So many of the things we have at home can be used in a number of different ways. It’s a topic that I’m continually fascinated by, which means it’s also a topic that I continually write about here on my blog. 🙂 Whether I’m figuring out new ways to use household items, or learning about the health and beauty benefits of an ingredient in my kitchen, I love learning about all the possibilities of everyday items!
Today’s post falls under that same umbrella, with a bit of a surprising twist. We’re talking about cinnamon today, and all the useful things you can do with it! I originally wrote a similar post with 9 uses for cinnamon several months back (which you can read at the link below), so I consider this to post to be a “Part Two” to that one. After all, I believe you can never know too many ways to use something. I’m a bit like MacGyver in that regard. 😉
Related: 9 Surprisingly Useful Things You Can Do With Cinnamon
So without any further ado, here are 7 more useful things you can do with cinnamon!
7 Useful Things You Can Do With Cinnamon
1. Soothe Neck Soreness
Cinnamon sticks have aromatherapeutic properties that can help ease soreness in your neck and shoulders. And the best way to take advantage of them is to put a few into a homemade heating pad!
Fill a clean tube sock three-quarters full with white rice, then add two cinnamon sticks and a tablespoon of whole cloves. Seal the sock closed, then microwave it for two minutes. Drape the warmed pad around your neck for a soothing treatment for soreness and aches. Continue reheating and reusing the heating pad until the spices lose their fragrance, then make a new one.
2. Treat Bug Bites
Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, cinnamon makes a useful treatment for bug bites and other minor skin irritations. Mix a bit of ground cinnamon into a bit of honey and spread it over the affected area. The combination of soothing honey and anti-inflammatory cinnamon will help soothe and heal the bite!
3. Aid Digestion
Cinnamon is a carminative spice, meaning it may help relieve digestive problems like bloating and gas. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon into your food or a cup of coffee after a meal to help with digestion. You can also suck on a piece of a cinnamon stick for the same effect!
4. Deter Ants
Ants hate cinnamon, so you can use it around the house to help keep them at bay. Place a cinnamon stick in a sachet and place it in a cabinet to deter ants. You can also sprinkle ground cinnamon over areas where you’ve spotted ant activity. In addition to deterring ants, it will also make your kitchen smell nice!
5. Get Fuller Lips
Beauty blogger Michelle Phan swears by cinnamon as a lip-plumping agent. For fuller lips, rub some moistened cinnamon over your lips before applying your lip color.
6. Boost Memory
Cinnamon may help enhance memory and other cognitive functions. The next time you’re studying for a test or learning something new, sip cinnamon tea or diffuse cinnamon essential oil for a boost of memory and brain power!
7. Treat Blemishes
Another surprising feature of cinnamon is that it has antifungal properties, which can be useful for treating blemishes. Try my all-natural exfoliating face mask to take advantage of the skin-clearing powers of cinnamon! Get the recipe for it at the link below.
Related: Homemade Exfoliating Face Mask
Have you ever used cinnamon in an unconventional way?
