Lauraceae
Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Sri Lanka, India
Also known as: True Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon, Sri Lanka Cinnamon
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Bark
Therapeutic Uses
Type 2 diabetes (blood sugar regulation — multiple meta-analyses confirm 18–29% fasting glucose reduction), H. pylori, Candida, metabolic syndrome, dyspepsia, poor circulation, cognitive support.
Herbal Actions
Antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antifungal, carminative, antispasmodic, warming, antioxidant
Active Constituents
Volatile oil (cinnamaldehyde 55–90%, eugenol, β-caryophyllene), tannins, coumarins (VERY LOW in Ceylon — high in Cassia), flavonoids, proanthocyanidins
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp ground or 1 stick per 250ml, simmer 10 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 1–3 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | CRITICAL: Use Ceylon (true) cinnamon — NOT Cassia. Cassia contains high coumarin (hepatotoxic in large amounts). Ceylon coumarin is negligible. Clinical dose: 1–6g Ceylon cinnamon daily. Whole stick decoction preferred. Take with meals. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Cassia cinnamon in large amounts: hepatotoxic (coumarin). Avoid high doses in pregnancy. Caution with antidiabetic medications (additive hypoglycemia risk).
Side Effects: Mouth sores with excessive cinnamon contact. Allergic reactions. Ceylon: very safe at culinary to therapeutic doses. Cassia: liver toxicity at high doses.