Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a fragrant spice made from the bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus. The two most widely used varieties are Ceylon, or "true," cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) and cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia). Thanks to its biologically active compounds, cinnamon is a popular ingredient in food, teas, and herbal preparations, where it's valued for supporting digestion and metabolism.
What are the benefits of cinnamon?
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Traditionally used to support digestive comfort
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May help ease the feeling of heaviness after meals
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Has antioxidant properties
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Gives the body an invigorating, toning effect
Cinnamon may help with:
Cinnamon may be beneficial when you're experiencing:
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A feeling of heaviness after meals
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Digestive discomfort
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Bloating or an unpleasant feeling in the stomach
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Increased cravings for sweets
Natural sources of cinnamon
Cinnamon comes from the bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus. One of the best-known varieties, Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), is native to Sri Lanka, while another widely used variety, cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), comes from other regions of Asia. The harvested bark is dried and rolled into cinnamon sticks or ground into powder, and it's also used to make extracts, capsules, and other herbal preparations.
Recommended cinnamon dosage
The recommended amount of cinnamon depends on its form – the concentration of the powder, extract, or other preparation used. Most people use about 1-4 g of cinnamon powder a day, or an equivalent amount of extract. The right dose can vary from person to person, so it's best to adjust it to your individual needs and a specialist's advice.
Possible side effects of cinnamon and interactions with medications
Cinnamon is generally well tolerated in the amounts typically used in food, but larger amounts may irritate the oral mucosa or digestive tract in some people. Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) can naturally contain more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), so long-term use of large amounts of cassia cinnamon isn't recommended. People with liver conditions should be especially cautious. If you're taking medication, have a health condition, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it's best to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using concentrated cinnamon preparations.
