CASSIA CINNAMON: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
OTHER NAME(S): Bastard Cinnamon, Canela de Cassia, Canela de la China, Canela Molida, Canelero Chino, Canelle, Cannelle Bâtarde, Cannelle Cassia, Cannelle de Ceylan, Cannelle de Chine, Cannelle de Cochinchine, Cannelle de Padang, Cannelle de Saigon, Cannelier Casse, Cannelier de Chine, Canton Cassia, Casse, Casse Odorante, Cassia, Cassia Aromaticum, Cassia Bark, Cassia Lignea, Chinazimt, Chinese Cassia, Chinese Cinnamon, Chinesischer Zimtbaum, Cinnamomi Cassiae Cortex, Cinnamomum, Cinnamomum aromaticum, Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum ramulus, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Essential Oil, Cinnamon Flos, Cinnamoni Cortex, Cinnamonomi Cortex, Cortex Cinnamomi, Écorce de Cassia, False Cinnamon, Fausse Cannelle, Gui Zhi, Huile Essentielle de Cannelle, Kassiakanel, Keishi, Laurier des Indes, Nees, Ramulus Cinnamomi, Rou Gui, Sthula Tvak, Taja, Zimbluten, Zimtcassie. Show Less
OTHER NAME(S): Bastard Cinnamon, Canela de Cassia, Canela de la C ... Show More
Cassia cinnamon is a type of cinnamon. It is prepared from the dried inner bark of an evergreen tree. It is the most common type of cinnamon sold in North America.
Cassia cinnamon is most commonly used for diabetes. It is also used for prediabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Diabetes. Some research shows that taking cassia cinnamon daily for up to 3 months helps control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Cassia cinnamon does not appear to improve blood sugar control and related symptoms in people with type 1 diabetes.
Prediabetes. It's unclear if taking cassia cinnamon improves blood sugar control in people with prediabetes. Results from research have been conflicting. Studies to date have been small and have assessed several different cassia cinnamon preparations. Larger, higher quality studies are needed to confirm which, if any, forms of cassia cinnamon can benefit people with prediabetes.
Mosquito repellent. Early research suggests that applying a cream containing cassia cinnamon oil to the skin can protect against mosquito bites. But it seems to decrease in effectiveness faster than creams containing citronella and geranium oils or DEET.
When taken by mouth: Cassia cinnamon is LIKELY SAFE when used in food amounts, or when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts short-term. Doses of 3-6 grams daily of cassia cinnamon have been used safely for up to 6 weeks. Lower doses of 1-2 grams daily have been used safely for slightly longer (up to 3 months). Cassia cinnamon is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in doses greater than 6 grams daily for a long period of time. Cassia cinnamon contains a chemical called coumarin. Taking large amounts of coumarin can cause liver injury in some people, especially those who are sensitive. However, for most people, the amount of cassia cinnamon used will not provide enough coumarin to cause serious side effects.
When applied to the skin: Cassia cinnamon is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in the short-term. It might cause skin irritation and allergic skin reactions.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Consuming cassia cinnamon is LIKELY SAFE when taken in food amounts during pregnancy. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking Cassia cinnamon in larger amounts if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Cassia cinnamon is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately. One gram of cassia cinnamon daily has been used safely in teens for up to 3 months.
Perioperative: Cassia cinnamon might lower blood sugar and might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking cassia cinnamon as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with CASSIA CINNAMON
For diabetes: 120 mg to 6 grams taken daily for up to 4 months for type 2 diabetes.
Admani S, Hill H, Jacob SE. Cinnamon Sugar Scrub Dermatitis: "Natural" Is Not Always Best. Pediatr Dermatol. 2017;34(1):e42-e43. View abstract.
Press release. Cinnamon capsules to reduce blood sugar are medicinal products! Efficacy has not been scientifically proven - some products contain high levels of coumarin. Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfM), Germany, November 11, 2006. Available at: https://www.bfarm.de/nn_425226/EN/press/press-releases/pm2006-14-en.html.