Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cinnamaldehyde, the primary active compound in cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum spp.), has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In these systems, cinnamon is commonly used as a warming remedy to support the body during colds, often when fever and chills are present. In TCM, for example, cinnamon twig (known as Gui Zhi) is incorporated into formulas for early-stage colds, particularly with symptoms like chills, fever, and body aches.

The rationale behind its traditional use lies in its purported ability to "warm" the body and promote circulation, which is thought to help expel external pathogens. Cinnamaldehyde contributes to the characteristic warming effect and aroma of cinnamon. While modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that cinnamaldehyde possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and some immunomodulatory properties, there is limited direct clinical evidence in humans to support its efficacy for treating colds with fever. Most studies to date are in vitro or in animal models, showing activity against certain bacteria and viruses and suggesting potential to modulate fever pathways.

Overall, the use of cinnamaldehyde for colds with fever is primarily rooted in tradition, and scientific validation in clinical settings remains limited. Thus, while plausible from a traditional perspective, robust human evidence is lacking.

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