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Recipes with Cinnamon: Curried Chickpea with Carrots
With the cool winds of autumn beginning to blow through many regions, you may find your body feeling cold and congested, longing for warmth and comfort. Battling the cold may seem like a necessary evil as fall deepens into winter. Yet, a simple remedy for cold hands and feet may be as close as your everyday spice rack. Long relied upon for its stimulating effect on the circulation, cinnamon warms your blood and your body into coziness with its sweet taste and powerful punch. The warmth it brings to cold hands and feet has also been used for conditions like Raynaud's Syndrome.
Expectorant for Your Lungs
Cinnamon not only helps your hands and feet, it stimulates circulation especially in the lungs and joints. It's pungent spiciness warms up the lungs and liquefies mucus congestion. You may have noticed that when you make tea with cinnamon, a thick, gooey substance settles to the bottom of your cup. This gooey property is called demulcent among herbalists and helps you expecorate any thick, kapha like mucus adhered to the bronchial tubes. Cinnamon's demulcency also coats the throat, soothing it. For best results, gargle with cinnamon, or squeeze a wedge of lemon into an herbal tea with 1/4tsp cinnamon.
Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Cinnamon is a popular garnish atop many desserts. While many of us choose cinnamon in desserts for its unique taste, this choice also reflects the body's innate wisdom. Cinnamon regulates blood sugar and its stimulating pungency makes it perfect for heavy, sweet foods. Cinnamon also regulates metabolism of fats and sugars, helping with type II diabetes and insulin resistance.
Freshen Your Breath
Cinnamon's taste freshens the breath and is used in many commercial products. Natural anti-microbial properties in cinnamon cleanse the mouth, addressing the root cause of bad breath. Its stimulating fresh taste can also be used to quell nausea and stop vomiting. As an analgesic cinnamon is useful for toothache. Just take a pinch of the powder and apply directly onto the tooth.
Reproductive Tonic
The warming, stimulating and sweet qualities of cinnamon make it a powerful aphrodisiac. Just sprinkle cinnamon on your favorite dark chocolate to kindle amorous feelings. Cinnamon also stimulates oxytocin, the tend and befriend hormone. Oxytocin increases breast milk production and stimulates uterine contractions, useful during labor. The warming and stimulating qualities of cinnamon flush uterine congestion, relieving painful menstrual cramps and restoring normal, natural flow of the menses. Paradoxically, cinnamon's heat stimulates blood flow, while its dryness & astringency acts as a hemostatic (stops blood flow). That makes cinnamon useful for both light and heavy periods. Oxytocic herbs can stimulate miscarriages and should not be used during pregnancy.
Recipes with Cinnamon: No Bake Paleo Pumpkin Ginger Cookies
Digestive Health
Like most pungent spices, cinnamon rekindles digestion. It is a favorite additive to counteract the mucus provoking qualities of dairy. Cinnamon's anti-microbial qualities also reduce gas and fermentation in the GI. Cinnamon's mild astringency is also useful in infant diarrhea and diarrhea from cold digestion. To increase astringency combine cinnamon with chalk or activated charcoal.
A Personal Experience of Cinnamon from Joseph's Journal January 16, 2010
The best way to experience an herb is on an empty stomach, early in the morning. Then sit on a comfortable pillow with eyes closed and examine its effects on the body. Each person will have a unique and different experience to share when sampling an herb. Here is an entry from John Immel's Journal after drinking a strong tea of cinnamon:
I experienced a rough palate and tension in the throat (evidence of astringency), pain in the back of head (high Vata due to astringency), throbbing of blood vessels in the temporal lobe (evidence of circulatory stimulant), opening of air passages, pressure in the lungs, increased heart rate, decreased sensitivity of the skin (analgesic effect), cooling of the eyes (alterative effect), expectoration which cleared my sinuses, and within a half hour, hunger. Initially I experienced the stimulating and upward moving qualities of cinnamon. Then as the heat warmed my Vata I became tired and fell asleep for several hours. Visually, cinnamon reminds me of the dry, cracked red mud of the desert
Other Properties of Cinnamon
Cinnamon warms and stimulates the heart, liver, kidney and spleen. It disperses deep cold, alleviates pain from stagnation of blood and prana, and encourages generation of prana and blood. Cinnamon is used to treat upper heat and lower cold. It appears in topical formulas for premature ejaculation perhaps due to its analgesic and warming qualities. Don't try this at home - cinnamon burns!
Recipes with Cinnamon: Roasted Pears & Raisins
About Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a small evergreen tree in the Lauraceae family native to Sri Lanka. Other members of this family include sassafras, avocado, camphor, and spicebush. Trees of the laurel family, including cinnamon, predominate in the world's laurel forests. Many members of the family are used medicinally all over the world. Cinnamon grows best in almost pure sand, sheltered, with constant rain. It prefers heat with little temperature variation. When bruised the leaves smell spicy and have a hot taste.
The term laurel itself means an emblem of distinction of victory as in "To rest on one's laurels." Cinnamon is thus a plant of distinction and royalty. In the ancient world cinnamon was more precious than gold, a gift for monarchs and gods. The emperor Nero burned a year's supply of Rome's cinnamon to grieve the loss of his wife (whom he murdered).
Even the Bible is rich with references to cinnamon, further attesting to its importance in ancient times. Moses used sweet cinnamon and cassia to make oils for anointing. In proverbs a lover's bed is perfumed with myrrh, aloe, and cinnamon. In the Song of Solomon, the beauty of the beloved is described, "Cinnamon scents her garments like the smell of Lebanon." In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was included among several spices to embalm and preserve mummies.
Buying & Preparation
Commercial cinnamon is the dried inner bark from the shoots of coppiced trees. The bark is shaved into famous "quills" or tubes of shaved cinnamon bark. Making the quills is an art form to this day in Sri Lanka.
Intrigue, Myths, and Trade of True Cinnamon
There are a number of fantastic myths created by Middle Eastern traders to conceal the origins of the spice and protect their monopoly of cinnamon trade. One such story included fishing cinnamon with nets at the source of the Nile, while in another, giant cinnamon birds collected cinnamon sticks from unknown lands to build their nests. In reality, the botanical name (Cinnamomum verum, synonym C. zeylanicum) reveals cinnamon's intriguing origins and history. The genus cinnamomum derives from the Hebrew and Arabic term amomon, meaning fragrant spice plant.
The species name, verum, reveals more modern intrigue in the cinnamon trade. Verum means true as in true cinnamon. True cinnamon is often substituted with inferior relatives such as Cinnamomom cassia. True cinnamon is delicate while cassia is rough and hard. True cinnamon forms a powder easily with a mortar and pestle whereas cassia is difficult to powder. Although used for similar purposes medicinally, cassia has a harsher flavor, more potent and sharp. True cinnamon is also called sweet cinnamon because it is sweet and gentle. A synonym for the species name verum is zeylanica, derived from Sri Lanka's former name, Ceylon, where the plant is native. Cinnamon sticks are difficult to grind but retain their freshness longer than powder. Buy a powder when using as a garnish, or use cinnamon sticks when adding to a soup.
Cooking Cinnamon
Cinnamon's combination of sweetness and spiciness gives it great versatility in cooking. Along with nutmeg, ginger, cardamom and cloves, cinnamon is one the five classic sweet spices. It enhances many desserts like apple pie, cinnamon buns, and candies. It may be combined and ground into a cinnamon sugar mix, with crushed almonds as an option. Cinnamon is featured in autumn treats like pumpkin pie and apple cider. Try cinnamon on peaches for a tasty and healthy dessert option! True cinnamon, rather than cassia, is better in sweet dishes.
In the Middle East, cinnamon flavors decadant meat dishes. In desserts it is often mixed with rosewater. In ancient Egypt cinnamon was used as a flavoring for beverages. Cinnamon is paired with chocolate in Mexico and used as a garnish on rice pudding in India. In savory dishes cinnamon is delicious with squash, on sweet potatoes with dates and almonds. It is foundational in savory Indian and African curries. The famous spice mixes Garam Masala and Panch Puran include cinnamon. Cinnamon can also be used for pickling. In Morocco cinnamon is combined with preserved lemons. It also combines well with many other spices including saffron, black pepper, and paprika.
Cinnamon's versatility lends itself to experimentation. It is also appealing to children, who often enjoy its sweet taste. So when the chill has you feeling in need of some gentle care, you may want to reach for this sweet spice and see what it can bring to your plate and to your body!
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AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT
Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances.
With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you.
Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature.
By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health.
See How it Works.
Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics
(gunas).
Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance.
By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick.
Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold).
You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.
Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food.
Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body.
Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food.
Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods.
Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion.
Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste.
One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes.
The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent.
Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?
Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.
Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.
Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.
Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.
The 3 metabolic body types
(doshas),
are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).
Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.
Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.
Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia.
They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature.
Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.
Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.
Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.
Hot and oily with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body. Vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Cinnamon
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.
Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.
An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.
Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
A herb that contracts tissue or blood vessels. Generally styptics are astringent. They are often used topically as a hemostatic to stop bleeding, or to reduce secretions.
MILD DIURETIC
Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.
Herbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.
In each study below, students from the
Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the effects.
See other studies of food & herbs at Joyful Belly.
TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION
How did Cinnamon affect your temperature?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
6
21
9
Much colder
Slightly colder
Same
Slightly warmer
Much warmer
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your ear temperature?
15
12
9
6
3
0
9
12
1
Hotter
No Change
Cooler
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your sweat quantity?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
2
23
10
2
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the color of your skin?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
1
12
0
9
Yellower/Greener
Paler
Redder
Grayer
No Change
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the color of your tongue body?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
19
0
18
Paler
Redder
Bluer
No Change
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the swelling of your tongue body?
29
24
19
14
9
4
6
5
22
More Swelling
Less Swelling
No Change
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your appetite/hunger?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
15
16
3
Much less hungry
Slightly less hungry
Same
Slightly hungrier
Much hungrier
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your digestion speed?
25
20
15
10
5
0
1
22
12
1
1
Much faster
Slightly faster
Same
Slightly slower
Much slower
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
TOXINS
How did Cinnamon affect the amount of gas & bloating?
25
20
15
10
5
0
2
21
11
2
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your stool smell?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
6
25
4
2
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
Tongue: How did Cinnamon affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
20
16
12
8
4
0
4
16
15
1
1
Much smaller
Slightly less
Same
Slightly larger coating
Much larger
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the color of your tongue coating?
30
24
18
12
6
0
4
5
0
3
25
Yellower
Browner
Grayer
Whiter
No Change
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your throat soreness?
21
17
13
9
5
1
2
18
2
More sore
No Change
Less sore
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your urine smell?
35
28
21
14
7
0
0
1
31
4
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
35
28
21
14
7
0
1
1
31
3
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Many more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your sweat smell?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
2
26
7
2
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your acne?
21
17
13
9
5
1
2
17
3
More acne
No Change
Less acne
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your freckles/moles?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
22
0
Darker
No Change
Lighter
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
20
16
12
8
4
0
4
1
0
0
1
Redder/Bloodshot
Yellower
Grayer
Browner
Whiter
16
No Change
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the color of the lower eye lid?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
0
20
2
More green/dark green
More purple
No Change
Less green/purple
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
HYDRATION
How did Cinnamon affect your urine frequency/quantity?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
4
27
3
2
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the dryness of your skin?
20
16
12
8
4
0
7
1
14
Drier
Oilier
No Change
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
16
13
10
7
4
1
2
14
6
Puffier
No Change
Less Puffy
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the cracks on your tongue?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
4
26
4
2
Larger/longer/more cracks
Slightly more
Same
Slightly less/smaller/shorter
Much less
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
FLUID-THICKNESS
How did Cinnamon affect your ear pressure?
17
14
11
8
5
2
4
15
3
More pressure
No Change
Less pressure
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your congestion?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
8
14
More congestion
No Change
Less congestion
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
9
13
More thick
No Change
Less thick
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
NERVOUS-SYSTEM
How did Cinnamon affect your energy levels?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
20
13
1
Much less energy
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more energy
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your muscle tension?
20
16
12
8
4
0
6
15
13
2
1
Much less tension
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more tension
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your anxiety?
20
16
12
8
4
0
4
12
17
3
1
Much less anxiety
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more anxiety
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the stillness of your tongue?
29
24
19
14
9
4
8
24
5
More still
No Change
More Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
DIGESTION
How did Cinnamon affect your digestion speed?
25
20
15
10
5
0
1
22
12
1
1
Much faster
Slightly faster
Same
Slightly slower
Much slower
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the amount of gas & bloating?
25
20
15
10
5
0
2
21
11
2
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
1
15
5
1
Much relief
Slight relief
Same
Slightly more burning
Much more burning
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your appetite/hunger?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
15
16
3
Much less hungry
Slightly less hungry
Same
Slightly hungrier
Much hungrier
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
TONGUE
How did Cinnamon affect the color of your tongue body?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
19
0
18
Paler
Redder
Bluer
No Change
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the stillness of your tongue?
29
24
19
14
9
4
8
24
5
More still
No Change
More Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the color of your tongue coating?
30
24
18
12
6
0
4
5
0
3
25
Yellower
Browner
Grayer
Whiter
No Change
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the cracks on your tongue?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
4
26
4
2
Larger/longer/more cracks
Slightly more
Same
Slightly less/smaller/shorter
Much less
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
Tongue: How did Cinnamon affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
20
16
12
8
4
0
4
16
15
1
1
Much smaller
Slightly less
Same
Slightly larger coating
Much larger
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the swelling of your tongue body?
29
24
19
14
9
4
6
5
22
More Swelling
Less Swelling
No Change
Total Responses: 33 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
STOOL
How did Cinnamon affect your stool lightness?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
11
20
5
1
Much lighter
Slightly lighter
Same
Slightly darker
Much darker
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your stool smell?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
6
25
4
2
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your stool consistency?
21
17
13
9
5
1
2
16
12
5
2
Much softer
Slightly softer
Same
Slightly harder
Much harder
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your stool frequency/quantity?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
17
15
2
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your stool color?
30
24
18
12
6
0
5
0
2
7
23
More yellow
More gray
More green
More orange
Same
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
URINE
How did Cinnamon affect your urine clarity?
40
32
24
16
8
0
0
33
4
More cloudy
Same
More clear
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your urine smell?
35
28
21
14
7
0
0
1
31
4
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your urine lightness?
35
28
21
14
7
0
0
2
29
5
1
Much lighter
Slightly lighter
Same
Slightly Darker
Much Darker
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your urine frequency/quantity?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
4
27
3
2
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
35
28
21
14
7
0
1
1
31
3
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Many more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
SWEAT
How did Cinnamon affect your sweat quantity?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
2
23
10
2
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your sweat smell?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
2
26
7
2
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
SKIN
How did Cinnamon affect the dryness of your skin?
20
16
12
8
4
0
7
1
14
Drier
Oilier
No Change
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the color of your skin?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
1
12
0
9
Yellower/Greener
Paler
Redder
Grayer
No Change
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your freckles/moles?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
22
0
Darker
No Change
Lighter
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your acne?
21
17
13
9
5
1
2
17
3
More acne
No Change
Less acne
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
EYE
How did Cinnamon affect the color of the lower eye lid?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
0
20
2
More green/dark green
More purple
No Change
Less green/purple
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
16
13
10
7
4
1
2
14
6
Puffier
No Change
Less Puffy
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
20
16
12
8
4
0
4
1
0
0
1
Redder/Bloodshot
Yellower
Grayer
Browner
Whiter
16
No Change
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
ENT
How did Cinnamon affect your congestion?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
8
14
More congestion
No Change
Less congestion
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your ear pressure?
17
14
11
8
5
2
4
15
3
More pressure
No Change
Less pressure
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your throat soreness?
21
17
13
9
5
1
2
18
2
More sore
No Change
Less sore
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
9
13
More thick
No Change
Less thick
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your ear temperature?
15
12
9
6
3
0
9
12
1
Hotter
No Change
Cooler
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
HEART
How did Cinnamon affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
2
20
0
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your heart rate?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
0
16
6
0
Much slower
Slightly slower
Same
Slightly faster
Much faster
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your heart rhythm?
21
17
13
9
5
1
2
18
2
More palpitations
Same
Less palpitations
Total Responses: 22 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
SYSTEMIC
How did Cinnamon affect your energy levels?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
20
13
1
Much less energy
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more energy
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your muscle tension?
20
16
12
8
4
0
6
15
13
2
1
Much less tension
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more tension
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your anxiety?
20
16
12
8
4
0
4
12
17
3
1
Much less anxiety
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more anxiety
Much more
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
How did Cinnamon affect your temperature?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
6
21
9
Much colder
Slightly colder
Same
Slightly warmer
Much warmer
Total Responses: 37 Study ID:73 (2020-11-14 - 2021-11-14)
The recommended dosage of cinnamon powder depends on its purpose and the type of cinnamon used.
Safe Daily Intake for General Health
Cassia Cinnamon (Common Type, Higher Coumarin): ½ to 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) per day
Ceylon Cinnamon (True Cinnamon, Lower Coumarin): Up to 1½ teaspoons (5 grams) per day
Do not exceed 1 teaspoon (4g) of Cassia cinnamon daily for extended periods, as it contains coumarin, which may harm the liver.
Medicinal Uses & Suggested Dosages
Blood Sugar Control (Diabetes): ½ to 1 teaspoon (2-3 grams) per day has been shown to help lower blood sugar.
Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Benefits: ½ teaspoon (2 grams) daily is sufficient.
Cholesterol & Heart Health: Up to 1 teaspoon (4 grams) per day may help lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
Maximum Daily Dosage
Cassia Cinnamon: No more than 1 teaspoon (4 grams) daily for extended use.
Ceylon Cinnamon: Up to 1½ teaspoons (5 grams) per day is safer due to lower coumarin levels.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Stick to small culinary amounts, avoid medicinal doses.
TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS
Cinnamon may be beneficial for these symptoms.
The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual.
Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.
We will use this information to better predict food that helps you.
CONTRAINDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS
Cinnamon may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms.
Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications.
Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.
Cinnamon is generally safe in food amounts, but large or medicinal doses can have risks. The main concern is coumarin, found in Cassia cinnamon, which can be toxic in high amounts.
Liver Conditions: Cassia cinnamon (common grocery store type) contains coumarin, which may cause liver damage in high doses. Individuals with liver disease should avoid excessive cinnamon intake.
Blood Thinners & Bleeding Disorders: Cinnamon may thin the blood, increasing bleeding risk, especially when taken with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, aspirin).
Surgery: Since cinnamon may increase bleeding risk, minimize use at least two weeks before surgery.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Cinnamon may lower blood sugar, which can be dangerous for people on diabetes medications.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: While small amounts are safe in food, high doses (supplements or medicinal use) may stimulate uterine contractions and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Stomach Irritation & Acid Reflux: In large amounts, cinnamon can irritate the stomach lining, worsening conditions like ulcers, acid reflux, or gastritis.
Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when
right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in
Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire
reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once
you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a
healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda.
His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful.
John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda,
offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.
John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy,
& botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.
Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter!
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
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