Key Definitions

Astringent - causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissue.

Constituent - a component part of something.

Contraindications – a condition or circumstance that suggests or indicates that a particular technique or drug should not be used in the case in question.

Demulcent – a substance that relieves inflammation or irritation.

Emmenagogue – a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow.

Hypoglycaemia – deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream.

Indications – A symptom that suggests certain medical treatment is necessary.

Person getting a blood sugar test

Introduction

Cinnamon has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as far back as 2700 BCE and forms the basis of numerous recipes across the globe. Besides flavouring meals, desserts and beverages, Cinnamon is useful in treating digestive issues, circulation, insulin production, diabetes management and bleeding. Cinnamon's spicy aroma and warming properties make it a versatile ingredient (Easley & Horne, 2016) (De La Foret, 2017).

Cinnamon (also known as Dalcini and Rou Gui) is part of the Lauraceae plant family. There are numerous varieties of Cinnamon trees, but the two main species are Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) and Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) (De La Foret, 2017). Cinnamon is an evergreen tree that can grow to 18 m in height. Cinnamon is native to India and Sri Lanka and has soft, reddish-brown bark and yellow flowers (Chevallier, 2016).

Ground cinnamon next to cinnamon sticks

Constituents, Actions & Indications

Constituents

Volatile oil (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol); phenolics (procyanidins); coumarins; mucilage; myristicin (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Actions

Antidiabetic; antiseptic; aromatic; astringent; carminative; demulcent; analgesic; hypoglycaemic; antioxidant; antimicrobial; warming; antifungal (Easley & Horne, 2016) (De La Foret, 2017) (Chevallier, 2016).

Indications

Gastric irritation; flatulence; toothache; diarrhoea; blood movement; infections; insulin resistance; colds & flu (Easley & Horne, 2016) (De La Foret, 2017) (Chevallier, 2016).

Beakers with a Plant in the Background

Scientific Research

Journal articles by Błaszczyk, et al., 2021 and Rao & Gan, 2014 show the pharmacological properties of constituents that naturally occur in Cinnamon. These properties are summarised below:

  1. Diets rich in compounds contained in Cinnamon contribute to a decrease in inflammation-triggering oxidative stress.
  2. Some studies suggest that cinnamaldehyde, an active constituent in Cinnamon, may be more effective than metformin in reducing plasma glucose levels.
  3. Studies into the constituents of Cinnamon have shown that Cinnamon may offer neuroprotective effects, which is especially beneficial for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
  4. Recent studies suggest that some of the active constituents in Cinnamon may offer treatment or prevention of inflammation-mediated neurodegenerative diseases.
  5. Several studies have shown that Cinnamon and its oils exhibit antimicrobial activities.
  6. The results of animal studies indicate that Cinnamon may have potential as an anticancer agent, by restraining tumor cell growth and enhancing tumor cell death.
  7. Cinnamon may slow the progress of hypertension in type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Tubby's Kitchen Choco Moco tea

Preparations & Dosage

Tincture – for flatulence, take 20-60 drops with water up to four times a day of a 1:5 ratio tincture (containing dried bark, 60% alcohol and 5% glycerine) (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Glycerite – Take 3-10 drops up to three times a day of a 1:5 ratio sealed simmer method glycerite (containing dried bark) (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Capsules – take 500-2,000 mg capsules up to three times a day (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Powder – to support stable blood-sugar levels, take up to 3 tsp a day of powder (Chevallier, 2016).

Spirit of cinnamon – for postpartum haemorrhage take 1 tsp of 10 mL essential oil diluted in 100 mL of 40% alcohol with 120 mL of sweetened water every 5, 10 or 30 mins for no more than one day (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Essential oil – for topical use, dilute 1 drop in 50-60 drops of fixed vegetable oil (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Infusion – for colds and flu, drink 100 mL two to three times a day.

Shop our cinnamon-infused Choco Moco tea here.

Chia seed pudding with berries on top

Chia Seed Pudding with Cinnamon-Maple Syrup Recipe

Cinnamon has a pungent, sweet taste that offers warming and drying properties to any dish. The bark, twigs and dried flowers of Cinnamon are predominantly used in preparations. The following recipe was taken from Alchemy of Herbs and is a nutritious and simple dessert or breakfast (De La Foret, 2017).
Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup Chia seeds
  • 1 can of Coconut milk
  • 7 or 8 cups of plain yoghurt
  • 2 tbsp butter or Coconut oil
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
  • ¼ tsp ground Cardamom
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 7 or 8 cups of water

Instructions

  1. Mix the chia seeds, coconut milk, yoghurt and water in a medium-sized glass container that has a lid. This mixture forms the basis of the pudding.
  2. Leave the pudding covered in the fridge for 3 to 5 hours, or overnight. You will know it is done if it has a thick and pudding-like consistency.
  3. Melt the butter, or oil, in a saucepan, and then add the Cinnamon, Cardamom and maple syrup. Blend the mixture thoroughly to make up the syrup component of the dish.
  4. Pour equal amounts of syrup into 4 cups or jars, and then fill the containers the rest of the way with the pudding. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
The word Safety highlighted in Green

Safety Considerations

The safety considerations presented below are for Ceylon Cinnamon as this is the most commercially available species of Cinnamon. It is to be noted that Cinnamon is typically safe at doses less than 6 g per day. Do not take Cinnamon essential oil orally as it can cause kidney damage or coma.

Contraindications

Only consume Cinnamon under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner while pregnant as empirical evidence suggests that it has abortifacient and emmenagogue effects (Brinker, 1998) (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013) (De La Foret, 2017).

Drug Interactions

Cinnamon may reduce the absorption of tetracycline (Brinker, 1998).

Adverse Events

Cinnamon may cause allergic reactions, stomach ulcers or intestinal ulcers (Brinker, 1998) (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).
Excessive doses of Cinnamon may cause low blood sugar levels (Chevallier, 2016) (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013) (De La Foret, 2017).

Disclaimer spelled out wusing Scrabble Tiles

Disclaimer

The information presented in this post is intended as an informational guide. The remedies, approaches and techniques described herein are meant to supplement, and not to substitute for, professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat a serious ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.

References

  1. Błaszczyk, N., Rosiak, A. & Kałużna-Czaplińska, J., 2021. The Potential Role of Cinnamon in Human Health. Forests, 12(5), p. 648.
  2. Brinker, F., 1998. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
  3. Chevallier, A., 2016. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. New York: DK Publishing.
  4. De La Foret, R., 2017. Alchemy of Herbs. 1st ed. California: Hay House Inc.
  5. Easley, T. & Horne, S., 2016. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide. California: North Atlantic Books.
  6. Gardner, Z. & McGuffin, M., 2013. Botanical Safety Handbook. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
  7. Hoffmann, D., 2003. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. 1st ed. Vermont: Healing Arts Press.
  8. Rao, P. & Gan, S., 2014. Cinnamon: a multifaceted medicinal plant. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 1, p. 642942.
Cinnamon infographic
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