Cinnamon is a common spice used in many Indian households to add flavour to food; it is also used in ancient medicine because of its health benefits. It is obtained from the inner bark of the tree species from the Cinnamomum. It is originally native to Sri Lanka, but cinnamon is commonly grown in India's western ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This blog will talk about the medicinal properties and benefits of cinnamon and how to use it effectively.
Last updated on : 26 Jun, 2025
Read time : 13 mins
Cinnamon is a fragrant spice obtained from the trees' inner barks, particularly from the Cinnamomum genus (species to which cinnamon belongs) It is well-known for its aromatic fragrance and is used in Indian cooking to prepare many cuisines and sweet and savoury dishes. Apart from its strong flavour, it has several health benefits, making it a powerhouse of nutrients for treating various diseases.
Originally, this spice was native to Sri Lanka and was known as Ceylon Cinnamon. In India, cinnamon originated in the lower elevations of the West Ghats, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
There are several varieties of Cinnamon, but the most prominent types are Ceylon Cinnamon, popularly known as True Cinnamon, and Cassia, which is generally strong in taste and aroma, higher in coumarin content and often used as a substitute or adulterant for Ceylon Cinnamon. The process of harvesting cinnamon is labour intensive and is done by peeling the bark from the branches of trees, allowing them to dry, and curling them to give their shape.
Feature | Details |
What is Cinnamon? | Cinnamon is a natural spice obtained from the inner bark of trees from the Cinnamomum Genus. It is known for its medicinal properties and strong flavour and aroma. |
Origin | It is originated in Sri Lanka, previously known as Ceylon, from where it got its name, Ceylon Cinnamon, i.e., true cinnamon. In India, it is grown in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. |
Common Use |
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Alternative Names |
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Health Benefits |
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Forms available |
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Recommended dosage |
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Precautions | People who are on blood thinner medications or have liver-related problems should avoid its consumption. Breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before consuming cinnamon. |
Side effects |
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Interactions | Cinnamon should be consumed after taking advice from doctors if you are on allopathic medications, as it might enhance the function of the medication and can be fatal. |
Storage | Cinnamon should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can also store it in the form of powder. |
The botanical name of Cinnamon is Cinnamomum Zeylancium.
Cinnamon benefits overall health and promotes a healthy lifestyle if taken in the recommended dosage. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one teaspoon of Cinnamon that weighs about 2.6 grams holds the following nutritional value.
Nutrients | Amount per serving ( 1 Teaspoon) |
Energy | 6 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 80.6 g |
Calcium | 1000 mg |
Iron | 8.32 mg |
Magnesium | 60 mg |
Phosphorous | 64 mg |
Potassium | 431 mg |
Vitamin A | 15 µg |
Cinnamon is a powerhouse of various nutrients, which make it a multifaceted spice. Dalchini benefits overall health and increases metabolism, which promotes overall well-being.
Let us see some of the health benefits of cinnamon.
Cinnamon helps reduce fat in the body and manage weight. Regularly consuming cinnamon tea in the morning helps to reduce weight, prevents bloating and increases metabolism.
Cinnamon helps reduce triglycerides and manages the total cholesterol in your body. Taking cinnamon tablets or tea helps lower the bad cholesterol LDL and maintain healthy heart health.
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and contains a powerful component called polyphenols, which help protect the body from oxidative damage.
Cinnamon is effective in managing insulin sensitivity, which helps to regulate the blood sugar levels of patients who are suffering from diabetes. Consumption of cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity, contributing to healthy blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that help the body repair the damaged tissues naturally. The antioxidants present in cinnamon may support the body's natural response to inflammation.
Cinnamon is a spice known for its medicinal properties, as it is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that promote overall health.
Some common uses of cinnamon are as follows:
Cinnamon has a strong flavour and aroma; hence, it adds a unique taste to the food. Dalchini powder is used in many households to prepare various cuisines, sweets, and savoury dishes. You can add cinnamon to your oatmeal, cakes, and cookies as an aromatic flavouring additive.
Cinnamon is a natural preservative because of its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and it is used to preserve food, bakery items, and pickles. The cinnamon essential oil is a commonly used preservative.
Cinnamon has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it an excellent agent for treating various bacterial and fungal infections. The presence of an active component called cinnamaldehyde makes it an effective substance for curing illnesses. Cinnamon is also helpful in preventing tooth decay and preventing bad breath because of its antibacterial properties.
According to studies, cinnamon is a powerful component in reducing or slowing down the process of angiogenesis, which is a process of the formation of new blood vessels that feed the cancerous cells. Cinnamon reduces cell growth and cellular signalling, which may help reduce the risk of cancer.
extremely important to monitor the consumption of cinnamon and take the dosage as your healthcare provider recommends. Consult a doctor before consuming cinnamon if you are under the following conditions:
If you are on allopathic medication for thinning your blood, you must avoid the consumption of cinnamon because it has anticoagulant properties that might enhance blood thinning and can be fatal.
If you are suffering from liver infection or taking an ongoing medication for your existing liver disease, you must consult your doctor before consuming cinnamon, as it has coumarin, which causes liver toxicity.
Breastfeeding mothers should avoid the consumption of cinnamon or consult their doctor before consuming it because it might affect the liver of the infant.
Cinnamon is available in different forms, and because of its strong flavour and aroma, it is used in cooking worldwide. Cinnamon uses vary from one form to another. You can add cinnamon to your diet in the following ways:
You can use cinnamon sticks by adding them to your oatmeal, hot chocolate, smoothies, or soup to give a unique, distinct flavour and aroma. It enhances the taste of your beverages and adds nutritional value.
Step to use:
You can easily make use of dalchini powder benefits by roasting the cinnamon sticks and grinding them into powder. Cinnamon powder uses also ranges from sprinkling on your cookies, stews, cake, etc, for regular intake to using it for diabetes.
Steps to use:
Cinnamon essential oil is used for aromatherapy, and it helps to rejuvenate dry skin and scalp and provides moisture. It also helps to alleviate aches, pains, and stiffness in the joints.
Steps to use:
Cinnamon has numerous benefits, but it is advised to take the right amount of dosage as overconsumption might cause several other problems. You must consult your healthcare provider if you are on some ongoing medications.
Cinnamon, if consumed without proper dosage recommendation or over-consumed, can cause various problems. The common cinnamon side effects are as follows:
Cinnamon is a strong aromatic spice, and it might cause irritation in the mouth and lips and, therefore, cause sores. The compound present in cinnamon called cinnamaldehyde is responsible for causing allergies and irritation if over-consumed.
Due to high levels of coumarin present in cinnamon, it might disrupt liver functions and cause toxicity. People with existing liver problems should avoid consuming cinnamon as it can cause permanent damage to the liver.
Cinnamon is well-known for lowering the blood sugar levels. Eating in moderate and recommended quantities helps to maintain blood sugar levels. However, overconsumption lowers blood sugar levels, which can be fatal.
Cinnamon might cause side effects if it interacts with other drugs, so if you are on allopathic medications, you must consult with your doctor about the recommended dosage you can consume. You should avoid cinnamon consumption if:
Cinnamon is more than just a fragrant spice, it's a natural remedy with a rich history in traditional medicine. Sourced from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree, it is valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Whether used in cooking or as a supplement, cinnamon supports overall well-being and may aid in managing blood sugar levels, digestion, and heart health. Widely grown in parts of India, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu, cinnamon continues to be a versatile ingredient that adds both flavour and health benefits to daily life.
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