Health & Well-Being A-Z

Ceylon Cinnamon

Ceylon Cinnamon sticks
Description

Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is a type of cinnamon that comes from the bark of an evergreen tree. Sri Lanka provides about 80% of the world's supply.

The oils found in Ceylon cinnamon are thought to reduce spasms, reduce gas, and fight bacteria and fungi. Chemicals in Ceylon cinnamon might also work like insulin to lower blood sugar. But these effects are thought to be fairly weak.

People use Ceylon cinnamon for diabetes, indigestion, diarrhea, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse Ceylon cinnamon with other types of cinnamon, including Cassia cinnamon, Padang cassia, Indian cassia, or Saigon cinnamon. These are not the same.


Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly ineffective
  • Diabetes. Taking Ceylon cinnamon by mouth doesn't lower blood sugar in people with well-controlled diabetes. It might somewhat help people who have poorly controlled diabetes.
  • Obesity. Taking Ceylon cinnamon by mouth doesn't help with weight loss.

There is interest in using ceylon cinnamon for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it Safe?

Safety

When taken by mouth: Ceylon cinnamon is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used as a medicine. It has been safely used in doses of 0.5-3 grams daily for up to 6 months. There isn't enough reliable information to know if Ceylon cinnamon is safe when taken in larger amounts or when used long-term.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: Ceylon cinnamon is commonly consumed in foods. But it is likely unsafe when taken in amounts greater than those found in foods during pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Breast-feeding: Ceylon cinnamon is commonly consumed in food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to take in larger amounts while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Surgery: Ceylon cinnamon might interfere with blood pressure and blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking cinnamon at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Drug interactions

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Ceylon cinnamon might lower blood sugar levels. Taking ceylon cinnamon along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Ceylon cinnamon might lower blood pressure. Taking ceylon cinnamon along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Herb interactions

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Ceylon cinnamon might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Ceylon cinnamon might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

Ceylon cinnamon has most often been used by adults in doses of 3 grams by mouth daily. It's also been used in nasal sprays and mouthwashes. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

Other names

Batavia Cassia, Batavia Cinnamon, Canela, Canelero de Ceilán, Cannelier de Ceylan, Cannelle de Ceylan, Cannelle de Saïgon, Cannelle du Sri Lanka, Ceylonzimt, Ceylonzimtbaum, Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamon Bark, Corteza de Canela, Dalchini, Écorce de Cannelle, Echter Ceylonzimt, Laurus cinnamomum, Madagascar Cinnamon, Saigon Cassia, Saigon Cinnamon, Sri Lanka Cinnamon, Thwak, True Cinnamon, Tvak, Xi Lan Rou Gui, Zimtbaum.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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