OOPs...I fell into a trap!

Canada
February 20, 2010 6:51am CST
About three months ago...watching a popular Dr. on T.V., espouse the many benefits of introducing "cinnamon" into your diet on a daily basis! Noted for decreasing "blood pressure" and regulating "blood sugar", I diligently went out to Costco, and bought a large shaker bottle of cinnamon! Love (have to have my morning coffee)...and it was truly great with a generous shaking of cinnamon stirred in! Slowly, over a few weeks, I started to note a consistent pain in my left frontal quadrant just under my lower ribs! Each day...it became more intense, and I don't often succumb to pain...but the pain became intense, and I seemed feverish...went to the Dr. It was my LIVER, inflamed...the Dr., asked if I had changed my diet, as tests revealed NO hepatitis. AHA, cinnamon...and WOW, did I learn a lesson....THE CINNAMON, that we buy in our local grocers...MOST OFTEN is NOT TRUE cinnamon...true cinnamon is "cinnamon verum"....very expensive to purchase!So what we get, cheaply....is from the Cassia tree, or the Cinnamon burmannii tree, (from myLot search engine)....AND CAN BE VERY, VERY TOXIC TO YOUR LIVER, WHEN CONSUMED on a daily basis! There are NO regulations in place in either the U.S. or Canada to warn us, that we are NOT consuming pure cinnamon...nor the toxicity of the alternative "cinnamons!" PHEW...now I am wondering how many other "natural" substances, that are being touted...can actually be toxic to us? Can you share any...please? P.S. Over a few weeks, the pain subsided and liver back to normal...I felt so foolish....but can bite the bullet..and share my stupidity, now! Take care...and Cheers!
15 people like this
33 responses
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
20 Feb 10
Oh, pergy, THANK YOU! I read that about cinnamon and was thinking about increasing my intake. Now, I won't touch it! Well, I'll still have some in my applesauce (the ONLY way to eat applesauce, in my opinion) but I won't be adding it to foods every day. WOW! That is something that should be investigated! I wonder how many other people have increased their "cinnamon" intake and suffered (or are suffering) the same consequences as you but are unaware of the cause. I'm sure there are doctors out there who haven't asked that all-important question about changes in their patients' diets. Good grief! This is HUGE! I'm going to start writing emails today. I love a good cause and this definitely fits the bill. Good causes keep me out of mischief. Thanks SO much for sharing! BTW, I don't consider that stupidity, I see it as trusting. Sadly, that is what some unscrupulous people/companies prey on. Oh, in answer to your question, I think that just about everything we eat can be bad or dangerous to us if we eat too much of it. We can die from an overdose of vitamins! Well, not water-soluble ones like C but I knew a person who ended up in intensive care from ODing on over-the-counter vitamins. Hmmm, maybe even C could be dangerous if our liver or kidneys can't handle a massive dose. Interesting. Now I'll have to do more research. Thanks again! Now I have something to occupy my cranium while waiting for all this snow to melt.
@GardenGerty (157695)
• United States
20 Feb 10
This is why we all need to remember, even when taking pro active steps for our own health that we need to at least ask the doctor what he thinks. I do know that certain herbs that come as supplements are supposed to be good for you, but give me stomach pain and nasty diarrhea. People with ulcers need to take care about taking cayenne, although it has many health benefits. Even water soluble vitamins can be bad for you in excess. I am thinking of vitamin B6, which I have taken in mega doses, but only under direction of both the doctor and chiropractor. In excess it is a neurotoxin. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Fish Oil, among other things can thin your blood, so if you are on blood thinners or aspirin therapy, talk to your doctor before taking them in large doses. Regular doses should be okay.
2 people like this
• Canada
20 Feb 10
Totally right, on all accounts...GG...but, silly me, had put a lot of creedence in this particular Dr. as it seemed he leaned towards "naturopathic" remedies...and if he DID distinguish between the two cinnamons...I certainly DID NOT hear it..and I am pretty diligent...so it just means a lot of other persons may have missed that vital info...too! Take care and Cheers!
1 person likes this
• Canada
20 Feb 10
Good morning...SNOWQUEEN..with your sparkling crown of icicles.(not funny, am I)? Marti, I see no reason that you can't have the simple cheap "cassia" or "cinnamon burmannii" as a light sprinkle in your applesauce...but for me, now, I think that I will opt to put out the extra $$$$ for the true "cinnamon verum" and know that I am not compromising my health, but benefitting it. I am going back for more "liver function" tests to find out if there is lingering damage! yes, my dear, I do know that all "good things" can be toxic if used excessively...BUT there is one huge difference...this T.V. Doc, recommended ONE teaspoon a day....but NOT clarifying that it should be pure cinnamon...and that, my friend, is where I went awry. I should have known better...I should have researched better...NOW~~~~it's doesn't go down my throat...unless it's gone thru my computer! I would love to hear...any and all your findings..snobunny! Take care & Cheers!
2 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
20 Feb 10
AH HA, u have been w/holding info about yourself again. Shame on u. U are not stupid by the way. My friend anniefannie bought her some honey when we were at the store the other day to put some cinnamon in. She must have seen the same show. I forwarded her your discussion. I'm so set in my ways don't try much i hear about like that so i can't share anything. I'm glad u are feeling better & found the cause of your problem. Take care of yourself. Guess i just wasted my breath telling u that since u are a hardhead. takes one to know one.
2 people like this
• Canada
20 Feb 10
It takes a genius...to recognize a genius..you hardheaded friend! YES..I held out on you, cause I have worried you far, FAR TOO MUCH, lately! And my health, seemed to be at the bottom of the totem pole. I am so glad you forwarded this to "anniefannie"....as she should do a whole pile of research before going blindly forward like me...and jeopardizing her health. My understanding is that if it is the good quality cinnamon...there are less issues, but you know, right now...I am very cautious. AND I have learned NOT to put my faith in T.V. Dr.s...to do a lot more research before I take it as gospel! I really feel dumb that I allowed myself to get into this mess. Can you wipe the egg off my face...please? HUGZ & LUV!!!!
2 people like this
• Canada
21 Feb 10
I guess the ice I am tredding on is rather thin...he? And to be honest with all that was going on, it sorta took a back seat, until the pain became unbearable....better now...and just loving the sunshine. HUGZ & LUV
2 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
20 Feb 10
Genius i'm not, hardheaded i am. I always heard it takes one to know one, lol. The very idea of u not telling me u were sick. U never worry me by telling me anything. that's what friends are for to listen when u nned to talk. U better quit holding out on me, young lady. U don't want to see my ugly disposition,. I've been on a roll making people mad it seems. No reason at all for u to feel dumb. They shouldn't be telling that crap on tv if it's dangerous or not true or whatever. Please take care of yourself.
2 people like this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
20 Feb 10
Thanks for sharing! I have heard that too and would have done the same.....it's supposed to lower high cholestral too....and I have thought about using it in the same manner!
2 people like this
• Canada
20 Feb 10
Yes..."high cholestrol" was on the list, too! I jumped right in, with both feet, as the good Dr. suggested a teaspoon a day, spread out over 4 or 5 cups of coffee (my daily need..LOL)~~~~it tasted good. Pain started as just a dull ache, with growing intensity...EACH day...finally over a period of time..I could barely stand up straight! Please research carefully...as my understanding of all my research is it is the cheap "cassia" & "cinnamon burmannii" that we are being sold in supermarkets. I think the benefits that we are talking about come from the true.."cinnamon verum"..but NOW I do caution us all..as NOW I am wondering what would have happened if I had an underlying Liver condition? At my age... I learned a precious lesson! Too soon I get old...too late I get smart! Take care..and Cheers!
1 person likes this
• Canada
21 Feb 10
Hi, again, jillhill...I've added a link to the first discussion for some reading.
1 person likes this
@Wizzywig (7847)
20 Feb 10
Wow! thanks for posting this. It was only a couple of days ago that I read about the benefits of cinnamon myself and being someone with both elevated blood pressure and blood sugar, wondered if it was worth a try - obviously NOT! So often I see so called 'wonder foods' being touted around but I suspect that a good balanced diet it the best way to go for any health issue. Glad you're ok now
2 people like this
• Canada
20 Feb 10
Good morning...Wizzywig..After doing a pile of research..and talking to a "naturopathic" nurse...the benefits that you and I have read...ARE TRUE...but the big thing here is the BUT...IT MUST, ABSOLUTELY must be the true, expensive "cinnamon verum"....not the stuff we buy in supermarkets...and after the pain, I had...I would ask your Dr. as it may be contraindicated for you! So MUCH for "media hype" and believing T.V. Dr.s' Thanks for your good wishes...and don't be "stupid" like me!
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (99009)
• India
21 Feb 10
Hi pergammano, the first page disappeared, but I read through the second link, and honestly out here -people just pack them in small transparent plastic packets. So when we buy cinnamon, nobody becomes liable!
2 people like this
• Canada
23 Feb 10
I would more than bet, vandana...that if it is re-packed it would be Cassia cinnamon...and the place to go would be a reputable health food store...and secondly, I don't think I would want anything that is re-packed! Take care..and Cheers!
@savypat (20216)
• United States
20 Feb 10
If this was the Doctor I am thinking of he did tell us about the different types of Cinnamon, it was short and unless you were listening you might have missed it. I didn't realize the Cinnamon we generally use could be poison. Thanks for bring this to our attention.
• Canada
20 Feb 10
Yes...you are totally right...I DID NOT hear the distinction...as I do care about my health more than that. And, if it was just mentioned in passing...I think more emphasis should have been put on the differences...and the possible side effects..cuz" I sure wouldn't have bought a large bottle...NOR taken the one tsp. a day. How did I miss that vital info. As they say, if all else fails..pay attention! Take care and Cheers!
• Canada
21 Feb 10
I am trying to inform you of the links that I had found and forgot to put them in..and if you go to the links, you will find that there is NO law in Canada or the U.S. making them state the kind of cinnamon. From all my reading, up to now..it looks like Ceylon cinnamon is the right one to take, as it has no..a just a trace of coumarin..which is what is toxic in the other cinnamons. Cheers!
@savypat (20216)
• United States
20 Feb 10
I most likely only heard it because I was somewhat familar with Cinnamon as a health food and had seen the info about the type to use before. I saw capsuls the other day at the Walmart vitamin section, nexxt time I am in there I will check to see what type of Cinnamon they are.
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (99009)
• India
20 Feb 10
Hi pergammano, thanks for letting us know this. I too hate taking those medications and would definitely have tried something like this had I watched that television program. We use cinnamon sometimes. It tastes sweetish, and it is expensive. :) Our folks here will sell the cheap cinnamon as expensive stuff. :) I have - so far - been lucky - that all my stupidities - have not harmed me, or I do not know their harmful effects. I use Low sodium salt. I dont know if it is likely to do good or bad. Only time will tell. :)
• Canada
20 Feb 10
Good morning, vandana...I am guessing, HOPING the cinnamon, you are using is the right one...be really careful..and if you can, read the label and look for the name "cinnamon verum"! I feel like an idiot, as I have placed so much trust in this Dr. (it was Oz) and I really feel that there shud have been a precaution with his recommendation..but on the same token, why isn't there controls over using the fake "cassia" seeings it can be dangerous to your health? The only thing that I can say...NOW..is do a lot, a REAL lot of investigation, and confer with your physician! Take care...and Cheers!
1 person likes this
• Canada
21 Feb 10
Hi, again, vandana...I have added a couple of links to the first discussion!
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
21 Feb 10
I am so glad you told me this because me and my mom has started using more cinnamon this month. She has Diabetes and I have High blood pressure and we just started using it a few days ago..I put it in my coffee with a dash of vanilla and also my hot chocolate and sprinkled on toast and a few other things..I didn't know nothing about this...so I am grateful for the information you gave us..they really should have warnings or something on the bottles, Now you have me really worried..I already have liver problems from other things.. I guess it is best to ask the doctor before changing things.. I will tell my mom right away.. thanks..I will definitely have to be more careful and search things more diligently. I seen something similar on the Dr OZ show..about the cinnamon helping...but I don't recall him giving a warning for it to be the real stuff..wow..again thanks..
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
23 Feb 10
Hey,thanks for the best response I truly appreciate it very much, I did tell my mom and she has slowed down on using it and is going to look into trying to get the supplements or try to find the good cinnamon..
1 person likes this
• Canada
2 Mar 10
You truly are most Welcome...well-deserved! I truly hope your Mother does slow down on the Cassia...cinnamon, as my further reading relates that it is cummulative (the coumarin) and can build up! And takes some time to be dispelled from your system. Take care, and thanks for your input. Cheers!
@mgmagana (3618)
• United States
23 Feb 10
first of all glad to know ur ok....secondly..i saw that exact same episode.... i didn't try it but i def. thought about it so i'm grateful that you posted this, thank you! that's very interesting to know!
1 person likes this
@mgmagana (3618)
• United States
23 Feb 10
i have been loving the Olympics this year! I too did not hear him specify which kind of cinnamon was good for you.
1 person likes this
• Canada
23 Feb 10
Good morning..mgmagana! WOW..you saw the same episode...WAS I totally asleep at the wheel..or was there a warning about the different kinds and qualities of Cinnamon! If there was, I must have been having a "senior" moment, as I usually pay good attention to what I am ingesting. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine...cinnamon wasn't cinnamon! Yes, I am sure I will be fine..a few on=going tests, but a painful lesson! Now that I have done expansive research...I will continue with CEYLON cinnamon! Take care...and have a wonderful week...I have watched more T.V., this week, than I think in my entire life put together..the Olympics are only a few miles from where I live..can't afford the prices..but am enjoying as I re-cuperate. Cheers!
@GardenGerty (157695)
• United States
20 Feb 10
I cannot think of anything quite in that category, other than I was told for years to give my cats garlic to repel fleas. I learned last year that garlic and onions are toxic to cats and dogs. Probably the same liver issue you experienced. I think cinnamon capsules sold as supplements may be the real thing, and may be good for you. I often hear oats and oatmeal to help with blood pressure and heart health, and I believe that it is in truth good for you. People forget that acetaminophen is bad for your liver as well when taken too often. Frequently it is recommended as being safer than aspirin and other NSAIDS. Acetaminophen is also not an anti inflammatory.
@GardenGerty (157695)
• United States
20 Feb 10
The thing is, my cats have been begging for my butternut squash soup, which has chestnuts, and onions in it. It is really strange.I would be serving me and they would holler so loud people could hear them over the phone. I double checked with the vet and she still says "no onions, they can be toxic." The thing is the old fella seemed to be doing well with it. I would do an internet search and make sure I am right. I could be wrong about the dogs, but I do not think so. Yet my granny's dogs ate only table scraps, and I have one cat that loves Mexican food, and I know it has garlic and onion in it.
1 person likes this
• Canada
21 Feb 10
So what do we do..GG...I have been making these snacks for all my little furry friends..for like 20 years now, and my last two little dogs lived t 15+...and there is a fair amount of garlic in them...as they are to be a "flea" dissuader, too. I think animals are brighter than us...as they don't eat the crap we do! Duh..I forgot to put the links in...so they are in the first response, good reading, I sure learned at lot....A LITTLE LATE! have a great weekend!
• Canada
20 Feb 10
Thank you for all the GREAT information, GG! NOW you have my head swimming...as I have a recipe for DOG treats, from a Veterinarian in Nanaimo, B.C. that has a whole pile of garlic in it Makes sense...both Garlic and Onions are from the same family...right..the allium family? And there's another ...OOPS, as I have been making these treats for my little furry friends for years...trusting the advice of a VET! Will I ever learn? Take care and Cheers!
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
21 Feb 10
Hi pergammano, Was it Dr.Oz? I don't have blood sugar or blood pressure but this sure does make you think about the natural healing that they tell us are so good for us. They don't always offer up the warnings. You should NOT feel stupid at all for this! You should feel angry. I'm sure many people saw that show and gave it no thought at all to going to the store and stocking up on cinnamon off the shelf. Most people,I bet, don't know that this could be so dangerous. The Doctor that gave out this info had a responsibility to make it clear that the cinnamon that you buy in specialty shops. A few years back, a poplular magazine ran an article on losing weight by drinking iced water. It gave a very scientific expanation on how it worked and I think it does. I lost weight. What they did not include in the article was that you can over do with the ice water and it can be deadly. They made no mention at all of how much was a safe amount of water. There are many who are not aware that you can overdose on water.
1 person likes this
• Canada
21 Feb 10
You got the Dr. right! Silly me...I don't usually "jump on a bandwagon" like this, but liking cinnamon...I thought, here's something I can do on a day to day basis, that I enjoy...and will be a health benefit! Now, everything he say's will be taken with the proverbial "grain of salt" and I will research thoroughly. Just lately he espoused the benefits of Curry and it aid's in the prevention of "dimentia & alzheimer's"....but now I have learned, I will research Curry (as I know it is a combination of herbs) before I increase my intake! I do remember the "Ice Water" diet...and I truly remember a Nurse, in L.A., I think it was that was in a Contest of Drinking Water...and passed away, right on the spot...due to water~~COLD~~overdose! Thank you, sid556, for your input and have a great week! Cheers!
• Canada
22 Feb 10
sid556...that is where I stepped out of line...got hooked on the Good Dr. and took all he said at face value! There is a old saying; The difference between God and a Doctor...God doesn't think he is a Dr.! LOL! This is why I made this post, after I got the egg off my face...just to remind those, as silly as I was...to research...and research more BEFORE...not after! Cheers, sid...and Thanks!
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
21 Feb 10
You know this is kind of scary because he is very popular and a lot of people tune in and trust him with their lives.
1 person likes this
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
21 Feb 10
Thanks for sharing this about cinnamon. It is not something that I was aware of. I do not have it very often but I do like it. There are a few plants out there that are beneficial to our health in small doses, but that can lead to damage if taken too often. I guess the old saying of eating a balanced diet is what we should be following. Growing our own herbs and controlling what we put into our bodies is a good idea too. Just to stray from the subject of cinnamon, I would advise against drinking coffee though too. There are a lot of businesses promoting coffee usage these days and it is the most popular drink in the world right now. But it is also very addictive! We all know this, but still consume it as we enjoy it. We often do not realise that the reason we enjoy it so much is because we are addicted to it. I gave up drinking coffee in the morning a year and a half ago and after about a month started to feel really good and did not miss it. There were a few weeks where I was tempted to buy it, but I stuck to re-hydrating myself with water first thing in the morning and it works much better for me!
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
22 Feb 10
Glad to to hear that you are not consuming these things after 9am. I used to drink it during the day and then went back to only having 1 cup first thing in the morning. Then I just stopped buying it and only had 1 cup since then. That was a horrible experience as I had gotten all of the caffeine out of my system and when I had just one cup, I started to shake and could not stop until the caffeine and sugar had gone through me.
1 person likes this
@cerebellum (3863)
• United States
22 Feb 10
I had heard cinnamon was good for you also. I was going to try it, but never got around to it. Now I am glad I never did. I didn't realize the cinnamon you get in the grocery store was any different from the kind health stores sell. I wonder what else is different and can be toxic! You weren't being foolish. The difference between the different cinnamons should have been discussed along with side effects.
1 person likes this
• Canada
22 Feb 10
Good morning..cerebellum....AND if I had just used that; "my cerebellum" (LOL) I wouldn't have had to make this post. Of course, I didn't have to admit my stupidity, but remembering the "liver pain"...I just didn't want anyone else to fall into the trap...take info from the good Dr. O and jump on the bandwagon, before they researched the side affects of Cassia Family cinnamon! I am hoping that this will be an over-all caution for us to use the Internet for research! Take care..and Cheers!
• Canada
23 Feb 10
You are so right..info on the "net" can be wrong, too! But this time, I went the whole "gammet," and spent a whole number of hours, did a lot of compulation..and the general concensus was.."Coumarin -- which can be toxic is in Cassia Family Tree Cinnamon." Coumarin is used in some medicines..just like Wharfarin..but sparingly, and for short durations. With the benefits touted of Ceylon Cinnamon, I was in for the long haul...just got caught up in the wrong cinnamon! Take care...and Cheers!
• United States
22 Feb 10
Thanks for warning everyone. I have heard that a lot of medical stuff on the internet isn't true. In a case like that however if your research says it may be bad for you why take a chance that it's wrong? A lot of doctors don't know everything either, so it may be best to get information from someone who has tried it.
1 person likes this
@bystander (2292)
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
thanks for the discussion topic, pergammano. it's very informative. months ago, i was also told that cinnamon is good in stabilizing blood sugar levels. and i admit, i tried it a few times -- half a spoon every day. but because it affects my appetite, i dropped it. now, comes you with that precious anecdote. thanks a lot...
• Canada
24 Feb 10
I am sorry, bystander, it has taken me so long to reply..having a few ISP problems, and just as I answer, the service goes down! If it is an appetite suppressant, I am pleased and surprised, as that is one department I do not lack in! It was hearing the info, and good for sugar level stabilization, and cholestrol control..I thot " I love cinnamon"...it's natural, give it a whirl, and that's where I went wrong...not researching! Thank you for stopping by and adding your comments. Take care & Cheers!
@bystander (2292)
• Philippines
25 Feb 10
1 person likes this
@rosegardens (3034)
• United States
21 Feb 10
I put cinnamon in my coffee every morning! The fake stuff, naturally. Wow, that is something else to learn about the consequences of the plant that the cinnamon lookalike comes from. SCARY!!
1 person likes this
• Canada
21 Feb 10
Hi...rosegardens...I am having an "OOPS" time, I think....I forgot to put the links in my discussion...so I have added them right after the first response. Like you, I love cinnamon in my coffee...that extra zing..so have weaned myself from that treat until I can get some Ceylon cinnamon from the Health Food Store..and it's a guarantee that I won't buy it unless it says; PURE CEYLON CINNAMON! And then, I'll wonder...as there is no regulations and they can add the Cassia cinnamon, which is the one with the toxin coumarin. Yes...dear cinnamon lover, I think you will like to read those links. Have a great weekend..and take care!
• Canada
21 Feb 10
Thank you, for all your work "rosegardens" in the research and directions to finding Ceylon cinnamon...and I am really pleased to hear that the prices are budgetable. Like you, I really did learn to like the cinnamon in my coffee, and now I am pleased that ... soon as Iget some Ceylon..I can enjoy it again with the health benefits so acclaimed. Don't worry..it won't be long before you are up to 500 posts...and I bet at 200, I will know what your "avatar" will be...WHAT is your favourite color of roses? Take care, stay in touch and Cheers!
• United States
21 Feb 10
Wow. I takes 200 posts before you can see my av? I haven't even picked one out yet. lol. I guess I have plenty of time to decide what I want my picture to be. My favorite color of rose is difficult to determine. I really like the multi-colored ones, as long as there is no yellow tones in them. I never did like yellow. Maybe this year I will add some multi colors to my garden. I am just getting started as I just moved last year, and so far have only 3 rose bushes that are just plain one colored roses, 2 pinks and one red. I like your avatar, it looks very peaceful and serene.
1 person likes this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
22 Feb 10
I'm glad everything turned out...this is why ppl always say to check with a doctor first. Sometimes something that is supposed to be healthy can actually be hazardous. Thanks for enlightening everyone. [b]~~AT PEACE WITHIN~~ **STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS**[/b]
1 person likes this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
23 Feb 10
You were so lucky that he was there. With all these new benefits of different things, it is better to check and research things before you start doing them. Thanks for sharing this too! [b]~~AT PEACE WITHIN~~ **STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS**[/b]
1 person likes this
• Canada
22 Feb 10
Good morning...deartwoey68! You would, dear lady...be surprised that a lot of times, in this day and age...even your Family Dr. "doesn't know it all!" I just happened to be lucky, the day that I went to the local Dr. (we only have one on this small Island) --he was away...and the "intern" for the day was a "certified naturopath"...and was fully aware of the different cinnamons! When I returned for bloodtests to the normal M.D., he truly thanked me...and was glad that the naturopath had seen me, and not him, as he learned a lot from this whole session! so my warning here, is also, do YOUR OWN research, too...MY regular Dr. (M.D.) admitted that he would NOt have known or diagnosed my problem relating to cinnamon!So, with that in mind...do not only rely on your Dr. Cheers!
@KATRINKA (1624)
• United States
22 Feb 10
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this. Just the other day I was talking with someone about the benefits of cinnamon. It was news to me, as I had never heard of it. Of course, I was skeptical. Thanks for sharing the possibly toxicity of cinnamon. Glad you're okay. In the same conversation, I heard eating a spoonful of raw honey daily helps with weight loss as well as regulates blood sugar. Hmmm...wonder if there are any dangers in that. I try to just eat a well-balanced diet instead of trying to keep up with all the various theories on natural health. I try to treat everything naturally, for instance, colds and flu, without resorting to over-the-counter or prescription medication, and so far, I've been pretty healthy. Again, glad you're okay now.
• Canada
23 Feb 10
Good morning, Katrinka..and truly, Thank You for the "well wishes!" I did learn a powerful lesson, through all of this...not to take things at face value..and also to digest a lot of information before implementing it. I, truly..do NOT know about honey...as a real eye-opener in all of this was "truth in Labelling" and how so many things we ingest aren't/don't have to be labelled properly.And in a lot of cases...NO labelling regulations, at all! I have heard/read nothing but good things about honey...I just wished it wasn't so expensive here..as I would use it as a total replacement for any form of sweetener, but it is "truly liquid" GOLD! Why...I don't know..as we produce it all over B.C. (Canada)! Good for you, and your good health, and continued so! Thanks..take care..& Cheers!
• United States
21 Feb 10
I would have thought the differences would be explained in such a broadcast. I've been using cinnamon as a sort of booster to blood pressure medicine and diabetes medicine for many years, but the endocrinologist who told me about it explained the differences. So sorry you were misled!
1 person likes this
• Canada
23 Feb 10
I truly am sorry, cobrateacher...I did respond to you yesterday! I am SOOOO glad that you did get the proper advice..and about the proper CINNAMON! I truly did not realize, how we are manipulated in the marketplace..nor knew there were several kinds of cinnamon! I am of the age where blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol could be an issue, so I just thought....all those benefits from something that I truly enjoy, I will go for it...OOPS! I have just noticed that several of my responses were NOT posted..HUH? Is there a special place that you source your herbs..cinnamon..etc? Thank you and take care!
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Feb 10
All the Whole Foods stores and other especially good quality food stores have it. Many online mail order spice brokers carry it, too.
1 person likes this
• Lubbock, Texas
20 Feb 10
I'm so sorry you had to find this out the hard way. Any time you use an herb as a dietary supplement whether adding it to recipies or making a tea, be sure to research the latin name, find out which genus is the therapuetic one and buy from a reliable health food source. Not only are some of the seasonings not the true herb or spice, they are usually irradiated to prevent spoilage, but that can also reduce or eliminate their therapuetic properties. Research takes a little time but the information is available on the internet and can save you waste of money and possible health damage.
1 person likes this
• Canada
20 Feb 10
Thanks...thebeaddoodler...I really do feel stupid...(y'know putting all your eggs in one basket)...as I took it all at face value, what I was seeing/hearing on T.V. and NOT doing any research! It is quite an eye opener...as I have also just found out that there is a huge varietal in the components of curry...some that can be not so kind to our bodies. YUP..research would have saved me time, money and pain...I still can't figure out why I jumped into this with both feet! Take care and Cheers!
• Canada
21 Feb 10
Hi...again beaddoodler...I realized I forgot to put some links in...so I have entered them on the first discussion..if you would like more info! Cheers!
@jdyrj777 (6530)
• United States
21 Feb 10
So much for listening to tv doctors. Thats amazing about the cinnamon. Sassafrass tea is also toxic to the liver when consumed in daily doses. The sassafrass tea that we find here is also not real sassafrass. It illegal here. Its also the only known cure for herpies.
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• Canada
22 Feb 10
There, you see...info I was totally not aware of...altho, I have not indulged in sassafras tea, I have read many books with it mentioned. Is it a "common" tea, as I seem to remember it in books that I have read about the "Deep South?" Now, you have me on another research quest...LOL! Thank you for sharing. YES...I do feel a fool..for taking the good Dr. O's advice at "face value" and NOT doing any research before jumping in with both feet. Never again..I just have to remember the excruciating pain...and the detoxifying process...and I will research a lot. Have a great week...take care...and Cheers!
@jdyrj777 (6530)
• United States
24 Feb 10
At least we now know its best to do internet searches first. Dont feel foolish. We are all still learning. When i found out about the sassafrass tea i was actually looking for some to buy online cause you hardly ever see it in the stores. Its not actually real sassafrass that i was drinking. It taste like rootbeer.
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@crazydaisy (3896)
• Canada
20 Feb 10
I thought I was really fat so I went on what they call a gradefruit diet I got really sick it got to the point I couldn't eat tomatoes or lemons because they are all parted of the same family I didn't lose the any pounds but I got be really careful what I eat I never do that again. cd
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• Canada
21 Feb 10
It's the ACID that why I can't eat to many of them. cd
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