Overview

Ceylon cinnamon comes from a tree called Cinnamomum verum. People use the bark to make medicine.

Ceylon cinnamon is used for indigestion (dyspepsia), diarrhea, diabetes, obesity, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, cinnamon is used as a spice and as a flavoring agent in beverages.

In manufacturing, cinnamon oil is used in small amounts in toothpaste, mouthwashes, gargles, lotions, liniments, soaps, detergents, and other pharmaceutical products and cosmetics.

There are lots of different types of cinnamon. Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) and Cinnamomum aromaticum (Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon) are commonly used. In many cases, the cinnamon spice purchased in food stores contains a combination of these and other types of cinnamon.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Cinnamon

Primary Functions:

Indigestion, diarrhea, diabetes, obesity

Also Known As:

Batavia Cassia, Batavia Cinnamon, Canela, Canelero de Ceilán, Cannelier de Ceylan

How Does It Work?

The oils found in Ceylon cinnamon are thought to reduce spasms, reduce gas (flatulence), stimulate the appetite, and fight bacteria and fungi. Cinnamon might also decrease blood pressure and blood lipids. Ceylon cinnamon chemicals might work like insulin to lower blood sugar. However, these effects are thought to be fairly weak.

There are also ingredients in Ceylon cinnamon called tannins that might help wounds by acting as an astringent, and also prevent diarrhea.

Uses

• Diabetes. Early research shows that taking Ceylon cinnamon daily does not lower blood sugar in people with well-controlled diabetes. There is weak evidence that it might help people with poorly controlled diabetes. But higher quality research is needed to confirm.
• Obesity. Taking Ceylon cinnamon every day for 2-3 months does not seem to decrease body weight.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of Ceylon cinnamon depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Ceylon cinnamon. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Ceylon Cinnamon Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

How much Ceylon cinnamon is safe per day?

Ceylon cinnamon has been safely used in doses of 0.5-3 grams daily for up to 6 months. But Ceylon cinnamon is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in larger amounts or when used long-term. Ceylon cinnamon contains a chemical called coumarin.

Is Ceylon cinnamon good for you?

At the end of the day, cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet. It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors and has a plethora of other impressive health benefits. Just make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon or stick to small doses if you're using the Cassia variety.

What is the difference between cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon?

Cinnamon is harvested from the bark of evergreen trees. Ceylon cinnamon, or Cinnamomum verum, comes from a small tree native to Sri Lanka. Ceylon cinnamon is lighter in color than the cassia cinnamon, which typically comes from Indonesia, China and other countries.

Does Ceylon cinnamon have side effects?

Side Effects & Safety

But Ceylon cinnamon is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in larger amounts or when used long-term. Ceylon cinnamon contains a chemical called coumarin. Coumarin can cause liver injury when used in large amounts.

Is Ceylon cinnamon bad for your liver?

May Cause Liver Damage

The coumarin content of ground Cassia cinnamon may range from 7 to 18 milligrams per teaspoon (2.6 grams), while Ceylon cinnamon only contains trace amounts of coumarin (6). Studies have shown that eating too much coumarin may increase the risk of liver toxicity and damage.

Is Ceylon cinnamon better than regular cinnamon?

Take Home Message. Both Ceylon and cassia are healthy and delicious. However, if you intend to consume large amounts of this spice or take a supplement, cassia can be harmful because of the coumarin content. At the end of the day, Ceylon cinnamon is better quality and much safer.

Should you take cinnamon supplements?

Dosage and Preparation

There is no recommended dose of cinnamon supplements or extracts. When used in tablet form, many supplement manufacturers will recommend between 500 milligrams and 6 grams daily,10 usually taken with a carbohydrate-rich meal to avoid side effects.

Can we take cinnamon daily?

Cinnamon contains numerous other plant compounds that may have adverse effects when consumed in high amounts. Use all cinnamon sparingly as a spice. Summary Adults should avoid eating more than 1 teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon per day. Children may tolerate even less.

Is Ceylon cinnamon anti inflammatory?

Ceylon cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. These properties mean Ceylon cinnamon supports your immune health. Ceylon cinnamon was part of a study that showed it enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. This means it may prevent or treat certain types of cancer.

Does cinnamon kill viruses?

Cinnamon can kill bacteria, viruses and even drug-resistant fungi. It can disrupt a particularly nasty type of bacterial colony called a biofilm that coats the surface of medical devices and wreaks havoc with hospital-acquired infections.

Is Ceylon cinnamon good for weight loss?

Aside from diabetes, cinnamon has shown promise in promoting weight loss. Cinnamon is high in fiber. The spice can therefore help reduce food cravings by promoting a feeling of satiety and fullness. Cinnamon can boost metabolism, since the body uses more energy to process the spice than it does for other foods.

What is the healthiest cinnamon to buy?

Both Ceylon and cassia are healthy and delicious. However, if you intend to consume large amounts of this spice or take a supplement, cassia can be harmful because of the coumarin content. At the end of the day, Ceylon cinnamon is better quality and much safer.

How long does it take for Ceylon cinnamon to lower blood sugar?

Some of this work shows it may curb blood sugar by lowering insulin resistance. In one study, volunteers ate from 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon for 40 days. (One gram of ground cinnamon is about half a teaspoon.) The researchers found that cinnamon cut cholesterol by about 18% and blood sugar levels by 24%.

Is McCormick cinnamon from Ceylon?

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, grown in Sri Lanka, is actually "true Cinnamon" but is not widely used in the United States due to its unique flavor.

What is special about Ceylon cinnamon?

Ceylon cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. These properties mean Ceylon cinnamon supports your immune health. Ceylon cinnamon was part of a study that showed it enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. This means it may prevent or treat certain types of cancer.

Is Ceylon cinnamon real cinnamon?

Ceylon, or "true cinnamon," is native to Sri Lanka and southern parts of India. It's made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. Ceylon cinnamon is less common and has long been prized as a cooking spice. It is quite expensive compared to the more common cassia variety.

How do you use Ceylon cinnamon for weight loss?

While the jury is still out when it comes to weight loss, a daily dose of the mix – one teaspoon of honey and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a cup of green tea or boiled water – will at least taste good.

Why is Ceylon cinnamon better for you?

The Claim: Ceylon cinnamon, a milder form of the spice sold in gourmet stores, is healthier than ordinary supermarket cinnamon. Cinnamon can lower blood sugar in diabetics, ease arthritis and improve cholesterol.

How do you identify Ceylon cinnamon?

Ceylon Cinnamon

Ceylon is tan-brown in color and contains many tight sticks with soft layers. These features provide a highly desirable quality and texture. Ceylon cinnamon is less common and has long been prized as a cooking spice. It is quite expensive compared to the more common cassia variety.

What does Ceylon cinnamon taste like?

Cassia's flavor is spicy sweet with a mild scent. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), imported from Sri Lanka and Madagascar, is more commonly used in Europe and Mexico (though it can indeed be found in American grocery stores with larger spice selections). This type of cinnamon has a sweet, almost-floral aroma.

How do you eat Ceylon cinnamon?

Besides powdered cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon is available in capsules to take by mouth. Some people boil cinnamon sticks in water, add honey or lemon, and drink as a tea. Ceylon cinnamon is good for making “cinnamon water.” It doesn't carry the toxicity risk of cassia cinnamon.

Can Ceylon cinnamon cause constipation?

Both honey and cinnamon are anti-inflammatory, also combat allergies and boost your immunity system. They are also a great combination for curing constipation." Take a look at the following benefits of honey and cinnamon when consumed together.

Is Ceylon cinnamon the best?

Both Ceylon and cassia are healthy and delicious. However, if you intend to consume large amounts of this spice or take a supplement, cassia can be harmful because of the coumarin content. At the end of the day, Ceylon cinnamon is better quality and much safer.

Clinical Studies