Cinnamon!  It's not just for pumpkin pie and coffee cake. This spice has been used in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years for it's many healing properties.  It is a primary ingredient in hundreds of herbal formulas that treat everything from upset stomach to insomnia.

According to the Materia Medica, it's physiological actions include: promoting circulation, warming the body and extremities, generating fluids and moistening dryness, warming the blood, unblocking a stifling sensation in the chest and together with other herbs, it can improve your resistance to seasonal illness.

Some of cinnamon's most often medicinal uses are for:

• The common cold
• Joint pain, arthritis
• Chest pain and palpitations
• Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting
• Painful periods or lack of periods
• Anxiety
• Poor circulation
• Hot flashes, spontaneous sweating

So use Cinnamon freely this holiday season- it will warm you from the inside!

Try making some Chai Tea at home: 

1. Combine: cinnamon sticks, cloves, black peppercorns, sliced ginger and cardamom. 

2. Add water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes. 

3. Remove from heat and steep 2 black tea bags for 4-5 minutes.  

4. Stir in some sugar and milk (can also use an alternate milk of your choice.) 

5. Then strain and enjoy!