The thought “am I turning into my grandmother?” literally just ran through my head. If you know me, if you’ve been here for a minute or if you follow me on Instagram, you know that I own a lifestyle accessories company called Effie’s Paper, named after my maternal grandmother, Mrs. Effie Hayes. Now, back to why I just asked myself if I am turning into to my grandmother.
I woke up this morning and made a batch of cinnamon water. Cinna what? Right, I’d never heard of cinnamon water until yesterday. It’s been a bit of a crazy week and not quite the one I expected, but honestly are they ever? I’m embracing the crazy!
The Benefits of Cinnamon Water
Anyway, I was dragging and Patricia, my cleaning lady, noticed my lethargy. She stopped what she was doing to tell me about her life elixir – cinnamon water. Intrigued, I did a Google search and learned that cinnamon water is antioxidant-rich beverage that’s incredibly easy to make and tastes good. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Some research suggests that it may help support blood sugar control, protect against heart disease, and reduce inflammation. I learned that some of the benefits of cinnamon water include:
- It can boost your immunity system because it’s rich in antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins that give a boost to the immunity system. Its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties may help reduce the chances of developing various health hazards like respiratory disorders and heart problems.
- It can help deal with the effects of menstrual cramps.
- It may help reduce inflammation for those who are suffering from joint pain or arthritis; its anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce excessive pain. Apparently, It also helps in boosting blood circulation which may inhibit the development of conditions like arthritis.
- It supports heart health, can help to lower cholesterol and may aid in weight-loss.
After consulting Dr. Google, I was sold. And it’s not like I had to go out and buy anything to try it out.
Why Am I feeling Like I’m Turning Into My Grandmother?
My gran was a special lady. To know her was to love her. She loved to eat, but was wary of restaurants. She wanted her family around her, always. After college, at Christmas time she wanted everyone to spend the night at her house on Christmas Eve. It did not matter that her house only had 3 bedrooms, she wanted us all under one roof. It drove everyone crazy, but I’m so glad she insisted on it. She knew that she wouldn’t always be around. She did what she could to keep us as close as possible even though we lived all over the country.
My grandmother’s life elixir was celery water. She was a small petite woman who believed in wearing the right shade of red lipstick, carrying a hanky in her pocketbook and the power of a handwritten thank you note. But, she was also a little high-strung and prone to anxiety which manifested itself in her “fussing” at whoever was around. According to her, celery water calmed her nerves.
I don’t ever remember a time when there wasn’t a pitcher, or mason jar, filled with celery water in her fridge. If one of the grandkids got a little too high-strung, she’d suggest you drink a glass of celery water. Grandmother and her celery water became a family joke and something we often look back on fondly. Her belief in the calming properties of celery water is something my close girlfriends became very well aware of and on a few occasions have tested, because why not, right?
Dr. Google let me down a bit on celery water, apparently, there are a number of benefits to it, none of which have to do with calming one’s nerves. Well, at least that’s what my research disclosed.
How To Make Cinnamon Water
So back to cinnamon water. It’s incredibly easy to make cinnamon water. And as I said above, as I was pouring mine into a mason jar this morning, I had a flashback and the bubble over my head was “am I turning into my grandmother?” Today is only Day 2 for me with cinnamon water, check back in a few months and I’ll have more to share. The recipe for cinnamon water is simple, boil the following: water + 3 cinnamon sticks + 10 cloves. If you have a really large pot, adjust the recipe accordingly.
Depending on how concentrated the batch you make is, you can drink it hot, cooled, over iced or combined with water or sparkling water. Patricia told me she’s been drinking an 8 oz bottle filled with cinnamon water every day for the past 10 years and it’s help with her joint inflammation. She said the other benefit is increased energy levels.
The other benefit? It makes your house smell really really good. Bottoms up!
Stylishly yours,
Kalyn
This post contains affiliate links and I may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please see my disclosures for more information. Thank you so much for your support!
