Cinnamon Health Benefits

Cinnamon is a spice that is used as a flavoring agent. There are two common varieties used – Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon. Of these two, cassia cinnamon is said to have the greater healing properties and is used to treat a range of health problems like diabetes, flatulence diarrhea, cold, common infections, high blood pressure, kidney disorders and more. There have been studies which have shown alcohol cinnamon extracts may prevent liver damage. Excess alcohol consumption causes cirrhosis of the liver. Cinnamon extracts have anti-inflammatory benefits and could protect the liver against alcohol-induced steatosis.

Protective B Factor

Measured in mg

Ayurveda & Traditional Indian

Herb

Minor decreased risk of Blood Sugar - Hypergl... Lymphatic system	3 studies Cinnamon: Potential Role in the Prevention of Insulin Resistance, M... -30% with Low evidence Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes Study in 2003 -25% with Moderate evidence in 40 days 60 subjects Cinnamon Use in Type 2 Diabetes: An Updated Systematic Review and M... Study in 2013 -24% with High evidence 543 subjects
Minor decreased risk of Obesity Musculoskeletal system	1 study Cinnamon: Potential Role in the Prevention of Insulin Resistance, M... -1% with Low evidence
Minor decreased risk of Insulin Resistance Lymphatic system	1 study Cinnamon: Potential Role in the Prevention of Insulin Resistance, M... -1% with Low evidence
Minor decreased risk of Oxidative stress Lymphatic system	1 study Cinnamon: Potential Role in the Prevention of Insulin Resistance, M... -1% with Low evidence

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Ancient Medicine

In Ayurvedic medicine Cinnamon oil is used in external applications for rheumatism, aching joints and stiffness. It is also used for toothache and sore gums, much like clove oil. Aryuveda makes use of Cinnamon for the same purposes as Disocorides recommends: as a decongestant for the respiratory tract and urinary problems. It is a good addition to teas for coughs and colds and is sometimes used in steam inhalations for respiratory conditions. In India it is used at the first sign of a cold to prevent it from taking hold fully.

Those who are sensitive to cinnamon, pregnant and breastfeeding women must avoid it. Heavy exposure to cinnamon oil could cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. Anyone with kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, bleeding problems like heavy and long menstrual periods, thyroid problems, allergies and require surgery must inform their doctor if they take drugs or foods that contain coumarin. The European Food Safety Authority in 2008 considered toxicity of coumarin, known to cause liver and kidney damage in high concentrations and a significant component of cinnamon, and metabolic effect on humans with CYP2A6 polymorphism, and confirmed a maximum recommended tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.1 mg of coumarin per kg of body weight.The safe dosage of ground cinnamon powder is 1-1.5g a day. This was tested on diabetic patients. Anyone with liver disease is advised to limit their intake of cassia cinnamon to food amounts.