concluded that cinnamon, either whole cinnamon or cinnamon extract, improves fasting blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Two things to take away with you from this article (besides the tincture formula):

If you have type I diabetes, this tincture (or the spice in general) is not a substitute for your medication. For that matter, consider yourself limited to the occasional culinary indulgence in the pungent spice.

The variety of cinnamon matters. The cinnamon available in most supermarkets is Cassia cinnamon. Because it contains a fair amount of coumarin that can be troublesome to some people, Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), also known as “true” cinnamon, is the preferred type.

Ingredients

4 whole Ceylon cinnamon sticks

80-proof vodka, gin or brandy

Directions

Place sticks in a quart-sized mason jar or similar container with a lid that’s big enough to hold them. Pour in enough alcohol to cover the cinnamon. Steep for 6 weeks in a cool location. Strain’ bottle and label the reserved liquid in an amber glass jar. To use, take ½ teaspoon in tea, water or juice, twice per day.