Background

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.

Safety Safety definitions

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.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

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.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

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.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

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.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.