Cinnamon's Incredible Health Benefits

| Modified on Jan 12, 2023

More than just an aromatic and flavorful spice, cinnamon is also an effective health treatment. A staple part of the diet that dates back to 2000 BC, cinnamon has been used historically to treat such conditions as coughing, arthritis and sore throats. Today, its health applications and uses seem limited only by the individual’s imagination and ability to tolerate the spice.

What is Cinnamon?

A spice obtained from the bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum, cinnamon is an aromatic spice used in cooking and baking savory and sweet foods. The spice is harvested by growing a tree for two years and then cutting it to ground level. The bark is then scraped off and beaten into long rolls. While still wet, the bark is processed rendering the characteristic spice.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

While the spice is best known as a flavorful ingredient, its efficacy extends far beyond the kitchen. Cinnamon plays an important role in traditional medicine and possesses a variety of healthful effects.

With its natural composition, cinnamon is considered a medicinal substance in a variety of ways. The compound can be used effectively as an anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial agent. It also functions to stimulate brain and nerve function as well as to cleanse and detox the body.

As such, cinnamon has been identified as an effective treatment option for a variety of conditions. Research suggests that cinnamon is effective for treating HIV, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also be used to regulate diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure. As it is an antifungal agent, cinnamon can also alleviate fungal infections such as candida. The substance is even able to regulate metabolism and aid in weight loss.

More than just a good cooking spice, cinnamon is also a great health remedy. The spice can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including diabetes and high cholesterol.




Acid Reflux

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Fred (Austin Texas) on 04/02/2017
★★★★★

I have been eating 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of saigon Cinnamon a day for over 8 weeks. I do not have to take prilosec for acid reflux or heartburn anymore. Even when I feel the symptom a quick does of Cinnamon takes it away almost instantly.

Replied by Yasmin
(United Arab Emirates)
03/13/2018

Please let me know how I should have cinnamon powder and when for acidity.


Acid Reflux
Posted by James (Massillon, Ohio ) on 09/17/2016
★★★★★

I have long suspected that cinnamon stops heartburn dead in its tracks. I took Tagamet and Zantac for years, until they stopped working. Then Prilosec hit the market; took that for 10 years until it stopped working. Then on to Nexium......then it stopped working. Ditto for Axcid, Aciphex, Protonix, etc. One night, I was SO MISERABLE with my symptoms, I Tried everything, including drinking an entire bottle of Gaviscon, to no avail. As I sat on the sofa, I spotted a dish of cinnamon disks in a candy dish and, against my better judgment, I grabbed two and popped them into my mouth, and then waited for the fire in my esophagus to REALLY come roaring back even worse than ever, and.....NOTHING! It had completely STOPPED the raging burn in its tracks. I will be researching this much further.


Acid Reflux
Posted by Mercedes (Long Beach, WA) on 09/18/2006
★★★★★

I was reading your cure for acid reflux - ACV - and wanted to add one of my own. Cinnamon sticks simmered in water for about 20 minutes or until they make a 'tea'. I put 6 sticks in a regular size stove top kettle. Drink hot or cold - usually a juice glass full will remove acid reflux instantly, if not repeat. It ALWAYS works!! Also delicious! Many other health benefits too!


Acne

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Kea (Austin, Tx, Us) on 06/30/2010
★★★★★

I battle cystic acne in spurts. I went to Arizona for 3 weeks and had no breakouts. I came back to Texas and bam...at least 10 cystic acne bumps in 2 weeks. I realized that these breakouts occur a week before or during my period. I found this website and began trying everything, airborne tablets, turmeric, coconut oil spearmint tea, and even urine therapy. Nothing gave results. The coconut oil seemed to smooth the rest of my skin but did nothing for the cystic acne. I began looking elsewhere and here is what is finally working for me:

When I first feel the cyst tingling I began to ice it (15 seconds on and off), which seems to help it considerably. Then at night I take a dime size amount of unrefined raw (thick) local honey mixed with the same amount of organic cinnamon and make a paste. I put it on my cysts overnight. Day 1 the cysts didn't hurt anymore and swelling decreased by 50 percent and by day 2 it is pretty much gone! All that remains is redness, no knot underneath the skin anymore!!! What a blessing!


Acne
Posted by Ruth (Arcadia, CA) on 12/07/2006
★★★★★

For months I've been stressed out and my face has been breaking out with red swollen pimples, which just wouldn't go away. I spent a lot of money on expensive facial cleansers, toners, and lotions...none worked. After finding information via internet regarding honey and cinnamon paste for acne, I tried it. The next morning the pimples were visibly improved, shrunken. I did a test by not putting the paste on one part of my face, and sure enough that part remained the unchanged. I'm on my 4th day sleeping with this paste on my face and very excited that something so simple is working.


Acne
Posted by Anonymous (USA)
★★★★★

A paste of honey and cinnamon. 3 Tablespoons of honey to 1 cinnamon. Apply topically. Dries acne out takes about 2-3 weeks.


Antibiotic

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Pauline (New York) on 07/25/2011

To either Lisa from Oakland or Bill from San Fernando, Ted recommends 2 drops of cinnamon oil in cup of water for antibacteria purpose, can I use the essential cinnamon oil ? What kind of cinnamon oil is Ted talking about?


Antibiotic
Posted by Ellen (Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Currently livin) on 01/07/2009
★★★★★

Essential Oil Inhalation cure for Bronchitis, Sinus Infections, Pneumonia

I regularly get sinus infections due to a deformity in one of my sinuses. Until a few years ago when I found this cure I had regular bronchitis and lastly in 2005 I had serious pneumonia. I opted out of health insurance years ago so I had to take responsibility for my own health.
I got onto one of those $39.95 sites with the magical cure but this one WORKED! So here it is for all of you.

The following essential oils are 89% antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal. Cinnamon, Clove and Oregano. First, get the best quality you can.

These oils work magic together BUT, you can use just one or a combo of two if that is all you can get. Put 2-3 drops of each oil in a steamer or a steaming pan of water. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET THE OILS ON YOUR SKIN...They burn. Cinnamon and Clove burn. (Cinnamon Oil is the main ingredient of all those lip plumpers :-) Now, inhale the steam with your eyes closed and take it in as deeply as you possibly can, breathing through the nose and the mouth alternately. When I did this with my pneumonia, I felt a kind of crack in my lungs after three or four breaths and everything started to come loose. I coughed up all the guck and was completely well in 5 days. I was so sick that I had bruised my ribs from the coughing and I was very, very weak. Now at the first sign of anything respiratory, I do this. I have never had a reoccurence of bronchitis or pneumonia and very seldom get any sinus trouble anymore. How happy I am that we can all share these wonderful old rememdies with each other! Thanks to this site and all of you.


Ants

Posted by Pipi (Lakewood, New Jersey) on 09/12/2010

Cinnamon took away my ant problem. Ants hate the smell of cinnamon. I told my friend, who had a problem with ants too, about it, and she sprinkled some cinnamon in the place where they were coming from. The ants didn't come back. My other friend had a cockroach infestation in her home and I figured if cinnamon could work on ants why wouldn't it work on cockroaches. A few weeks later she came back to me and she was like "you know, Pipi, I think your cinnamon worked because I haven't seen a cockroach since I put it out." I was really happy for her. Anyway, a lot of people in my town are having problems with bedbugs and I really think cinnamon could work to eliminate them. I mean, if it could work on ants and cockroaches why wouldn't it work on bedbugs. If you're having a ant or cockroach problem figure out where they are coming from and sprinkle cinnamon in that place. For bedbugs, maybe you could sprinkle cinnamon directly on the mattress under the sheet. I don't know if that might ruin the mattress. I guess whatever you feel is right, do. If you get results with bed bugs.

Replied by Teresa
(USA)
10/14/2010

Also cucumber peelings work to get rid of ants. I thought that my mom was joking when she told me to peel a cucumber and throw small slices in the corners of rooms but it worked great and after 12-24 hours not an ant in sight! You'll notice in 3-5 days when the cucumber slices dry up and need replaced because the ants will come back."


[YEA ] 01/07/2011: Dani from Miami, Fl replies: "I sprinkled cinamon everywhere in the bedroom, and it's been a few weeks. Things look OK.


Arthritis

6 User Reviews
5 star (5) 
  83%
4 star (1) 
  17%

Posted by Jillery (Rawlly, Nc) on 08/05/2015 88 posts
★★★★★

Cinnamon has helped the arthritis in my ankles/feet ever so much!!! WOW. I take 1t of cinnamon mixed with 1 t of organic honey before my coffee in the morning. I feel 80% better. I love cinnamon anyway so it is great that this is helpful. Thank you once again Earthclinic peeps!!!


Arthritis
Posted by Lou In Texas (Somewhere, Texas) on 07/02/2011
★★★★★

My husband began taking 1 tablespoon of Really Raw Honey and 1 teaspoon of ceylon (sweet) cinnamon about 5-6 weeks ago for his arthritis in his knees. He takes this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and does not eat for at least an hour afterward. He could see a definite improvement after the first week and every week since. He now has no pain in his knees at all, unless he stands up too long at one time. Before, his knees were always in pain.


Arthritis
Posted by Dave (Gantt, Al.) on 05/05/2011
★★★★★

I too have osteoarthritus Since I have been taking the honey and cinnamon I have had wonderful results that I never had with ANYTHING else I've tried I had a limp for 4 months was taking 10-12 Ibeprophen a day just to walk without so much pain! Since I've been taking it for two weeks my limp has dissapeared and no longer take any nsaids at all- honey and cinnamon has been a GODSEND to me.

I'm not saying everyone will have the same results but if it can just help one more person as much as it has me, I recommend TRY IT OUT


Arthritis
Posted by Steven L. Jones (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 02/13/2011
★★★★☆

I started Honey and Cinnamon a month ago, and the pain in my knees stopped bothering me after two weeks, but not all the way. At four weeks, no pain. I tried stopping the Hon & Cin, and after one week, the pain was back. Does this mean, I have to take it for life? I'm 69, and plan to live another 33 years. Thank You...
Steven


Arthritis
Posted by Parag (Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA) on 10/29/2008
★★★★★

This is a remedy I have seen other people use around me in India for arthritis. I teaspoon of ground cinnamon powder, mixed with 1 teaspoon pure, organic honey. Take it in the morning before you eat anything. And do not eat/drink anything for 30 minutes after. Drinking water is fine. You should see effect within a week, if not within days.

Replied by Mountain Girl
(Blairsville, GA)
01/22/2011

Hi. My sister has RA very bad (35 yrs. Old) Is currently taking weekly injections of Humira with horrible side affects & other RX pills. How do you take the cinnamin & honey? do you mix in hot water? I would love to tell her about "natural ways" to help w/ her RA thanks. Love EC"


01/22/2011: Lemarque from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia replies: "Hi Mountain Girl. RA as you know is an autoimmune condition, which firstly makes it very difficult to manage and in the advanced stages pharmaceutical intervention is often necessary to enable the person to function. Both honey and cinnamon are very good anti-flammatory agents and your sister could certainly take them combined in water (2t-spoons honey and 1/4 t-spoon cinnamon) but she may find it a little unpalatable. I would suggest combining them into a fresh fruit/vegetable juice or non-dairy smoothy. There is a very effective Vermont Folk Medicine remedy which she may consider. In a glass of water add 2 t-spoons of honey and 2 t-spoons of ACV and drink morning and night. She could simply add the cinnamon to this cocktail if she wishes. Hope this helps."


01/24/2011: Bmr from Quito, Ecuador replies: "My sister has RA and she is doing fine and pain free since using LDN plus Borax. The Borax helped with the pain. You can check the borax section in this site for more information. Hope this helps.


Arthritis
Posted by Frankie (Franklin, Louisiana) on 07/19/2008
★★★★★

1st I tried BSM remedy for a knee issue but I needed surgery for it. Arthritis was found in right knee and now is in left knee. For a week and some I have been doing the honey-cinn and I positively feel the difference. I have not taken any prescribed meds. for a week. I add 2 teaspoons honey and 1 teaspoon cinnamon and add this to a cup very hot water. I drink this morning and nite. I also love the fact that it benefits me in other ways. Hope this helps someone else.



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