Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

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Other names for cinnamon

Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia)
Cinnamon Bark Extract
Batavia cinnamon
Cassia Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon
Cinnamon (unspecified)
Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamonum burmannii
Saigon cinnamon
Cinnamomum

Synopsis of cinnamon

Cinnamon is a warming spice and medicinal herb derived from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus, primarily Cinnamomum verum (true or Ceylon cinnamon) and Cinnamomum cassia (commonly known as cassia or Chinese cinnamon). The bark is dried and rolled into quills or ground into powder and has a sweet, pungent aroma due to the presence of essential oils—especially cinnamaldehyde, the compound responsible for most of its therapeutic effects.

Medicinally, cinnamon is best known for its blood sugar–lowering and insulin-sensitizing properties. It helps slow carbohydrate digestion, improves glucose uptake, and may enhance insulin receptor function, making it beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Additionally, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective effects. It may help reduce LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, contributing to better cardiovascular health.

Cinnamon also exhibits neuroprotective and digestive support properties. It can reduce gastrointestinal spasms, bloating, and indigestion and has been traditionally used to alleviate nausea and flatulence. Its essential oil shows antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi (including Candida albicans), and certain viruses.

Ceylon cinnamon is considered safer for long-term use because it contains low levels of coumarin, a compound that in high doses may stress the liver. Cassia cinnamon contains significantly more coumarin, so it’s often recommended for short-term or culinary use rather than as a daily therapeutic dose.

Historical Use
Cinnamon has one of the longest and richest histories in herbal medicine and trade. It was used in ancient Egypt as early as 2000 BCE for embalming, incense, and medicine. Egyptians valued it so highly that it was often considered more precious than gold. In biblical texts, cinnamon is mentioned as a sacred anointing oil and perfume component.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, cinnamon has been used for thousands of years to stimulate circulation, dispel cold, warm the body, and improve digestion. It was also used to treat respiratory issues, menstrual irregularities, and mild pain. In Chinese medicine, Rou Gui (cinnamon bark) is classified as a warming herb used to support kidney yang and restore vitality.

During the medieval period, cinnamon was one of the most prized spices in Europe and was used not only for flavor but also for preserving meats and treating coughs, fevers, and digestive complaints. The spice trade routes that developed to transport cinnamon from Sri Lanka and India to Europe were a driving force in global exploration and colonization.

In modern herbal medicine, cinnamon remains a versatile and widely used botanical, both as a culinary spice and as a supplement for blood sugar regulation, inflammation, digestion, and immune support. Its historical prestige and therapeutic relevance have helped it remain a staple across traditional and contemporary health systems.

Cinnamon is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates) (Traditional)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Traditional)
Blood Poisoning (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Fat Metabolism (poor) (Scientific)
Fever (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Scientific)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
PMS Type C (Traditional)

cinnamon is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Pancreas Head (Scientific)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)