I suffered horribly from long COVID symptioms and frankly was quite scared. So I tried many remedies trying to recover. And I found that cinnamon is very helpful in speeding up recovery. In fact, it was one of the most powerful anti-viral remedies with NEEM among various herbs I have tried. Although it is my personal opinion, I think it is due to its two main properties; Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
To control the cough, I initially took some anti-inflammatory cough medication (regular cold medication containing anti-inflammatory ingredient) for my throat for 2 days or so and then switched to cough drops (Ricola Honey Lemon with Echinacea Cough Suppressant worked well) since I did not want to continue taking harsh medication.
But I knew I had to control and eliminate the viruses if there was any lingering in my body causing inflammation in various places (for me, mostly sore throat, brain fog, persistent coughs and fatigue). Scientists are still trying to figure out what causes long COVID but, recently, a research showed that spike proteins could remain in the body up to one year after infection.
Cinnamon has 2 main compounds, cinnamaldehyde and trans-cinnamaldehyde (Cin) of powerful properties for health:
1. Antibacterial
It is a well-established fact that cinnamon is effective in prohibiting the growth of oral bacteria and biofilms. For this reason, they use it in chewing gums, toothaches and oral care for fighting cavities and bad breath. Cinnamaldehyde has anti-microbial properties which help to kill pathogens in the mouth.
A study shows that the combination of cinnamon oil and antibiotics were more effective against bacteria in combination. It has strong inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella sp., and Vibrio parahemolyticus.
It helps for respiratory illnesses like pharyngitis, common cold, and laryngitis. It helps to clear airway paths by removing congestions such as mucus, displaying powerful healing for cough and bronchitis.
This might be one of the main reasons why it helped me with post COVID symptoms.
2. Antiviral
There have been studies that showed that cinnamon may kill viruses and block HIV viruses from entry and infection in target cells. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) damages white blood cells, thus damaging the immune system in human body.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Cinnamon has seven different types of flavonoid compounds in cinnamon that help fight inflammation. Also, Cinnamaldehyde fights inflammation by inhibiting overproduction of cytokines which are pro-inflammatory molecules.
COVID-19 causes massive inflammation in your throat, nose, brain, lung, heart or wherever it invades in the body. Even after recovering from it, the residual spike protein (toxic) in the body could continue to cause inflammation. Cinnamon can aid by fighting this inflammation while killing the germs that can cause secondary infection.
4. Antioxidant
Cinnamon is full of antioxidant such as polyphenols. A study shows it has the highest antioxidant activities among 26 tested spices like garlic, oregano, etc. and significantly reduces the oxidative stress. COVID-19 leaves cell damages in various places such as throat, nose, lung, etc. and cinnamon can aid in protection and regeneration of cells.
Cinnamon has other health benefits such as increasing metabolism, anti-diabetic and anticancer benefits and also might fight neurological damages. See my other posts here:
But you do want to take “Ceylon Cinnamon” (True Cinnamon), not Cassia Cinnamon in super markets. Regular Cassia Cinnamon contains a compound called Coumarin, which is bad for the liver in large doses.
I have it mixed with raw honey in a small glass jar and take a small spoonful frequently to prevent infection and keep my immune system healthy, and drink cinnamon tea at night.
Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder, 1lb, Ground Premium Quality, Gluten Free, Non GMO ($12.29)
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