News at Townsend Draft Goods
What is Cinnamon good for in Herbalism?

What is Cinnamon good for in Herbalism?

In herbal medicine, cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia) is considered a warming, aromatic herb with a long history of use in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, Western, and folk herbal traditions. Common traditional uses include: Supporting healthy blood sugar metabolism: Cinnamon is often used as an adjunct herb to help maintain healthy glucose regulation, particularly when combined with diet and lifestyle measures. Circulatory support: Traditionally used to promote peripheral circulation and warm cold hands and feet. Ayurveda: In Ayurveda, cinnamon is called Tvak and is considered: Warming and stimulating Beneficial for balancing Vata and Kapha Useful when digestion (agni) is weak Commonly added to formulas for sluggish metabolism, coldness, excess mucus, and impaired circulation Safety Considerations Culinary amounts are generally well tolerated for most adults. Cassia cinnamon contains higher levels of coumarin, which may pose concerns with long-term high-dose use, especially in people with liver disease. Cinnamon may enhance the effects of blood sugar-lowering medications, so caution is advised for those taking diabetes medications. Cinnamon is often best described as a warming digestive and circulatory tonic that supports metabolic health and healthy blood sugar balance while enhancing the flavor and compliance of herbal formulas. Compiled by M. Raven Sponaugle using Copilot.

Marcella Townsend • Oct 30, 2026
Gymnema Leaf: The “Sugar Destroyer” in Ayurveda and Herbalism

Gymnema Leaf: The “Sugar Destroyer” in Ayurveda and Herbalism

Bitter and astringent in taste, light and dry in quality, Gymnema is considered to reduce Kapha and Pitta doshas and is known for its ability to support healthy metabolic function. Modern herbalism recognizes Gymnema for its role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels already within the normal range, reducing cravings, and promoting balanced appetite.

Marcella Townsend • Dec 16, 2025

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Happy Thursday! Open 11-6 pm 💫

Happy Thursday! Open 11-6 pm 💫Shop for gifts 🎁 Shop for wellness 💚

Marcella Townsend Nov 12, 2026

What is Elecampane? Lungs and Respiratory Support

Elecampane (Inula helenium) is historically and traditionally regarded as one of the premier herbal remedies for the lungs and respiratory system. It is deeply valued in Western herbalism for supporting lung function, particularly when dealing with excess moisture, heavy congestion, and deep-seated coughs. The primary ways elecampane benefits the lungs include: 1. Acting as a Stimulating Expectorant Elecampane is most famous for breaking up and clearing "boggy," damp mucus from the chest.  Clears Stagnant Phlegm: It is traditionally used for wet, heavy coughs where mucus feels stuck, stubborn, or difficult to cough up. Stimulates Clearance: Rather than just suppressing a cough, its warming volatile oils (like alantolactone and inunolide) stimulate the respiratory tract to help the body effectively expel trapped phlegm and clean out the bronchial tubes. 2. Soothing and Relaxing Bronchial Airways Antispasmodic Properties: The acrid and bitter components in the root give it a mild relaxant effect on smooth muscle tissue. This helps ease spasms in the bronchial tubes, making it useful for easing shortness of breath and calming paroxysmal or hacking coughs. Calming Airway Inflammation: Preclinical and lab studies suggest that active constituents in elecampane can help reduce airway inflammation, making it a subject of interest for chronic inflammatory respiratory conditions.  3. Providing Antimicrobial Support Elecampane root is rich in aromatic compounds that exhibit natural antimicrobial properties. Historically, it was heavily relied upon for deep chest infections, bronchitis, and even tuberculosis because it helps the body fight off unwanted microbial invaders in the respiratory tract. Key Considerations Best Suited For "Cold, Damp" Conditions: Herbalists typically recommend elecampane when a condition feels cold, sluggish, and heavy (excess fluid, thick white or yellow mucus, and a chilled feeling). It is generally not recommended if a cough is entirely dry, hot, and irritated. Forms Used: It is commonly prepared as a hot decoction (tea), a liquid tincture, or a herbal syrup.  Precautions: Because it can act as a uterine stimulant, elecampane is typically avoided during pregnancy. Individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (like ragweed or daisies) should also exercise caution. (Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified clinical herbalist before adding strong herbal supplements to your routine, especially if you have pre-existing lung conditions like asthma or COPD.) Composed using Gemini

Marcella Townsend Nov 11, 2026

BLACK FRIDAY SALE. Shop our entire store. Get 15% off everything.

BLACK FRIDAY SALE - Friday & Saturday (Nov 27-28) Shop our entire store. Get 15% off everything. For online shoppers, use code BLACKCAT.

Marcella Townsend Nov 10, 2026

Single Herb Jars & More

We offer a huge selection of single herb jars and other magical items to add to your home apothecary, your home magical supplies, or as gifts! Shop our collections at https://townsenddraftgoods.com/collections/rituals-magic/products/spell-jars-anxiety-bewitch-bliss-empower-faerie-guardian

Marcella Townsend Nov 10, 2026

Book Nook

Did you know that we have a "book nook" in the shop and carry a nice selection of herbal medicine books, Ayurveda books, health books, metaphysical books, meditation books, magic books, & more? So come by the shop & browse books! We also provide a list of recommended books at https://townsenddraftgoods.com/pages/books Photo credit is Realm of the Faire Garden (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068031151863)

Marcella Townsend Nov 6, 2026

We're open in Monterey 11-6 p.m. & always online 24/7

Shop our storefront in Monterey every Tuesday - Saturday 11 - 6 p.m.  If we're closed for some reason, we'll always post an update on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566370754141

Marcella Townsend Nov 6, 2026

    Wednesday, 11/4/26, storefront is closed

    Announcement: Wednesday, 11/4/26, our storefront in Monterey is closed because of appointments. We’ll be back Thursday 💫

    Marcella Townsend Nov 3, 2026

    Townsend Draft Goods has officially been accepted as a participant in the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge

    Townsend Draft Goods has officially been accepted as a participant in the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge in honor of America’s 250th celebration! https://cdn.www.sba.gov/app/uploads/2026/08/04173935/FREEDOM-250-Official-Pledge.pdf

    Marcella Townsend Nov 2, 2026