Spice

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum verum

T Traditional use

Ceylon cinnamon bark tea is traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for mild diarrhoea.

Cinnamon – Spice

Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim

Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
Breastfeeding⚠ Avoid
Children⚠ Avoid
Drug interactionsNo recorded interactions
On this page

At a glance

The EMA classes Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) bark as a traditional herbal medicine for mild spasmodic digestive complaints and mild diarrhoea. Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), common in shops, is a different species outside this assessment. The monograph has no blood sugar indication.

Parts used: bark
Key constituents: Cinnamaldehyde

Updated: October 15, 2026

✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.

What is it used for?

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Traditionally used for mild, spasmodic digestive complaints such as bloating and wind. [1]

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Traditionally used to relieve mild diarrhoea. [1]

How is it used?

Tea

Make an infusion with 0.5–1 g of chopped cinnamon bark.

Amount: Up to 4 times daily

Duration limit: See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts beyond 2 days

[1]

Safety & interactions

Minimum age: 18 years

  • With diarrhoea, replace lost fluids first; see a doctor for recurrent diarrhoea or bloody stools.
  • Do not use if you are allergic to cinnamon or Peru balsam.
  • Not recommended under 18. Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
  • The assessment covers Ceylon cinnamon; cassia is different.
[1]

Drug interactions

No recorded interactions

Side effects

  • None known according to the monograph; report any unexpected effect to a doctor

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Did you know?

The cinnamon assessed by the EMA is Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), not the common cassia. [1]

Frequently asked questions

Does cinnamon lower blood sugar?

The EMA monograph has no blood sugar indication. Ask your doctor about diabetes treatment.

How do I make cinnamon tea?

Infuse 0.5–1 g of chopped bark; drink up to 4 times a day.

What is the difference between Ceylon and cassia cinnamon?

Ceylon cinnamon is Cinnamomum verum; cassia is Cinnamomum cassia. The EMA assessment covers Ceylon cinnamon.

Does cinnamon help diarrhoea?

The EMA accepts cinnamon bark as a traditional remedy for mild diarrhoea. See a doctor if it lasts beyond 2 days.

Sources

  1. Community herbal monograph on Cinnamomum verum J.S. Presl, cortexEMA HMPC · 2011

Cite This Page

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cinnamon/

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