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Corona Virus Past Present and Future

The Corona virus is actually a pretty common virus. The issue is why is this strain of Corona COVID-19 (previously called 2019-nCoV) possibly more deadly? Actually, we still don’t know whether it is deadly. Yes, there have been many deaths and spread of the virus has been rapid. But the death rate if the figures are to be believed is in the order of 3%. A bit more than the seasonal flu but unusually high.

How fast Corona spreads
How fast a disease spreads between one host to another is calculated by the R0 (pronounced R-nought). The WHO calculated the RO for the Corona virus at 1.4-2.5. Compare that to a RO of 5-7 for polio, smallpox and rubella, 12-18 for measles and 1.28 for seasonal flu. When a disease has a value of less than 1 it will die out at faster rate than it can propagate. However, these numbers and mathematical models and may not represent actual scenarios which can vary depending on environmental standards like basic hygiene, pollution, weather, ventilation, proximity and other factors. In fact some data suggests the RO value for Corona COVID-19 can reach as high as 6.6.

NO Virus Transmission method RO Value
1 Corona Airborne, direct contact, 1.4-6.6
2 SARS Airborne 2-5
3 Polio Fecal/Oral 5-7
4 Rubella Airborne droplet 5-7
5 Mumps Airborne droplet 4-7
6 Measles Airborne 12-18
7 Seasonal Flu Airborne droplet, physical contact 1.28
8 HIV/AIDS Sexual intercourse 2-5
9 Diptheria Saliva 6-7
10 Ebola Body fluid 1.5-2.5
11 Influenza Airborne droplet 2-3
12 Small Pox Airborne droplet 5-7
13 MERS Airborne 2-5

Origins & Causes

The Corona Virus originated in Wuhan China. Allegedly at wet markets where many different animals, especially wild animals are kept in close proximity to each other.

China seem to propagate more of these outbreaks than other countries. They have given us SARS, Bird flu and now the Corona virus. The answer may lie in the Chinese penchant for fresh meat and their addiction to all kinds of exotic and wild animals. Chinese prefer to get their meat fresh. which often means going to a live animal market and butchering the animals then and there. The problem is, with so many live animals enclosed in one place, there a very high chance of spreading disease. This is compounded when wild animals are mixed with commercially farmed animals who have been carefully nurtured to be healthy often with ant-biotics and vaccines. Many wild animals have dangerous diseases which can jump into other animals and then to humans with direct contact in the live animal markets.

In the Western world by comparison most food is sold in hygienic supermarkets which have to follow strict public health standards. China by and large still does not have such high standards for the vast majority people. Perhaps it is also time for China to stop these inhumane practices. For years the Chinese have been slaughtering exotic species like Shark and many exotic African animals to harness their alleged health properties. Maybe it is natures way of punishing them? The Chinese government has tried to stop this practice without much success.  Apparently, it would create too much of a political push back from the masses. Perhaps this outbreak would be great opportunity to stop live animal markets for good.

Size, shape and properties of the Corona Virus

2019-nCoV is actually a large virus  at 125 nanometers. Most virus are between 20 to 400 nanometers in diameter (1 nanometer = 10 meters) while the smallest bacteria are about 400 nanometers in size. That means the Corona virus is too big to survive on any surface for too long (10-14 hours).

It spreads through both direct and indirect contact. Direct contact means physically touching someone who has the virus, like kissing, sexual intercourse and shaking hands. Indirect contact means somebody coughing and sneezing and spreading the droplets on nearby surfaces like door knobs, toilet seats, computer keyboards, airline seats which you might touch in turn.

It is also possible that the Corona virus could spread through the air, the so-called aerosolized effect. If you are travelling in an air craft or work in office with central air conditioning or heating it is possible you could get infected. This may be the reason why the spread of the Corona virus on the cruise ship moored off Japan has been so high. People are not allowed to leave their cabins but the central air system is probably recirculating the virus through the whole ship.

According to this article on science daily in cold temperatures, a virus’s outer covering hardens to a rubbery gel that could shield the virus as it passes from person to person. At warmer temperatures, however, the protective gel melts to a liquid phase which isn’t tough enough to protect the virus against the elements, and so the virus loses its ability to spread from person to person and gets destroyed. Perhaps take a flight to a warm hot climate and wait it out? Is that why we are not seeing an outbreak of Corona in hot dry countries?

Symptoms

The more common human coronaviruses, including types 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1, usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold, runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, a general feeling of being unwell. But it only lasts for a short time.

Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV have been known to frequently cause severe symptoms. MERS symptoms usually include fever, cough, and shortness of breath which often progress to pneumonia. About 3 or 4 out of every 10 patients reported with MERS have died.

The  COVID-19 (2019-nCoV) is an entirely different strain. Symptoms usually start with an itchy throat. Then virus goes down the trachea into your lungs causing breathing difficulties, chest congestion and tightening of the chest and eventually pneumonia.

Symptoms include fever, dry cough, myalgia (muscle pain), headache, hemoptysis and diarrhea. It causes hypoxemia which means it causes difficulty in breathing which often requires oxygen therapy.

Virus Name Corona
229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1		 Corona
COVID-19		 SARS/MERS
Symptoms Mild cold, runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, a general feeling of being unwell Fever, dry cough, myalgia (muscle pain), headache, fatigue,
hemoptysis (coughing up of blood), diarrhea and hypoxemia (low level of oxygen in the blood)		 Fever, cough, and shortness of breath which often progress to pneumonia.

Detection

One of the problems of the Coronavirus has been the ability to properly test and detect of the virus. China has been very close guarded in supplying a DNA for testing. According to this article Australians were the first to get a sample and recreate the new coronavirus outside of China. Even then there is not enough test kits both in China and other countries to quickly and efficiently detest the virus. According to this article the tests they only work when somebody has an active infection.

This NYTimes article seems to indicate children do not seem to be affected by the Coronavirus while those older than 50 had a 65% risk of dying. It is possible that children are carriers but do not show the symptoms. More men seem to affected by the coronavirus than women. The suggestion is that women are given a rubella vaccine booster in the teens to guard against the danger while pregnant, while men do not.

How to protect yourself from Corona

  • Wash hands frequently – Thoroughly with soap at least 60% alcohol solution. One of the most effective ways to stop the disease. Perhaps wear gloves and avoid touching the face or shaking hands with others.
  • Buy a face shield. Medical grade face shields are expensive but a cheap welders masks for about $13 could be the way to go. A bit drastic but what else to do, especially if you cannot find any masks.
  • Limit public places – Avoid restaurants, public events, movie theatres. At the risk of being racist avoid people who have visited China, Chinese restaurants and friends. There is higher chance they have friends and family who have visited China.
  • High heat Crank up your heating system and wait for summer. Viruses become inactive at between a 60 °C and 65 ° but more slowly than bacteria according to this document from the WHO. It is though the body gets fever to kill of bacteria and viruses.
  • Natural alternatives – Some foods have natural anti-viral properties. Like Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil, Oregano oil, Sage, Basil, Garlic, Fennel, Elderberry, Rosemary, Ginseng, Echinacea, Ginger and Licorice root. You may also want to take a look at powerful essential oils which have powerful anti-viral properties. It may or may not be effective against the Corona virus but worth a try.
  • Surgical masks – Level 1 and above masks have a filtration size of 100 nanometer (0.1 microns) while the Corona virus is 150 Nanometers. In theory it should be effective but efficiency is at 98% so there is a 2% chance of infection. The N95 filter has 99.9% efficiency but the problem is can anyone wear something like this for hours on end? Still better than nothing but comes at a huge cost and inconvenience.
  • Clean your house, car and clothes – Try to wipe down every possible surface of your house from door knobs, light switches, toilets, counter tops with a powerful anti-bacterial. Maybe use a steam cleaner. Wash clothes and bed linen in hot water. High heat kills a virus. Crank up your heater and keep the house warm. Drink plenty of hot teas and hot foods. You can may also be breeding ground for virus. Wipe down every surface and steam clean the carpets with high heat.
Mask type Fluid resistance Filtration Efficiency Breathability – Delta P Flame Spread
N95 160 mmHg
(High)		 PFE = 99.9% @ 0.1 micron > 5.0 mm H2O/cm2 Class 1
Indicated for use when treating patients with airborne diseases such as TB or influenza.
ASTM
LEVEL 3		 160 mmHg BFE ≥ 98% PFE ≥ 98% @ 0.1 micron < 5.0 mm H2O/cm2 Class 1
Ideal for procedures where heavy to moderate amounts of fluid, spray and/or aerosols are produced.
ASTM
LEVEL 2		 120 mmHg BFE ≥ 98% PFE ≥ 98% @ 0.1 micron < 5.0 mm H2O/cm2 Class 1
Ideal for procedures where moderate to light amounts of fluid, spray and/or aerosols are produced.
ASTM
LEVEL 1		 80 mmHg BFE ≥ 98% PFE ≥ 98% @ 0.1 micron < 4.0 mm H2O/cm2 Class 1
Ideal for procedures where low amounts of fluid, spray and/or aerosols are produced.
Molded utility mask Physical Barrier only N/A N/A N/A
Ideal as a comfortable substitute for earl loop face masks, this mask is a simple physical barrier ideal for exams and visitations or for dry, short procedures that do not produce fluid, spray or aerosols
Tissue utility mask Physical Barrier only N/A N/A N/A
Ideal as a simple physical barrier for exams and visitations or for dry, short procedures that do not produce fluid, spray or aerosols
Face shield Protects mask and face from direct splatter; may prolong mask life. • Sonically welded elastic headband for added strength.
INDEX
Fluid resistance Mask resistance to penetration by synthetic blood under pressure (mmHg). Higher resistance = higher protection.
BFE – Bacterial Filtration Efficiency Percentage of particles filtered out at a pore size of 1.0 – 5.0 microns (µ).
PFE – Submicron Particle Filtration Efficiency Percentage of particles filtered out at a pore size of 0.1 – 1.0 microns (µ).
Delta P – Differential Pressure Pressure drop across mask, or resistance to air flow in mmH2O/cm2 . Greater resistance = better protection but less breathability
Flame Spread Measures the flame spread of the mask material.

What medications are available?

Currently there is no certified medication. According to this South China Morning Post Article China has filed for a patent for the use of remdesivir – an experimental drug developed by US-based Gilead Sciences. Others have been using a cocktail treatment of antiviral drugs known as Kaletra, ribavirin and inhalable interferon.

What does the future hold?

As of now over 1600 deaths (Feb 16.2020) have been reported in China. You can take a look at this real time map of the Corona virus which is very interesting. This could just be the beginning of an epidemic or it could just as easily die off as the weather improves and an affordable vaccine is developed.

Given the level of international travel the virus should have spread much more than the current data indicated.Travel from China to other countries has been severely restricted. Perhaps that has averted a disaster. Maybe the weather conditions and pollution in China is making things much worse? Winter in China, let alone summer is pretty miserable with misty cloud like conditions, most likely caused by pollution.

All we can do is be vigilant. If you have an elderly parent take extra precautions and take steps to boost their immune system. Eat foods like as shown in the article. Get a bottle of high-quality Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil and Oregano Oil. It may not stop the virus but could increase your chance of survival. Exercise. Take precautions of what type of food you are eating especially meat. And wash all clothing and by all means wear masks and eye and ear coverings.

But one this is certain. The virus is here to stay as it has mutated and jumped into humans. We may be able to control it to some extent, but there may remain carriers who show no symptoms, only to pass it on to new hosts when the weather gets cold.

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Cinnamon for Pets

Can you give Cinnamon to your pet animals like dogs and cats? Yes you can use cinnamon for your pets.  It is just as effective as for humans.  Discover how to use Cinnamon for your pets with information on what diseases it addresses, the dosage and possible side effects. According the  ASPA Cinnamon is nontoxic to dogs, cats and horses.

Cinnamon has a storied history of health benefits and increasingly many pet owners are giving cinnamon  to their pets. Due to excessive consumption of processed food and antibiotics our pets are suffering from the same ailments that we suffer from like diabetes, Candida, irritable bowel syndrome and much more.

The problem has gotten worse with advent of pets kept in cramped apartments with virtually zero access to the outdoors especially for small pets who tend to suffer a disproportionate number of illnesses.  The top ten most serious pet diseases include diabetes, arthritis, obesity, dental diseases, all of which can be controlled to a large extent with cinnamon.

According to the CDC keeping your pet healthy might improve your health too.  Called Zoonoses, these are diseases people can get from animals.  Among the list is Salmonella and Campylobacter which some studies show can be fought fairly effectively with Cinnamon.  Even though the studies were done almost exclusively with Cinnamon Oil, the much more concentrated distilled form of cinnamon, regular use of powder maybe work well as a preventive measure.

WHICH TYPE OF CINNAMON FOR DOGS

If you intend to give your dog or cat Cinnamon on a regular basis switch to Ceylon Cinnamon. Regular grocery store cinnamon has high levels of Coumarin (read more here) which can damage the liver in us humans. The same should be true for dogs and cats. Like us dogs and cats can suffer from diabetes, arthritis, cancer and a host of ailments that we humans suffer from.

Some people buy Ceylon Cinnamon powder for their horses come winter time. Usually to keep their bones warm.  There is no indication that dogs, cats and horses have any more allergic reactions to Cinnamon than humans.  Like humans a small minority of pets can be allergic to Cinnamon of course. They key is to test it in increments.

WHICH FORM OF CINNAMON TO USE FOR PETS

It goes without saying; cinnamon powder is the best way to give your pets cinnamon.  You really don’t want your pets to chew on cinnamon sticks because there is always the possibility they can choke on it. But Cinnamon powder is versatile and can easily be mixed with their food. And surprise surprise, it even improves food palatability for dogs and cats. Horses maybe not so much.

Of course if you wish, you can boil some cinnamon sticks and make a Cinnamon Stick Tea for your pets. They might like it. But make sure you cool the tea.  My sister’s pet dog for example only wants iced water and she does like her cinnamon tea too. She won’t drink warm water however. What a spoilt dog. Oh well they are our dear friends.

10 BENEFITS OF CINNAMON FOR PETS

  1. Improves food palatability – Believe it or not dogs get and cats get sick and tired of their food just like us. Us humans have such a variety of food that dogs often do not get. Maybe that is why their life spans so short to begin with.  Cinnamon especially Ceylon cinnamon has this amazing ability to create complex flavors that improves food palatability. Now your pets is going to look forward to a nice meal.

  2. Warms their bones during winter – Especially if you have a dog who is dealing with symptoms of arthritis Cinnamon it will go some way towards alleviating the pain. Cinnamon increases body heat which warms the body especially the bones.

  3. Bone and cartilage development – Cinnamon has good levels of manganese and magnesium which is good for bone and cartilage development.

  4. Removes bad gut bacteria –  Ever seen a cat chew on grass?. This apparently to relieve an upset stomach according to catchow.com. Cinnamon is the perfect spice to help with getting rid of parasites and help with regular bowel movements.  As a powerful anti-bacterial Cinnamon helps get rid of bad bacteria in your pet’s stomach. Of course you should still allow your cat to chew on grass because it helps them regurgitate hair, bones are other indigestible matter. But if you have a house cat with no access to grass, a little Cinnamon will help, but also consider growing some grass in your apartment.

  5. Help with digestion – Like humans dogs and cats especially those exposed to processed foods can have digestive issues.  Cinnamon has this remarkable ability to aid to the digestion process by delaying the gastric emptying process. That helps your pets better absorb nutrients by digesting it properly.

  6. Canine Candida – According to this article dogs suffer from Canine Candida, an organism classified both as a yeast and fungus.  The list of symptoms of Canine Candida is quite extensive according to this article and includes skin disorders, allergies, lethargy, bowel disorders, rashes, overly hungry and or overweight, bloating, intestinal gas, strong doggy odor, dull or dry greasy coat, hyperactivity, genital rashes and itching, chewing of the paws, legs or tail, shaking of the head, bladder and urinary track infections.  Cinnamon is one of the best things to fight Candida in humans and should work perfectly for your pets.

  7. Improves mood –  Is your dog feeling depressed.? Try some Ceylon Cinnamon. Cinnamon improves mood and reduces irritability. My grand mother had a cat who was rather depressed. And grandma being one to try all kinds’ ayuvedic treatments gave some cinnamon to her and all indications are that cat’s mood improved. Not that cats are given  to exuberant expressions of joy but there seems to be a visible improvement in her attitude.

  8. Blood sugar control – Believe it or not even dogs get diabetes according this article.  This is apparently more common in obese or female dogs. Just like humans.  According to bark.com “Though there are no universally accepted definitions of dog diabetes, the United Kingdom’s Royal Veterinary College identifies two forms: insulin-deficiency diabetes (IDD) and insulin-resistance diabetes (IRD). Neither matches any kind of human diabetes exactly “. We feel it is worth a try.  Since cinnamon has about a 3-5% effect on blood sugar levels, there is no reason why it cannot work for your dog or cat.

  9. Dog breath – If you ever smelled the breath of some dogs and cats it can be absolutely foul.  According to this article on webMd “ Bad breath is the result of a build-up of odor-producing bacteria in your dog’s mouth, lungs, or gut. Persistent bad breath can indicate that your dog needs better dental care or that something is wrong in his gastrointestinal tract, liver, or kidneys”.

    If it is related to bad bacteria in the gut, cinnamon will clean up the bad bacteria in a flash. If it is related to dental hygiene issues like gum disease, regular ingestion of Cinnamon stick tea would be the perfect way reduce tooth decay and gum disease and get rid of bad oral bacteria. Some dogs are more prone to oral healthy issue.

  10. Heart Health – While studies on cinnamon for pets is very small, this small 2012 study found that cinnamon had a protective effect on heart performance.

DOSAGE OF CINNAMON FOR PETS

 

  Weight of pet Cinnamon Powder Cinnamon stick tea
  1 -10 lbs 1/16 teaspoon less than 1/4 cup, 1-3 times/day
  10-20 lbs 1/16-1/8 teaspoon 1/4 cup, 1-3 times/day
  20-50 lbs 1/8 tsp ½ teaspoon 1/4-1/2 cup, 1-3 times/day
  50-100 lbs ¼ – ¾ teaspoon 1/2-1 cup, 1-3 times/day
  Over 100 lbs ¾-1 teaspoon up to 1 cup 3 times/day

We based the above recommendations on a combination US Dept of health guidelines for adults and the German Bfr guidelines which says no more than 0.81 per 132lbs if using Cassia Cinnamon. If you are using Ceylon Cinnamon we believe you can easily double this rate without undue risk.

SIDE EFFECTS 

  • Cinnamon powder can create a choking hazard – Make sure the bag of cinnamon powder is not accessible to your dog. If they start playing around with it and ingesting it in large wallops, there is a small chance they might choke.  A friends dog found a piece of Cinnamon stick in the house and started chewing on it. We had a devil of a time prying it off her mouth. Cinnamon sticks can create a choking hazard. So keep it away.
  • Avoid Cinnamon tablets – Cinnamon tablets are not a good idea. We are Meaning cinnamon tablets are full of gunk and fillers, not mention rather corrosive on the stomach lining if not mixed well with food.
  • No Cinnamon oil for dogs and cats. –  Avoid ingesting or breathing in Cinnamon oil for your pets. While there is no reason why Cinnamon Bark Oil cannot bring the same benefits it brings to humans, giving it to your pets may be unfeasible.  Their nostrils are super sensitive to strong smells (especially cats) and it might possible effect their sense of smell adversely.  Even mixed with food and ingested while safe for humans, may not be good for pets.

    CONCLUSION

    We have not cited any scientific studies in this post with the exception of one obscure study for dog  heart health because all the studies on the benefits of cinnamon is for humans. But you can check the human studies on the benefits of cinnamon and draw your own conclusions. The main thing is that Cinnamon is not dangerous for your cats, dogs and horses. Of course we are not sure if it works well for your pet Squirrel, Iguana or Tortoise.  But it should be safe for pet hamsters and mice. That is if the cat does not get the hamster first.
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Cinnamon to reduce brain damage

Could Cinnamon reduce brain damage and shrinkage? There is increasing evidence that Cinnamon can counteract the destructive effects of sugar on our brain. Cinnamon could be the key to all brain related ailments from Alzheimer’s to dementia and poor exams results for young students. All caused by sugar which has been shown to shrink the brain in the latest research studies. And you thought excess sugar only caused obesity, cancer, diabetes, cholesterol and a host of other ailments. And before you go rushing to buy Cinnamon, make sure it is low Coumarin Ceylon Cinnamon which won’t damage your liver, unlike Cassia Cinnamon.

BRAIN SHRINKAGE AND SUGAR

A current public television show by Dr. Perlmutter cites a direct relationship between the degree of atrophy or shrinkage of the hippocampus and blood sugar measurements. Even subtle elevations of blood sugar, far below the level where one would be labeled as being diabetic, were already associated with brain shrinkage according to the article. When you get a smaller brain you can’t think, it becomes foggy, you lose your memory skills, your reaction times slow down, you can’t solve problems or work effectively.

So what has cinnamon got to do with it you ask? Well, Cinnamon is well known to control your blood sugar levels. According to Paul David at UC Davis in this NPR story of 2013, Cinnamon has a 3-5% effect on blood sugar levels, similar to an older generation of diabetes drugs. There are many other studies listed on our web site that show Cinnamon is effective at controlling blood sugar levels. That makes it a perfect antidote to solve excess sugar in your blood stream. If you have a sweet tooth, even if you are not a diabetic, cinnamon could help to scrub all the excess in your system and keep your brain from becoming smaller.

A new study published in the October 23, 2013, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, says that those with higher blood sugar levels are more likely to have memory problems.  They conclude “Our results indicate that even in the absence of manifest type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance, chronically higher blood glucose levels exert a negative influence on cognition, possibly mediated by structural changes in learning-relevant brain areas. Therefore, strategies aimed at lowering glucose levels even in the normal range may beneficially influence cognition in the older population .. ”

Coincidentally  in this this study by Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, Director of Undergraduate Research and associate professor of psychology at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WV. Found that Cinnamon may keep you more alert and decrease your frustration when you are behind the wheel.

It seems that it is Cinnamon’s ability to reduce sugar levels that may make the brain function so much better. Cinnamon may be keeping the brain from getting smaller. Maybe it even increases your brain size. For students cramming for their exams this could be the magic bullet. Perhaps it is time to throw out your sugary drinks especially the famous energy drink that young students seem to consume by the gallons. It may give you an energy rush, but each time you drink an energy drink it might be shrinking that brain of yours. A cup of Ceylon Cinnamon tea maybe a better solution to ace those exams. We think it’s worth a try.

AGE RELATED DEMENTIA CAUSED BY SUGAR

This article from Natural society also cites a previous study published in 2012, which also found that even slight elevations in blood glucose levels can increase your risk of age-related dementia. They conclude by saying some home remedies for high blood sugar may also be excellent for reducing blood sugar levels, while cinnamon for diabetes and blood sugar has also been used as a simple and valuable solution.

USDA RESEARCH ON BRAIN SWELLING

Researchers at the United States Department Agriculture also studied the Effect of Cinnamon Compounds on Brain Cells in this study and discovered that increased brain swelling was absent in a control group exposed to Cinnamon extract.  The researchers caution that table cinnamon compounds may accumulate in the body and should not be ingested consistently as more than a spice over long periods of time. This we believe is related solely to Cassia Cinnamon which has high levels of Coumarin which causes liver damage. Ceylon Cinnamon on the other hand has ultra low levels of Coumarin and has virtually no danger from Coumarin levels.

So if you are taking Cinnamon, make sure it is Ceylon Cinnamon. Still the key is to not to over consume Cinnamon, even Ceylon Cinnamon but make it part of an overall program of a healthy diet and moderate exercise.

HOW NATURAL SODIUM BENZOTE IN CINNAMON AIDS THE BRAIN

Did you know that artificially made Sodium benzoate found in many soft drinks as a food preservative can also be found naturally in Cinnamon? This Livestrong article cites the University of Maryland in saying that Sodium benzoate, a metabolite of cinnamon, helps regulate the levels of ammonia in your blood and prevents it from becoming too high. High ammonia levels damage your brain and nervous system

This June 2013 article on psychology today says that “ the sodium benzoate produced in the body after eating cinnamon induces significant increases in the levels of a variety of chemicals in the brain called neurotrophic factors. These factors stimulate the birth of new neurons in the brain and encourage the survival of existing neurons.  These two processes are critical for the maintenance of a healthy brain. During the past decade many scientific studies have discovered that these neurotrophic factors can prevent, or greatly slow the progression of, a variety of degenerative diseases of the brain, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. “

BRAIN BLOOD BARRIER

There is also increasing evidence that Cinnamon is one of few substances that can penetrate the brain blood barrier and does considerable good in repairing oxidative stress. Essentials oils in general are able to penetrate the brain blood barrier. Try some Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil internally. About 1-3 drops mixed in hot beverage like tea. It is well known to penetrate the blood brain barrier. Do not take too much, maybe 1 drop to start as it can drop blood sugar levels too fast.

The latest finding indicate that two compounds found in cinnamon — cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin — may be effective in fighting Alzheimer’s.  According to a study by Roshni George and Donald Graves in 2013, two scientists at UC Santa Barbara, Cinnamon has been shown to prevent the development of the filamentous “tangles” found in the brain cells that characterize Alzheimer’s.The use of cinnamaldehyde, the compound responsible for the bright, sweet smell of cinnamon, has proven effective in preventing the tau knots. By protecting tau from oxidative stress, the compound, an oil (major component of Cinnamon Bark Oil), could inhibit the protein’s aggregation. To do this, cinnamaldehyde binds to two residues of an amino acid called cysteine on the tau protein. The cysteine residues are vulnerable to modifications, a factor that contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s.

SO WHAT CINNAMON MEANS FOR US ORDINARY FOLK

So there you have it. A cinnamon solution for your brain. The key here is preventing cognitive difficulties from happening in the first place. There is an old Chinese saying “The superior doctor prevents sickness; The mediocre doctor attends to impending sickness; The inferior doctor treats actual sickness “.

So if you are a student, instead of gulping down high sugar drinks to keep you awake, try some of fabulous Ceylon Cinnamon tea infused with Cinnamon Bark Oil. If you don’t want any caffeine (tea has a 1/4 of caffeine in coffee) boil some Ceylon Cinnamon sticks to make a fabulous tea. It could conceivably prevent your brain from shrinking,

If you are an athlete Cinnamon may help you react faster. If you are at beginning stages of things like Alzheimer’s, it could counteract some of the damage  allowing you to live a more productive life. And if you are leading the life of a fast paced executive, Cinnamon could be the key to better work performance without resorting to highly caffeinated sugary drinks or worse drugs.

But we must stress not to overdo it. Never exceed the daily limit of 6g Cinnamon per day for six weeks with a period of rest after that as recommended by the US department of Health.  Starting a Cinnamon habits at a young age and cutting out sugar could be the key to leading a productive and happy life free of debilitating illnesses, especially of the brain. Because to lose your brain is not to live at all.

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Cinnamon for Arthritis

Cinnamon for arthritis has been used for Millennia. This is because Cinnamon is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Cinnamon is also the solution to many chronic inflammatory diseases such as Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Cancer. If you are taking cinnamon for arthritis, try to use low Coumarin Ceylon Cinnamon which won’t damage your liver and has negligible side effects.

Unlike anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Aspirin or arthritis medications like Glucosamine, real Ceylon Cinnamon  (not tablets) has the benefit of having little or virtually no side effects (read side effects of Cinnamon here) if taken within the daily limit of 6g or less. Tablets or supplements have inherent dangers in the their production process  as well as other side effects like stomach ailments. Cinnamon on the other hand is a great stomach stabilizer among a huge range of additional benefits.

TYPES OF ARTHRITIS 

There are of course many different forms of arthritis. They include Tendinitis and Bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Flat feet, Gout, Kawasaki disease, Lyme disease, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Plantar fasciitis, Tennis Elbow, Rheumatoid Fever, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, and Wilson’s Disease.

The major ones that affect most people are osteoarthritis, which is the “wear and tear” arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory type of arthritis caused by a defective immune system. Nearly 50 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis. That is a shockingly high number.

WHAT CAUSES ARTHRITIS 

If you were a physically active person, especially involved in extreme sports or overweight or an older person, chances are you have Osteoarthritis which is caused by overuse of joints. There in increasing evidence that our diet especially our infatuation with high dairy consumption is a major cause.

There are of course many other causes like accidents and injuries beyond our control. Age is one factor we have no control over. Like a car, the more we use our bodies, the more wear and tear we put on our bodies, especially joints.

Some people are genetically predisposed to arthritis but here again eating factors may aggravate the symptoms. Of course if you are overweight, you will put additional stress on your joints. And illnesses like gout or joint infections can also cause arthritis.

What we do know is that arthritis can be caused by a huge variety of factors. The best we can do is to find a natural remedy and model healthy habits to mitigate the pain of arthritis. And who knows, maybe even cure yourself. And we think Ceylon Cinnamon could be a huge part of that solution.

ARTHRITIS TREATMENT OPTIONS

According to the Mayo clinic, the treatment options for osteoarthritis are Medication (including anti-inflammatory drugs), physical therapy and surgical options. Some of these options especially surgery or pain medications can have unintended consequences. While Ceylon Cinnamon may not be a treatment option for everyone, it could form an important part of a natural solution.

WHY CEYLON CINNAMON FOR ARTHRITIS

Cinnamon has high levels of Manganese (73% DV in 8g – 2 cinnamon sticks), which is the magic ingredient responsible for the formation of bones and connective tissues.

  • One of the best known studies of Ceylon Cinnamon and its effectiveness against osteoporosis was this comprehensive Japanese study. The study concludes that a key component of Ceylon Cinnamon that makes it so effective against osteoporosis was the Cinnamaldehyde in Cinnamon Bark. Perhaps a cup of our Cinnamon Tea made with real Cinnamon Bark Oil high in Cinnamldehyde is the solution.
  • This Naval Special Warfare Group study demonstrated that a combination of glucosamine HCl (1,500 mg/day), chondroitin sulfate (1,200 mg/day), and manganese ascorbate (228 mg/day) relieved symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Cinnamon has good levels of manganese which means one could logocally conclude that it could certainly help of arthritis symptoms.
  • This Duke University study discovered that Manganese was effective against mouse spinal cord compression injury, although efficacy was dependent on route of administration.
  • This South Korean this study recognized the possibility of Cinnamon bark as a remedy for inflammatory disorders.
  • A Japanese study of 1994 found that manganese superoxide significantly reduced foot swelling but also retarded radiological bone destruction in adjuvant arthritis.
  • This 2013 study of Iranian athletes with Cinnamon and ginger found  a decrease in muscle soreness. Admittedly muscles are not bones but is certainly within the realm of possibility that it could help bones too.
  • Cinnamon and Honey– The widely cited Copenhagen study is a complete hoax. All indications are that honey and sugar will make your arthritis worse. According to this Livestrong article and many others we found, honey is not effective against arthritis in anyway. But Cinnamon is good option for arthrities.

CEYLON CINNAMON ARTHRITIS PLAN 

Our suggestion is not to pop Manganese or Cinnamon tablets to cure your arthritis but to take real Ceylon Cinnamon as an overall program of healthy living. This way you get the real thing without all the hazards and chemical compositions that come with commercially manufactured tablets.

Dosage : One thing to keep in mind is that you should not exceed your daily dose of Manganese or Cinnamon. Your daily Manganese dose should not exceed the daily limits. According to NYU Langone medical Center as well as the University of Maryland the daily value of Manganese for, Men age 19 or older is  2.3 mg of manganese and women age 19 or older should get 1.8 mg. Click here for the full daily allowance for all age groups. The FDA site recommends a daily amount of 2mg based on a 2000 calories intake. .

The NYU langone Medical center recommends NOT to exceed 11mg of Manganese per day, beyond which you will start to get nervous system effects.

Yet most commercial manganese tablets are sold in 50mg amounts. Go figure! If you take too much manganese it may cause nervous-system effects that mimic Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, difficulty walking and facial spasms. Taking Ceylon Cinnamon for arthritis is only one aspect of your total health plan. Ideally you want to include the following solutions into an overall plan of health living.

HOW WE WOULD TAKE CEYLON CINNAMON FOR ARTHRITIS 

  1. Take 1 tsp. of Ceylon Cinnamon Powder 2 times per week. Mix it in your soups, add to breakfast cereals.
  2. Make a Ceylon Cinnamon stick twice a week
  3. Take 1-3 drops of Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil once a week. Yes you can ingest Ceylon Cinnamon Bark.  Look for Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil with at least 60% Cinnamaldehyde.  Not Cassia Cinnamon Bark Oil. Avoid that.This combination covers all the bases. The powder has the goods levels of manganese levels you need. The Ceylon Cinnamon stick keeps it interesting and we added to the Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil because some research studies indicate the cinnamaldehyde of the Bark oil that works for arthritis. This way you cover all the bases. Voila!Important Note – Take a rest from Cinnamon on the weekend. While Cinnamon is an anti inflammatory take too much and it increases body heat. If you get too much body heat, your joints will swell up and your body will try to vent out the excess heat by creating boils under the tongue, cracked heals and other fissures on your skin surface. Cinnamon is extremely powerful. Use it moderation and it is a marvelous health elixir.

    BEST PRACTICES

  • Eliminate Caffeinated Drinks– Caffeine leads to mineral loss. You can switch to a lovely cup of Ceylon Cinnamon Stick Tea for the morning and afternoon.
  • Eliminate Sugar or dramatically reduce sugar consumption – Sugar is a well known inflammatory agent.
  • Avoid Dairy products– High dairy consumption is related to increased stress fractures.
  • Avoid Nightshade Fruits and Vegetables like Tomatoes – A particular group of substances in these foods, called alkaloids, compromise joint function.
  • Avoid Supplements – While things like Vitamin C, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Hemp, Glucosamine are also effective against arthritis they present other dangers common to most manufactured pills. Like Ceylon Cinnamon you can find natural sources of these ingredients to supplement your diet.
  • Improve Your Gut Health – According to the Mayo clinic gut bacteria may trigger diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The best way to check if Ceylon Cinnamon for arthritis works for you is to try it.  To be fair you should give it three months. Our tendency is to overdose on something that is good for you. This is the wrong approach. Instead you should incorporate Ceylon Cinnamon in moderation as part of an overall program of proper diet and exercise.

The cost to have two cups of Cinnamon Tea twice a day for three months is under $60. If it does not work for you, Ceylon Cinnamon has other benefits like blood sugar control, settling your stomach, improving your guts health and so much more.

Make sure you do all those other things too, like eliminating sugar and dairy for the Cinnamon to have a chance. If you continue to lead an unhealthy lifestyle the Cinnamon will have difficulty overcoming the adverse effects of other factors such as high dairy consumption or bad gut health.

Learn how to slow boil Ceylon Cinnamon sticks which turns into a lovely red with a heady aroma tinged with hints of citrus.

We have given you a reasonable amount of research and a plan of attack. Now it’s up to you.

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Best Toenail Fungus Treatment with Cinnamon Oil

Got a bad case of the toenail fungus that just does not seem to go away or keeps coming back? Then try a combination of Ceylon Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil and Ceylon Bark Oil for a fast, cost effective, all natural home remedy against your stubborn  toenail fungus.  According to the Mayo clinic, toenail medication can cause liver and heart problem. Do you really want that? All other natural remedies are not fast enough and never address the internal causes.

Ceylon cinnamon works and we show you how.  We take a detailed look at the causes and symptoms of the toenail fungus. Give you six reasons why Ceylon Cinnamon is fast, effective and inexpensive. Show you how to use Ceylon Cinnamon internally and externally with step by step instructions and guide you with best practices. Ceylon cinnamon will not only kill the toenail fungus but prevent it from coming back which is what makes it unique.

Candida is a leading cause of the Toenail Fungus. And Cinnamon kills Candida, even antibiotic resistant Candida. You have to treat internal causes of the toenail nail fungus for a permanent and long lasting solution. The beauty of Ceylon Cinnamon is that you can take it internally (as a black tea infused with cinnamon bark oil, sticks boiled into tea or the powder) to treat the internal causes and apply Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil topically to kill and remove the unsightly mess on your toenails. And unlike Cassia Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon has low Coumarin levels and will not damage your liver.

WHAT IS THE TOENAIL FUNGUS

Formally known as Onychomycosis, the toenail fungus affects the dark moist environment of your feet. Onychomycosis can be due to:  (Trichophyton rubrum (T rubrum), T. interdigitale, tinea unguium, yeasts such as Candida albicans, and molds especially Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Fusarium species. According to this study Onychomycosis is an infection of the nail caused by fungi such as dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte moulds and yeasts (mainly Candida species).

A fingernail fungus is also possible, but there is less risk of that because your hands don’t usually reside in a dark moist environment like your feet do when you wear closed shoes with socks. That is unless you wear gloves for extended periods at work like a nurse, postal worker,shop cashier, chef or you wear artificial nails.

While most people treat the toenail fungus as an external issue, the evidence indicates that a toenail fungus is primarily the result of an internal imbalance, specifically sugar, dairy, grains and nuts that can make you more susceptible to a toe nail fungus. That means the ideal treatment option is one that treats both causes. Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil for topical treatment and Ceylon Cinnamon sticks  or Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil for internal consumption to mitigate a sugar and fungi rich environment within your body. Treating your toenail fungus with just a topical treatment alone is not enough. A daily dose of Cinnamon stick tea,  Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil or even cinnamon powder taken internally will go a long way towards combating the toenail fungus.

SYMPTOMS OF A TOENAIL FUNGUS

When you begin to see white or yellow patches beneath a nail’s tip, you know you are getting a toenail fungus. If left untreated, the nail becomes thicker and brittle. Often the nail will change color and shape, becoming yellow and eventually falling off.

There are 5  types of Onychomycosis.

  • Candidal Onymychosis (CO) – Develops in patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis or immune depression. Affects several or all nails. The nails often take on a bulbous or drumstick appearance.
  • Distal Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis (DLSO) affects the nail bed and the underside of the nail. Yellow streaks and/or yellow onycholytic areas in the central portion of the nail plate.
  • White Superficial Onychomycosis (WSO) attacks the top layers of the nail and appears as small, white, speckled or powdery patches on the surface of the nail plate. The nail becomes roughened and crumbles easily.
  • Proximal Subungual Onychomycosisappears where the nail exits the skin of the finger or toe.
  • Endonyx onychomycosis (EO)– Milky white discoloration of the nail plate.

MAJOR CAUSES OF THE TOENAIL FUNGUS

  • Candida Yeast Infection– In the United States most toetail fungus infections we believe is caused by Candida. Due to the over consumption of processed foods, dairy and sugar, Candida over growth has become an epidemic. Do a Candida test and find out. Unlike nail infections caused by contact with Dermatophyte fungi, Candida yeast nail infections are symptomatic of a systemic immunodeficiency associated with Candida overgrowth. Treatment a of Candida led toenail fungus with topical anti fungal medication alone is less effective. Cinnamon taken (cinnamon bark oil infused in tea, cinnamon stick tea or cinnamon powder) internally to attack the Candida yeast inside you  is a great way to restore the balance between beneficial bacteria and an over growth of candida yeast infections in combination with topical treatment is far more effective we believe.
  • Diet& Nutrition–  According to this article there is evidence that excessive sugar, dairy, grains and nuts can create the conditions that cause a toe nail fungus. All of these foods are rich in mycotoxins but sugar is the food of choice for fungi. This is why diabetics and pre-diabetics are far more prone to a nail fungus, because of their inability to process sugar properly. According to this article from WebMd Biotin is linked to long and stronger nails. And the best natural sources of biotin are eggs, carrots, salmon, onions, tomatoes, sweet potatoes according to WH foods but avoid the nuts even though peanuts have very good levels of biotin.
  • For people with serious case of the fungus (like having it on all toenails completely covered), we recommend you follow the Ketosis diet without the dairy and nuts  they usually recommend. It gets rid of the carbs and sugar and you will lose weight dramatically as a bonus. We are talking about a pound a day. It is relatively easy to implement. Add Cinnamon and this plan it should help get rid of your sugar and carb addictions that causes much of the fungus. Read this article at Diet Doctor which provides great information.
  • Diabetes – According to this article approximately one in three people with diabetes are afflicted with Onychomycosis (toenail fungus). Diabetics suffer from poor sensations and therefore fail to examine their feet.
  • Injury to nail– If you dropped something on your toe nail and cracked it and developed a hair line nail crack, wearing socks can crate tiny pockets of moist warm areas where Fungi can grow.
  • Aging & diminished blood circulation– As we get older our blood circulation slows down. Especially if we are not physically active. And that creates conditions perfect for the fungus to take hold.
  • Weak immune system– People who have undergone surgery are highly susceptible to a toenail fungus especially if their feet were immobile for a while. But really any kind of illness that has weakened your immune system leave you susceptible to catching a toenail fungus.
  • Warm moist environment– Constant exposure of your feet to a warm moist environment like swimming pools, baths and showers.
  • Tight shoes– When you wear tight shoes, they tend to compress your feet, reduce blood circulation and deny your feet of air circulation. The perfect environment for a Toenail fungus growth.
  • Socks – Those who wear socks for a long time during the day, especially in a hot humid climate, will be more prone to a toe nail fungus. Especially true of athletes like basketball players, ballet dancers, soccer players who generate lots of heat and moisture in their feet.
  • Artificial nails – When your fingernails are covered with artificial nails, it creates a barrier to normal air flow  and sunlight.  The problem happens when an artificial nail becomes dislodged from the nail they are glued to and a tiny pocket forms between the two. This pocket often traps water or moisture,  a prime breeding ground for a nail fungus.
  • Wearing gloves – If you wear gloves for work (medical personal, construction workers) on a regular basis, then you could conceivably get a fingernail fungus similar to toe nail fungus.

6 REASONS TO CONSIDER CINNAMON FOR TOENAIL FUNGUS

1. A powerful anti-bacterial mold and fungus killer – Cinnamon is a powerful anti bacterial, often effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria as listed in the studies here. While we can’t however find direct evidence that Cinnamon Oil kills Onychomycosis per se this study with clove oil high in Euegnol (like Cinnamon Leaf Oil with 75% Eugenol), found prominent anti fungal actions, with a MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of 1% and 4%, respectively.  Which means Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil with 75% Eugenol will work.

2. Cost effective – Yes, Clove Oil, Oregano Oil and Tee tree oil works to an extent (if you get the real high quality versions that is not diluted), but pure 100% Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf is more powerful, usually half the price and versatile enough for many uses including disinfecting your house, improving your mood and getting rid of bad odors. Of course in order for Ceylon cinnamon oil to work it has to be the real thing with at least 75% Eugenol content which is the magical ingredient that works against the fungus. Artificial or blended Cinnamon Oils will not work because their anti-bacterial properties have been stripped away.

3. Cinnamon treats internal causes like Candida– Unlike Clove and Oregano Oils, Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil is far easier to take internally. Note you take Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil to apply topically and the Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil internally. DO NOT GET CONFUSED.
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We do know Cinnamon is effective against Candida yeast as shown here, one possible cause of a toenail fungus. Cinnamon is also effective in regulating your blood sugar levels (in the 3-5% range) and thereby depriving the bacteria of an easily accessible food source, namely sugar. When Cinnamon gets to your stomach it also acts as a powerful ant-bacterial destroying all bad gut bacteria. You can also introduce good bacteria into your stomach with probiotics or eating foods rich in good bacteria like pickles. We would suggest you avoid dairy or even dairy based probiotics even though it has good bacteria. Eat Kim chi or a good pickle for an excellent source of good bacteria.

4. Cinnamon Works faster  – Usually treatment for a toenail fungus takes months of careful treatment. With Cinnamon Oil this process is much faster.

5. Cinnamon Improves blood circulation– Cinnamon is a warming agent and improves blood circulation. Poor blood circulation in the extremities like on toenails helps the toenail fungus grow even faster. Diabetics for example suffer from poor circulation which is why they are at a high risk for getting the toenail fungus.

6. Cinnamon Leaf Oil will dry the nail faster– Unlike other natural remedies, Cinnamon Oil will dry your toenail very fast. Since moisture is the enemy of the toenail fungus this makes it particularly effective.

HOW TO USE CINNAMON LEAF OIL FOR TOPICAL  (EXTERNAL) TOENAIL FUNGUS TREATMENT

The use of topical agents like Cinnamon Oil should be limited to cases involving less than half of the distal nail plate. Topical treatments alone are generally unable to cure onychomycosis because of insufficient nail plate penetration, but if you use 100% Cinnamon Oil on your toenail and allow it to penetrate the nail to kill the toe nail fungus, it is quite effective. But if you have broken skin or a cut, the Cinnamon Oil will burn as it penetrates. Kind of like putting pure alcohol on an open wound. Some people can handle it but others cannot.

Clean first– Before you apply Cinnamon Oil it is important that you clean and prepare your toenail properly, without which you will not make much progress. Use a magnifying glass to examine your toe nail in detail for damage. If nails have thickened, cut and file them down. If you can afford it, go get a proper pedicure (ask them to wear gloves so they won’t contaminate others). Or do it at home.

Seriously consider getting an electric portable manicure system like this one from Wal-Mart . It makes cleaning the toenail so much fun and easy. We also found that a V shaped cuticle remover/pusher like this  is far better, easier and safer (with less chance of cutting and bleeding) to use than a cuticle snip, to remove excess cuticle.

Diluted application– Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil is extremely potent. So it is best to go in stages. We would suggest that mixing 1% Cinnamon Leaf Oil with water and spray the infected toe and let it air dry. For stubborn cases you may have to increase the level of concentration up to 100% depending on your needs. If you are using 100% Cinnamon Oil you can soak a Q-tip and apply the Oil. Again be warned 100% Cinnamon Oil is very hot. It’s like applying alcohol on a wound. 

Soak your feet– An alternative method is to mix 1-2% Cinnamon Oil with 99%-98% hot water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. You can add sea salts if you like, which can help to draw out infections. If you have a really severe case, soaking in hot water twice a week in addition to twice a day application of cinnamon oil is recommended.

 Use a hair dryer – If you soak your feet with cinnamon oil water solution, use a hair dryer to dry your feet after towel drying. The hair dryer can reach areas a towel cannot reach, especially if you have pockets or cracks on your toe nail. Remember to wash your foot towel separately and after each use. A set of small towels would be best in this case and it might be an idea to add a drop of Ceylon Cinnamon leaf oil when you wash the towels. Of course you might find it easier to use paper towels, which might be an even easier solution and reduce cross contamination.

Using Direct 100% application – 100% undiluted Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil can be applied directly to the skin or nails, but if skin is sensitive (a sure sign of broken or a cracked nail and broken skin underneath) it should be diluted with water, extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Usually 1-2% Cinnamon Oil to water or a carrier oil will suffice. But for people with no fear of pain, then 100% Cinnamon oil application will deliver faster results but you will waste more of the oil.

At a 6% dilution rate for example Cinnamon Oil will kill a fungus within 24% hours. But that is in a petri dish. Much harder to reach the fungus in your toenail because it is underneath the toenail. So Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil applied daily over time will eventually get to all of the fungus without wasting the oil. You can apply 100% cinnamon Oil but if it does not get to the toenail it can’t do its job. So make sure it penetrates, and for that your need to file the top of your nail regularly and also soak your toe nail.

Never miss a day, apply  everyday, twice a day– If you want fast effective results you need to be diligent and never miss a single day of treatment. Some people relax when they start to see results. Don’t! You need to go the distance and get rid of it fast. Attack it with a vengeance.

Massage your feet– Mix 1% Cinnamon oil to 99% Coconut oil and massage your feet. Cinnamon is a warming agent that will help promote blood circulation. Coconut oil is also a anti-fungal agent and makes it easier to massage your feet.

If you don’t treat internal causes it will come back– Some people think they can just put cinnamon oil and kill the toenail fungus. But if you got Candida or a weakened immune system it will keep coming back. Address those issues by also taking Cinnamon internally.

 

HOW TO USE CINNAMON FOR INTERNAL TOENAIL FUNGUS TREATMENT

An effective toenail fungus treatment also requires internal treatment. And for that Cinnamon consumed internally is one of the most effective treatment options because it has been proven effective against antibiotic resistant Candida. Cinnamon also removes all the bad gut bacteria in your stomach. Bad gut microbes compromises your immune system, another cause of the toenail fungus.

The best way to take Cinnamon internally is as follows.

  1. Ceylon Cinnamon Stick Tea – This is very easy to make. Take One 3 inch Ceylon Cinnamon Stick, add 1.5 cups of water and slow boil over 25 minutes. Then let it cool down for 15 minutes.  When it becomes a beautiful red color you know it is ready. You can make a whole jug and keep in the refrigerator, but heat it again when you drink it.
  2. Ceylon Cinnamon Power – Although not as powerful as the sticks, you can still use Cinnamon Powder to make some cinnamon tea.  Simply add 3/4 teaspoon of powder to 1.5 cups of water, let it steep for 5 minutes, strain the powder residue that usually sinks to the bottom and drink. Not bad even if it is a little messy to make.
  3. Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil –  This is the easiest and most powerful way to take Cinnamon internally. Research shows that it the oil component of Ceylon Cinnamon that is so good for killing all manner of fungus and bacteria. This is the nuclear option and very powerful. Add 1-2 drops to 8 oz. of hot water or to your herbal tea. Be extremely careful as too much will drop your blood sugar levels not to mention being sweet spicy burning hot. Start with one drop at first.

Of course make sure it is Ceylon Cinnamon and not the Cassia Cinnamon which has too much Coumarin and will damage your liver. Besides Cassia Cinnamon Oil is generally not considered good quality and has a different chemical signature.

The US Department of Health says not to take more than 6g (1.2 tsp of powder Cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick) of Cinnamon for more than six weeks with a period of rest (say about a week) after that. This because it may accumulate toxicity in your system. Yes even good things have their limits.

We would suggest you take Cinnamon tea for 5 days during the week and stop on the weekend and then start again for another 5 days on Monday. That way you can take Cinnamon for a few months or until the fungus is cured.

Some people also take 1/4 tsp of Turmeric mixed in water during the weekend rest days which is an excellent idea because Turmeric also controls blood sugar and is a disinfectant. But Turmeric is bitter and too much is bad  for your kidneys.  But a little bit in moderation added to food is fine.

OTHER TOENAIL FUNGUS TREATMENT OPTIONS 

Commercial Products –  There are three classes of topical antifungal creams: polyenes (e.g., nystatin), imidazoles (e.g., clotrimazole), and allylamines-benzylamines (e.g., terbinafine). All three are active against Candida, but only imidazoles and allylamines-benzylamines are active against dermatophytes. You can also get antifungal nail lacquers but these can be really cumbersome to use. For oral therapy there is also a huge combination of medications, often with mixed results. Read about them in this well written diabetics journal.

Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus – According to this article in Livestrong, laser treatment is not only expensive and not been proven effective.

Other Natural Remedies – According to this Livestrong article Apple Cider Vinegar is a fairly effective treatment because it creates an alkaline environment in which fungus cannot survive. The only problem is it is effective mostly in a foot bath. Tea tree Oil to treat the toenail fungus according to Livestrong in this article is slow and you may not completely resolve the fungus for a year. The Mayo clinic in this article says there is strong scientific evidence that tea tree oil does not work for the toenail fungus. Clove Oil provided it has high levels of Eugenol one study shows is effective against onychomycosis. So far we cannot find evidence other remedies like orange Oil, garlic and baking soda are anywhere near effective.

BEST PRACTICES FOR TOENAIL TREATMENT

  • Frequent clipping and maintenance of toenails– Beautiful feet, especially in a women is an amazing thing and a tremendous morale booster. Pamper them. Make them look good. Cut and file every 3 days until the toenail fungus is cured. Thereafter examine you feet, cut, file and look after your toenails once a week.
  • Air your feet– Allow air to reach the infected toe as much as possible. Moist socks and shoes breed fungal growth. Go barefooted as much as you can. Wear sandals whenever possible. Do not wear your sock or hosiery more than one day without washing. White socks that can be bleached are a plus.
  • Change your socks & wash them properly–  When you notice a toenail fungus throw out all your socks and start with new socks.  Low temperature washing machine are not hot enough eliminate fungal spores in socks, so wash your socks in real hot water.
  • Spray Ceylon Cinnamon leaf oil on the inside of your shoes – Since shoes are rarely washed, spraying 1% diluted cinnamon oil on the inside of your shoes and allowing them to air  dry them overnight will help any lingering kill fungal spores that has contaminated your shoes. Sneakers are easier to wash. If you don’t want to wash them you should at least sun dry them.
  • Avoid wearing tight shoes. – Tight shoes push your toes together, potentially transferring fungus and often creating the perfect moist, warm and closed environment so beloved by fungus. If you like wearing heels, it might be a good idea to take a break from them if they’re bunching up your toes. It can also help to shift to wearing only shoes that “breathe”. Tight hosiery can cause similar problems.
  • Dry your feet thoroughly after getting wet. After bathing, swimming and any activity that leaves your feet sweaty or wet, dry them thoroughly.  Use that hair dryer. This will help keep the infection from worsening. Be especially careful of public pools and similar opportunities to spread your infection. Avoid these places or find ways to keep your feet covered.
  • Stop sharing manicure utensils– To reduce your risk of nail fungus, it’s important to avoid sharing manicure or pedicure utensils with other people. Very common at the nail salon so make sure they sterilize the equipment first.
  • Add Ceylon cinnamon oil  to your foot cream– If you use a cream add a few drops of Cinnamon Leaf Oil (no more than 1-2%) to your cream and rub it in. Or just spray or rub your foot with the 1% Cinnamon and 99% water solution and then apply any foot cream you may use. Or better  still use the coconut oil mixed with the Ceylon Cinnamon leaf oil.
  • Eliminate sugar & dairy –  You must eliminate sugar and dairy, at least for the duration of treatment. This is because Candida, (which causes the toenail fungus in many cases), feeds on sugar which dairy products have in high doses.  At least reduce until your toenail fungus is under control or eliminated. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients helps promote a strong immune system which is vital to the toenail fungus cure. We have discovered most people who have a toenail fungus also have very poor eating habits. Many take medications and other supplements that often leave your immune system very weak. Getting vitamins and minerals from natural food is significantly better than popping pills especially B12 and Vitamin D3.
  • Massage your feet and toes – Get into the habit of massaging your feet or getting a foot massage from time to time to improve blood circulation to your feet. As we get older we suffer from diminished circulation. Cinnamon helps blood circulation but it can’t do all the work by itself. Perhaps doing some  sort of sports that involve your feet is an option. Dancing perhaps?
  • The toenail fungus will heal more slowly – If you have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or any other systemic diseases that affects the blood flow to the feet. Which is why massaging your feet is very important.
  • Disinfect nail files and clippers with Ceylon cinnamon leaf oil– Wash the nail files and clippers and spray with the 1% Cinnamon Oil and water combination and leave until the next use. Cinnamon Oil  is a powerful disinfectant but you must leave it on for it to work.

PRECAUTIONS

Pregnant women should not take Cinnamon as it can cause uterine contractions that can lead to premature birth. Handle Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil with care since it is an extremely powerful anti-bacterial and ideally dilute to 1-2% with water or a carrier oil.

Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil should not be taken internally except for certain specific cases like Lyme disease. Cinnamon Leaf Oil is what is best for topical treatment due to it’s lower cost and high Euegnol content.

For internal consumption only use pure high quality Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil because it is very refined and therefore suitable for internal consumption. Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil only has about 20-35% Eugenol but it has 60% Cinnamaldehyde the compound that makes it an extremely powerful anti bacterial and anti-fungal.  One that can work from the inside.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WORK?

In most cases (not all cases) you will see results within 7 days after applying Cinnamon Oil and taking Cinnamon Tea orally everyday. Yes it’s that fast. That does not necessarily mean it will be cured within seven days. All it means is you will see real and dramatic progress. The oil may make the toenail slightly yellow especially if you use the undiluted oil, but this comes off with regular cleaning and filing of the toenail every 3-4 days.

The complete cure will take a few months if you have a really stubborn case.  The toenail grows at about 1mm (0.03 inch)  per month. If it is not working please pause to see if your sugar and dairy products  intake has been eliminated and check your diet. Maybe you forgot to drink the Cinnamon tea and only applied the Cinnamon Oil? Internal treatment is as important as the topical treatment.

Ensure than any medication you maybe taking does not have an adverse reaction to cinnamon. While Cinnamon is generally very safe it does not have some side effects for some people as we list here. 

Some people take vitamin tablets (B12 for example) laden with things like Silicon Dioxide and Magnesium Stearate. Silicon Dioxide for example inhibits blood flow, adequate healing responses, proper nutrition absorption and toxin elimination. So consider if these other factors are further aggravating your chance of recovery from the toenail fungus. We find vegetarian’s have huge issues with the toenail fungus because they are not getting sufficient nutrients (especially B12), so you need to eat eat food high in B12.

Remember constant cleaning of your toenail is very important. Cinnamon Oil however good needs help. A toenail usually takes 6-7 months to grow so if you have a severe case it will take that long for complete healing. For a mild to moderate case where only one toenail is affected it should take about a month for complete recovery.  The important thing is you follow all the best practices.

WILL IT REALLY WORK?

There are no guarantees but this works 99% of the time. Each person is unique. For some people with other medical issues this may not work. Enthusiastic testimonials from many people seems to indicate it works for most otherwise healthy people. You should always consult a physician before trying this treatment option. The cost of a bottle of Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil and Bark Oil is under $50.  Now that is very reasonable. If it does not, you still have two Cinnamon oils that can be used for all manner of things like scenting the house, disinfecting and flavoring food.