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Nutrition and daily life

Cinnamon: warm aroma, moderate amounts

Cinnamon gives tea, compote and sweets a warm aroma. When taste changes during treatment, its scent can revive appetite. This section explains how and how much to use.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Cinnamon sticks and a reddish-brown infusion.
Figure 1.Cinnamon, a warm aroma.

01Short answer

An infusion with a cinnamon stick, or a stick in tea, is generally safe. Cassia, the most common shop cinnamon, contains coumarin, which in large amounts can harm the liver. Cinnamon capsules can affect blood sugar and medicines. Cinnamon does not treat leukemia or diabetes. During neutropenia add cinnamon while cooking or brewing.

02Simple explanation

Cinnamon gives a warm aroma.

Cassia contains coumarin.

Capsules can affect sugar and medicines.

Brew it in boiling water.

03Scientific explanation

NCCIH: cinnamon has not been shown to treat any disease; coumarin in cassia is a liver risk in large amounts.

NCI: there is no evidence that herbal infusions treat leukemia.

MSK: herbal products can affect how the liver breaks down medicines, so tell your oncologist.

04What happens in the body?

Ceylon and cassia

Ceylon cinnamon is thin and multi-layered with little coumarin; cassia is thick and hard.

Thin Ceylon and thick cassia cinnamon in two dishes.
Figure 2.Ceylon and cassia — Cinnamon: warm aroma, moderate amounts

How to use it

A stick in tea, a pinch in compote or baked apple; during neutropenia do not sprinkle raw powder on finished dishes.

A cinnamon stick in steaming black tea.
Figure 3.A cinnamon stick in black tea.

Safe brewing

Sealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.

With medicines

1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

05Brewing: four steps

Sealed bag, swap market herbs, boiling water, drink hot.

Sealed bag — Factory-made.1Sealed bagFactory-made.
Not loose — A bag instead.2Not looseA bag instead.
Boiling water — Covered.3Boiling waterCovered.
Drink soon — Do not keep.4Drink soonDo not keep.
ComfortA warm drink.
FluidsThrough the day.
SafetyBoiling water.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Ceylon and cassiaCeylon cinnamon is thin and multi-layered with little coumarin; cassia is thick and hard.
How to use itA stick in tea, a pinch in compote or baked apple; during neutropenia do not sprinkle raw powder on finished dishes.
Safe brewingSealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.
With medicines1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

07Key terms

Coumarin
A compound in cassia that harms the liver in high doses.
Cassia
The most common type of cinnamon.
Infusion
A herb steeped in boiling water.
Extract
A concentrated plant substance.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Cinnamon is a fragrant spice.
  • Use cassia in moderation.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.
  • Sealed bag and boiling water.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Does cinnamon lower blood sugar?

Evidence is weak; on steroids, manage sugar with your doctor.

Can I have it every day?

An ordinary stick or pinch, usually yes.

Does this infusion treat leukemia?

No. It is a warm, pleasant drink, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does cinnamon lower blood sugar?

  2. Can I have it every day?

  3. Does this infusion treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Cinnamon
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  5. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  6. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  7. World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer: Carcinogenicity of the consumption of red meat and processed meat (Q&A)
  8. NHS. Can reheating rice cause food poisoning?
  9. U.S. FDA. Bad Bug Book: Phytohaemagglutinin (kidney bean lectin)
  10. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source. Legumes and Pulses
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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