Cinnamon (Dalchini): Uses, Side Effects, Precautions & More!
By Dr Ashok Pal +2 more
Last updated: Oct 24, 2024 Published on: Feb 1, 2022
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By Dr Ashok Pal +2 more
Table of Contents
Cinnamon or Cinnamomum Zeylanicum is also popularly known as ‘Dalchini’ in Hindi. It is a dried bark of a small tree, which grows mainly in southern/western parts of India. Its leaves are commonly called ‘Tejpatra’ in Hindi. For ages, it has been one of the most significant spices available as part of ‘Garam Masala’ in Indian kitchens. It is available in the markets as rolled and dried sticks.1
Ayurveda defines cinnamon as ‘Tvak’. Cinnamon has a pungent and sweet taste, and it is hot in nature. It is considered beneficial in treating various conditions like oedema, flu, indigestion, cough etc., and thus, recommended for individuals having the ‘Kaphavata’ constitution.1
Cinnamon has the following nutritional value:
Since ancient times, cinnamon has been used as herbal medicine. The in vitro experimentation and animal trials suggest that cinnamon may have following beneficial properties:
Cinnamon has been found effective in maintaining oral health in studies. It may usually be used as toothpaste to relieve toothaches and other dental problems. Cinnamon can also act as a mouth freshener and treat bad breath. Thus, it is used as an ingredient in chewing gums.4 However, more human studies are needed to estimate the extent to which it will be beneficial for human health.
Cinnamon (Dalchini) may help with bleeding from cuts and wounds as it may help in coagulating blood. Cinnamon may help to improve the blood circulation in the uterus, and further, it can support tissue regeneration.4 However more human studies are needed to estimate the extent to which it will be beneficial for human health.
Extracts of cinnamon such as ether, methanolic, and aqueous extracts demonstrate a significant antioxidant activity in studies. Antioxidants can have a significant impact on human health since they respond to free radicals and help in reducing age-associated disorders and damage due to metabolic diseases.4 These activities of cinnamon, however, are yet to be proved in humans.
Cinnamon consists of essential oils. When cinnamon and clove oils are combined, they might demonstrate anti-microbial activity against various bacteria and yeast.4 Due to its anti-microbial effect, a paste of cinnamon powder with honey can help with wounds and cuts.1 You must consult a qualified doctor for better advice.
Insulin-potentiating factor has been isolated from aqueous extract of cinnamon, and it demonstrated insulin-like activity in studies.4 Cinnamon powder is thus used for lowering blood sugar levels (diabetic patients should use it with caution).1 However, serious conditions like diabetes must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.
Powdered cinnamon mixed in food can be used to cure minor digestive disorders, stomachaches, and intestinal spasms.1 However more human studies are needed to estimate the extent to which it will be beneficial for human health.
Several studies conducted on cinnamon have revealed the anti-inflammatory property of its bark and essential oils.4
Though various studies show the potential uses of cinnamon in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of cinnamon on human health.
Cinnamon is known for its medicinal benefits though sometimes it may cause trouble too. In my experience, most of the time, cinnamon has no ill effects. However, frequent usage might irritate your mouth, leading to sores. If you apply it to your skin, it might result in redness and irritation.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Also Read: Tejpatta – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions
We can control dental caries by using a swab dipped in essential oils obtained from cinnamon on the affected teeth. Evidence shows that cinnamon oil effectively removes bad breath and strengthens teeth.1
Chewing a small piece of Dalchini will give relief from nausea and vomiting.1
As a preventive measure against COVID-19 infection, as per the Ministry of AYUSH, we can drink ‘kadha’ or herbal tea once or twice a day. This tea is made by boiling mixed herbs (Tulsi (basil), dry ginger powder, Munakka- raisins, black pepper, and cinnamon).5
If taken with honey a few times a day, cinnamon powder gives relief from various conditions such as common cold and intestinal spasms.1
Before beginning to use supplements containing cinnamon, I strongly recommend discussing with your doctor whether it will react adversely with your routine medications. They could alter the way treatments for diabetes, blood thinning, the heart, and other conditions operate.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
The most common side effects related to the use of cinnamon are:
Cinnamon stimulates cellular glucose metabolism and mimics insulin. Thus, the major side effect of consuming cinnamon beyond the doctor’s advice is a drop in blood sugar levels. Due to lowered blood sugar, symptoms like fatigue and dizziness may also be observed.4
Studies report that cinnamon contains coumarin, which is known to be toxic to the liver. Thus, one should take medical advice before consuming cinnamon-containing products.6
Compounds like benzoates present in cinnamon have been associated with food allergies. Clinical practitioners often advise eliminating cinnamon and related food products from the diets of people with allergies.7
Some fungi infections may respond well to the treatment with cinnamon oil. From my knowledge, cinnamon oil is helpful against a kind of Candida that affects the bloodstream, according to laboratory research done in 2016. Its antibacterial qualities might be to blame for this.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Also Read: 10 Incredible Health Benefits of Cinnamon
It is suggested that, despite no major reported side effects of cinnamon as a spice or flavoring agent, cinnamon may demonstrate significant undesirable effects as a medicinal product when we use it in higher doses or for a longer duration. A higher dosage of cinnamon should only be taken under clinical supervision.4,8
Also Read: Chirata – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions
If taken in large quantities, cinnamon may have an adverse effect when used as medication. Also, unsupervised and unmonitored cinnamon consumption by people having health conditions (like diabetes and liver diseases) may complicate or worsen some conditions.6,8
Also Read: Shankpushpi – Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions
Cinnamon is obtained from the dried bark of the cinnamon tree.1
Yes, we can obtain essential oils from different parts of a cinnamon plant (bark, leaf, and root-bark). These oils consist of varied components. The bark oil consists of cinnamaldehyde, the leaf oil has eugenol, and in the root-bark oil, we find camphor.9
Cinnamon also may have many applications in cosmetic products due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties and presence of anti-tyrosinase agents (tyrosinase is known to increase melanin and age spots).4,10
Cinnamon has a distinguished flavour and aroma because of the essential oils present in it. The essential oils extracted from cinnamon have cinnamaldehyde and trans-cinnamaldehyde (Cin), which give fragrance to cinnamon.4
To avoid an excessive dose of coumarin, adults shouldn’t consume more than 0.1 mg/kg of cinnamon per day since it may cause or worsen already existing liver problems.6 More studies are required to understand the effect of cinnamon on liver, do not self-medicate.
Studies show that cinnamon extracts are effective against acne-causing bacteria, and hence, they can be used in anti-acne products.11 Consult your dermatologist for better advice.
Cinnamon may help to reduce fat mass and raise serum antioxidants. It may also help in improving metabolism and reducing free radicals in our bodies. Thus, cinnamon can be considered an ayurvedic supplement that helps in weight loss, though we require more well-designed and structured studies to establish this property.4,12
Also Read: Nagkesar – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions
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