Herbal Monograph: Cinnamomum verum

Family

Lauraceae

Actions

Carminative, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood sugar regulating (Ranasinghe et al., 2013)

Energetics

Warming, drying (Frawley & Lad, 2001)

Chemical Constituents

• Essential oils (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, linalool)
• Polyphenols (rutin, catechin, epicatechin)
• Terpenes (limonene, α-pinene)
• Mucilage
• Tannins
• Resins

Cinnamaldehyde is considered the primary active compound responsible for many of Ceylon cinnamon‘s biological activities (Nabavi et al., 2015).

Part of Plant Used

Inner bark

Uses

• Supports healthy blood sugar levels
• Promotes cardiovascular health
• Supports digestive wellness
• Promotes healthy inflammatory response
• Supports cognitive function
• Promotes oral health

A comprehensive review by Ranasinghe et al. (2013) highlighted Ceylon cinnamon’s potential in supporting various aspects of health, particularly in metabolic and cardiovascular wellness.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy (in medicinal doses)
• Bleeding disorders
• Scheduled surgery (within two weeks)

Side Effects

• Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
• May cause irritation of the mouth or skin in some people
• Theoretical risk of liver toxicity at very high doses (more associated with Cassia cinnamon)

While generally well-tolerated, these side effects have been noted in some individuals (Ulbricht et al., 2011).

Interactions with Other Drugs

• May interact with diabetes medications
• May interact with blood-thinning preparations
• Theoretical interaction with hepatotoxic drugs

Caution is advised when combining Ceylon cinnamon with these types of preparations due to potential interactions (Bandara et al., 2012).

Dosage

• Powdered bark: 1-4 grams daily
• Tea: 1-2 grams of powder steeped in hot water, 1-3 times daily
• Tincture (1:5): 2-4 mL, three times daily

Clinical studies have used a wide range of doses, typically 1-6 grams of cinnamon powder daily for various applications (Allen et al., 2013).

Mode of Administration

Oral consumption as powder, tea, capsules, or liquid extract. Topical application in essential oil blends (diluted).

Duration of Administration

Can be used long-term when consumed in food amounts. For therapeutic use, consult with a qualified herbalist.

Risks

• Potential for increased bleeding risk at high doses
• May lower blood sugar levels
• Theoretical risk of liver toxicity at very high doses (more associated with Cassia cinnamon)

A review by Ranasinghe et al. (2013) emphasized the importance of distinguishing between Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon, as the latter contains higher levels of coumarin, which may pose health risks in large amounts.

Recipes

1. Ceylon Cinnamon Tea

• 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon powder
• 1 cup hot water
• Honey to taste (optional)
  Steep for 10 minutes, strain if necessary, and enjoy.

1. Blood Sugar Support Blend

• 1 part Ceylon cinnamon powder
• 1 part ground fenugreek seeds
• 1/2 part ground ginger
  Mix herbs. Take 1 teaspoon of the mixture with warm water before meals.

1. Cinnamon-Infused Honey

• 1/4 cup Ceylon cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
• 1 cup raw honey
  Combine in a jar, let sit for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and use as desired.

Remember to always consult with a qualified herbalist before incorporating new herbs into your wellness routine, especially if you have existing health concerns or are taking other preparations. herbalist before incorporating new herbs into your wellness routine, especially if you have existing health concerns or are taking other preparations.

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References

Allen, R. W., Schwartzman, E., Baker, W. L., Coleman, C. I., & Phung, O. J. (2013). Cinnamon use in type 2 diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. The Annals of Family Medicine, 11(5), 452-459. https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.1517

Bandara, T., Uluwaduge, I., & Jansz, E. R. (2012). Bioactivity of cinnamon with special emphasis on diabetes mellitus: a review. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 63(3), 380-386. https://doi.org/10.3109/09637486.2011.627849

Frawley, D., & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Lotus Press.

Nabavi, S. F., Di Lorenzo, A., Izadi, M., Sobarzo-Sánchez, E., Daglia, M., & Nabavi, S. M. (2015). Antibacterial effects of cinnamon: From farm to food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Nutrients, 7(9), 7729-7748. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7095359

Ranasinghe, P., Pigera, S., Premakumara, G. S., Galappaththy, P., Constantine, G. R., & Katulanda, P. (2013). Medicinal properties of ‘true’ cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): a systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 13, 275. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-275

Ulbricht, C., Seamon, E., Windsor, R. C., Armbruester, N., Bryan, J. K., Costa, D., Giese, N., Gruenwald, J., Iovin, R., Isaac, R., Serrano, J. M., Tanguay-Colucci, S., Weissner, W., Yoon, H., & Zhang, J. (2011). An evidence-based systematic review of cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 8(4), 378-454. https://doi.org/10.3109/19390211.2011.560870