Cinnamon: history, symbolism, medicinal uses, and everyday practical uses.
If you’ve ever sprinkled cinnamon on your porridge, or stirred it into a pot of chai tea, smelt its delicious scent when something is baking in the kitchen, you already know that there is something so comforting about this warm, aromatic, sweet spice.
The story of cinnamon spans thousands of years, crossing continents and cultures, from Ancient Egypt, to Sri Lanka, it’s been an ancient remedy, a sacred offering in religions, used in love potions, and at one point in history it was more valuable than gold.
In this article we are going to explore the history of cinnamon's medicine and magic, the difference between Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon, its traditional uses, the modern research, some of the folklore stories and symbolism, and how to use it at home safely.
What is Cinnamon and Where Does it Come from?
There are a variety of different types of cinnamon. The cinnamon we are going to focus on in this article is known as True Cinnamon, or Ceylon Cinnamon. Its botanical name is Cinnamomum verum and was previously known botanically as Cinnamomum zeylanicum.
Cinnamon actually comes from the inner bark of a Cinnamon tree, the bark is carefully peeled, and it curls into those familiar cinnamon quills as it dries. In the wild cinnamon trees grow to about 10-15 meters tall. Though in cinnamon farms the trees are usually kept around 2-3 meters tall for easier harvesting (3).
The Difference between Cassia Cinnamon and True Cinnamon
True cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is the preferred form of cinnamon to use especially because it’s lower in a compound called coumarin which can be toxic to the liver in high doses. A cheaper form of cinnamon known as Cassia cinnamon (botanical name Cinnamomum cassia) is readily available in supermarkets and though it does have some similar medicinal properties as true cinnamon it is higher in coumarin so can be more likely to cause liver toxicity in higher doses and when taken long term.
A Spice Worth More than Gold: The Secret Cinnamon Trade
Cinnamon is an ancient spice being one of the oldest spices known to man. It has a significant history for its medicinal, and culinary uses, It is documented in ancient Chinese herbal texts dating as far back as 2700 BC, (1) and was used in ancient Egypt for embalming and magical rituals (2). Cinnamon was for a time such a precious commodity that it was considered to be worth more than gold! (3). Its origin was kept secret for centuries by traders trying to protect their monopoly adding to its mystery and intrigue, so for a long time nobody actually knew where it came from.
Arab traders went so far as to make up wild stories about where cinnamon came from. One of the most well-known stories came from the Greek historian Herodotus (5th century BCE). He recounted that giant cinnamon birds (known as cinnamologus) would collect cinnamon sticks from some mysterious, far-off land and build their nests high on sheer cliffs. Another rumour spread by traders was that cinnamon grew in deep, snake infested valleys and harvesters had to wear protective clothing and use elaborate methods to collect it safely. This was strategic misinformation to keep the source of cinnamon deliberately hidden to keep prices high.
The true cinnamon spice is actually native to Sri Lanka and Southern India, and its secret source was uncovered when Portuguese explorers accidentally landed in Sri Lanka in the early 1500s. Realizing the island was the origin of this precious spice, they quickly moved to dominate the trade. What followed was a wave of European power struggles: first the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and finally the British each took control of cinnamon-growing regions through coercive treaties, military force, and monopolistic trade practices. To ensure a steady supply of cinnamon for export, these colonial powers relied on slave labour from local communities. In particular, one group of people was designated to peel cinnamon bark as part of their inherited social duties, and were given little choice in the matter. The global obsession with cinnamon shaped much of Sri Lanka’s colonial history, economy, and even the daily lives of those living in its cinnamon-growing regions (4).
Historical Symbolism of Cinnamon
In the Bible cinnamon was a key ingredient in the holy anointing oil, used to consecrate priests and sacred spaces, it was believed to connect the physical and divine. In European old wives tales it was said to be a sensual spice used in love potions and to attract lovers, thought to ‘warm the womb’ and rekindle passion in relationships.
Medicinal Actions
Warming aromatic digestive, mild astringent, hypoglycaemic, anti-diabetic, carminative, spasmolytic, anticariogenic, bronchial mucolytic, anti-atherosclerotic, anthelmintic, antidiarrheal.
Indications
Cold, metabolic issues (PCOS, pre-diabetes, conjunctive therapy in T2 Diabetes), loose stools, abdominal bloating and flatulence, poor appetite, dental caries, lung congestion, potentially useful in postpartum wound healing (8, 1, 9)
Cinnamon’s Traditional Uses and the Modern Research
Cinnamon has been used across many cultures for thousands of years medicinally. Traditionally cinnamon was described as a warming digestive, stimulating, and mildly astringent herb, particularly indicated in people who were presenting as cold, tired, and weak with low immunity and/or blood sugar issues.
Digestion
Cinnamon has been known for a long time to act as a carminative, mild astringent, and spasmolytic that warms up the digestive fire. This means it helps to relieve gas, bloating, gastrointestinal spasms, loose stools, and poor appetite. Animal studies may explain how cinnamon works to address loose stools. Cinnamon is able to slow down gut motility, reduce inflammation, and helps the body reabsorb more water, which helps to firm up stools, this is likely due to cinnamon containing plant compounds like tannins, flavonoids, and terpenes (6).
Lung Congestion
In Traditional Persian Medicine, cinnamon was used to break up and move blockages in the body, particularly for wet, phlegmy coughs and chest congestion. Its warming and drying qualities were believed to help clear the lungs and ease breathing (5).
Modern research supports these traditional uses. Studies suggest that cinnamon can help reduce thick mucus build-up in the lungs. This is likely due to cinnamaldehyde, one of its key compounds, which helps to dilute and break down sticky mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways (5).
Cinnamon has also been shown to reduce lung inflammation by lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α. This can help ease swelling and irritation in the lungs, supporting healing and making breathing more comfortable (5).
It also appears to influence ion channels that affect airway sensitivity and inflammation, helping to relax the bronchial passages and relieve coughing or wheezing. Its warming nature and aromatic oils may also support circulation to the lungs, enhancing function and reducing tightness (5).
Blood Sugar Balancing
Cinnamon has been used for centuries in blood sugar issues. Some meta-analyses of RCTs have shown that cinnamon can improve glycemic control (reducing blood glucose and HbA1C). It is suspected that it does this by lowering inflammatory markers and the polyphenols in cinnamon increasing glucose uptake into cells by mimicking the function of insulin, however the mechanism is still not yet fully understood and needs more research (7). However, it’s important to note that realistically speaking cinnamon is not as powerful at lowering blood sugar as prescription drugs like Metformin, and it should be used as a supportive addition as part of a combination of therapeutic approaches in those with blood sugar dysregulation. For example, sprinkling some cinnamon on your large stack of sugary pancakes covered in syrup isn’t going to make much of a difference. Cinnamon should be taken alongside switching to a low carbohydrates diet, increasing exercise, and working with a health professional (10).
Dental Health
Cinnamon has been shown to be effective against oral pathogens that cause dental caries. It may help to reduce dental plaque, prevent cavities, soothe gum inflammation, reduce oral candida, and potentially reduce bad breath causing bacteria (11). For this reason it’s a nice addition to mouthwashes and toothpastes, which you can usually find cinnamon flavoured toothpastes in health food stores.
Postpartum Wound Healing
Traditionally cinnamon was used to support postpartum wound healing and one study in 2024 found that giving postpartum women a cinnamon decoction (cinnamon tea) for 5 days postpartum improved their perineal wound healing time compared to the control group (12). Please always consult with your doctor and midwife before trying something like this.
How to use Cinnamon at Home
So how can we bring this ancient magical spice into our everyday lives? Cinnamon is a wonderful spice to add to baking and even in curries and is safe to use in dietary amounts for almost everyone (unless you’re allergic). Here’s some simple ways to use cinnamon medicinally at home
Cinnamon tea
Useful as a warming digestive to help with loose stools, gas, abdominal bloating and cramping, or to help with blood sugar dysregulation.
How to prepare: Add 1 cinnamon stick to 1 cup of boiling water. Or ½ to ¾ of a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to 1 cup of boiling water.
Can have up to 3 cups a day
Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Ginger Digestive Tea recipe
Makes 2 servings.
Ingredients:
1 tsp of crushed cardamom pods
1 tsp of freshly grated ginger
1 tsp of cinnamon powder or 1 stick of cinnamon
2 cups of water
Bring to boil, reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, remove from heat and strain into a cup to enjoy.
Cinnamon & Clove Steam Inhalation for Lung Congestion
Ingredients:
4-5 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
Bowl of boiling water
Preparation:
Add cloves and cinnamon to boiling water.
Cover your head with a towel and with eyes closed inhale the steam for 10 minutes.
Repeat twice daily to support clearing congestion.
Cinnamon Essential oil Inhalation for Lung Congestion
Boil 500ml of water and pour it into a bowl.
Add 1-2 drops of cinnamon essential oil to the hot water.
Place a towel over your head to create a tent over the bowl.
Lean over the bowl with eyes tightly closed and inhale the steam deeply for 6–8 minutes.
Repeat this process up to three times daily as needed.
This method allows the volatile compounds in the essential oil to reach the airways directly, potentially providing relief from congestion.
Safety Considerations
Not safe to take medicinal therapeutic doses in pregnancy as it can stimulate uterine contractions, however safe to consume dietary amounts of cinnamon.
May have an additive effect with hypoglycaemic medications (as it can further lower blood sugar)
Avoid in known allergy
Safety Considerations for the Cinnamon Essential Oil
Always Dilute Properly
Use no more than 1–2 drops in a bowl of hot water for steam inhalation.
Never apply cinnamon essential oil directly to the skin or mucous membranes undiluted—it can cause burns or severe irritation.
Avoid if you have asthma or reactive airways
Cinnamon oil can trigger bronchospasms in people with sensitive airways or asthma.
Avoid direct contact with skin or mucous membranes to prevent irritation.
Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions
Reference List
Braun, L. & Cohen, M. (2015). Herbs & Natural Supplements: An evidence-based guide Vol 2. Elsevier, Victoria, Australia.
Rose, J. (1972). Herbs & Things. Grosset & Dunlap, New York.
Metych, M. (2025). Cinnamon: Plant & Spice. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/cassia-spice (21/4/2025)
Senaratne, R., & Pathirana, R. (2020). Cinnamon: Botany, Agronomy, Chemistry and Industrial Applications. Springer, Switzerland.
Yakhchali, M, Taghipour, Z., Ardakani, M. M., Vaghasloo, M. A., Vazirian, M., & Sadrai, S. (2021). Cinnamon and its possible impact on COVID-19: The viewpoint of traditional and conventional medicine. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112221
Jagannadha, H. & Lakshmi, R. (2012). Anti-Diarrhoeal activity of the aqueous extract of the bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Linn in mice. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Rsearch, 6(2), 215-219. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287607810_Anti-Diarrhoeal_Activity_of_the_Aqueous_Extract_of_the_Bark_of_Cinnamomum_Zeylanicum_Linn_in_Mice/fulltext/5f7dbfe3a6fdccfd7b4ce5d8/Anti-Diarrhoeal-Activity-of-the-Aqueous-Extract-of-the-Bark-of-Cinnamomum-Zeylanicum-Linn-in-Mice.pdf
Solomon, T. (2024). Cinnamon benefits, dosage, and side effects. Retrieved from https://examine.com/supplements/cinnamon/?show_conditions=true on 21/04/2025.
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants (Vol 1.). North Atlantic Books, California.
Fisher, C. (2009). Material Medical of Western Herbs. Vitex Medica
Osborn, D. K. (2021). Cinnamon. Retrieved from https://www.greekmedicine.net/A_Greek_and_Unani_Herbal/herb.php?id=2 on 22/04/2025.
Yanakiev, S. (2020). Effects of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) in Dentistry: A Review. Molecules, 25(18). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7571082/
Nalurita, N. N., Harumi, A. M., Sukesi, & Jeniawaty, S. (2023). The effect of giving cinnamon decoction water on the healing of perineal wounds of postpartum women at Sri Wahyuni’s PMB and Erlia Saraswati’s PMB. Journal of Health Science 17(01), 32-38. http://researchgate.net/publication/382976670_The_Effect_of_Giving_Cinnamon_Decoction_Water_on_The_Healing_of_Perineal_Wounds_of_Postpartum_Women_at_Sri_Wahyuni's_PMB_and_Erlia_Saraswati's_PMB