Cinnamon, which originally grew in southern Asia, is an evergreen tree of the laurel family. Cinnamon is from the bark of the tree. It is most often used as a powder and usually as a culinary spice, but it also beneficial to good health.

Cinnamon is a carminative, expelling gas from the stomach and bowel, and is used to aid digestion and also to relieve vomiting. But be careful, too much cinnamon can induce vomiting. Boil a small amount of cinnamon in water and drink (after it has cooled ). Don’t start off with too much cinnamon . . . you don’t know how your body will respond to it. Cinnamon also helps break down fats in the digestive system.

It is also an antiseptic, killing many decay and disease causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Cinnamon “flavored” toothpastes and mouthwashes aren’t just for the taste. After washing a minor cut or scrape, try sprinkling some cinnamon powder on it to prevent infection. It also has some anesthetic properties, so it should relieve pain as well.

Warning: Do not put cinnamon oil on the skin because it may cause redness and burning. Also, do not ingest cinnamon oil. It can cause nausea, vomiting, or even kidney damage.

Athletic activity uses up a lot of energy. Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade are the usual drinks for people when they are exercising, or participating in athletics. And they do work, but, these drinks, along with the swiftly multiplying energy drinks, are loaded with sugar, often caffeine, artificial color, often artificial flavor, and preservatives.

Try the natural way . . . next time, instead of grabbing a gatorade, powerade, or other sports drink, mix honey in water. The sugars in natural honey are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Honey also has naturally occuring vitamins and minerals. No artificial colors or flavors and no additives or preservatives. It’s all there from the beginning. You could prepare the “honey water” ahead of time by heating/boiling the water so that the honey will mix in easier, or you can even get honey powder (try http://www.blossomland.com) and mix that with water.

If you just need a quick energy boost every once in a while, buy some honey sticks and keep some with you wherever you go.

Mint is a great household herb to have. It grows quite easily, but keep in mind that it will spread like crazy (if planted in the yard vs. a pot). Peppermint is the most effective, however, I have had success with spearmint too . . . but peppermint is more potent.

Mint is a stimulant. Try drinking a strong cup of peppermint tea instead of coffee in the morning. It strengthens the heart muscles and is generally cleansing and strengthening to the whole body.

Mint helps stomach or digestion problems in adults and children. Next time you’ve got a stomach ache, drink some peppermint or spearmint tea, or chew on some peppermint or spearmint leaves (after they have been washed of course ). If you’re son or daughter has a stomach ache, give them a little bit of peppermint or spearmint tea to drink, or a leaf or two to chew. Drinking mint tea or chewing on the leaves will also help with cramps (including menstrual). Mint is a harmless herb, unless you are allergic, so feel free to eat the leaves . . . you don’t have to spit them out after chewing on them. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea also helps with flatulence (farting).

You can put crushed fresh peppermint leaves on the forehead for a headache. You can also apply crushed mint leaves on insect bites or stings.

Also, next time you have a sore throat, try gargling with spearmint tea . . . after gargling, swallow a spoonful of honey.

Note: If you are trying to get rid of mint from your garden, wet the dirt where the mint is and let it soak for about an hour to soften the dirt. Then pull out the mint, roots and all. Just cutting them won’t do it.