10 Proven Benefits of Cinnamon Tea: A Wonder Potion That Cures

Last updated on August 25th, 2023

Cinnamon tea is made either by steeping cinnamon bark or powder in water or by using cinnamon tea bags. Cinnamon is a delicious and fragrant herbal spice made from the inner bark of several tree species known as Cinnamomum. Several modern and traditional studies have confirmed the healing properties and benefits of cinnamon tea, cinnamon, and its extracts.

The tasty herb has an impressive set of antioxidant, anti-gastric, anti-inflammatory and many other wound healing properties. Its active compounds help to reduce swelling, damaged cells, or irritants. Experts believe the aroma and most of the health benefits of cinnamon are owing to its principal component cinnamaldehyde. 

Uses of Cinnamon

There is a long history of the use of cinnamon as traditional medicine. In Indian Ayurvedic Medicine, cinnamon is known as Darusita or Tvak. Ayurveda used cinnamon in treating a wide range of health conditions such as piles, aches, digestive disorders, fevers, diabetes, and many others.

During ancient times in Egypt, cinnamon was so highly treasured that people offered it as gifts to kings. As per some ancient stories, cinnamon once was revered more valuable than gold.

Modern science has now validated the mystic powers of this moving herb which the traditional holistic systems have already confirmed for ages.

According to a recent 2018 study published in the journal of the American College of Nutrition, cinnamon significantly improves inflammation symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Andrew Dalby has quoted cinnamon as “an aroma of divine worship and sensual luxury” in his book ‘Dangerous Tastes.’ He is the author of several articles and books on food history and Classical texts.

Cinnamon is used in kitchens around the globe to season beverages, desserts, dishes, and side dishes. Its supplements are also available in the market. You can find it in other various forms as well such as cinnamon powder, cinnamon tea bags, cinnamon extracts, and oils. Each form has its benefits. When you use it in your regular tea, the tea becomes tastier and healthier.

Nutrition

As per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a teaspoon of ground cinnamon weighing 7.8 g contains:

• Energy: 19 calories (kcal)
• Fat: 0.10 g
• Carbohydrates: 6.29 g
• Protein: 0.31 g
• Calcium: 78 milligrams (mg)
• Iron: 0.65 mg
• Magnesium: 5 mg
• Phosphorus: 5 mg
• Potassium: 34 mg
• Vitamin C: 0.3 mg
• Vitamin A: 23 IU

It also contains traces of vitamins K and B.

Also read:

12 High-Protein Foods You can Take While on a Protein-Based Diet

Common Benefits of Cinnamon Tea

Remember those sleep-wrecker nighttime coughs when you are forced to spend sleepless nights with a blocked nose, head congestion, and sore throat?

I was in 10th standard when I first had to go through this grave situation and pills and syrups were not working effectively. It was the night before my final Mathematics exam for 10th standard.

I still remember how my mother’s magical drink saved me that night. She prepared a herbal tea potion for me and asked me to sip it slowly. To my surprise, it worked like a shot. At least I was able to revise my chapters.

That magical potion was the cinnamon tea which fights flu, congestion, and cravings straight off. It keeps colds and infections at bay. Other common benefits include the removal of toxins from your body and relief from an upset stomach and constipation.

Cinnamon Tea Recipe

The recipe for this herbal tea is extremely simple.

• Boil one cup of water for 5 minutes.
• Add a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder or a small piece of cinnamon to the water.
• Let it cool.
• Add raw, organic honey or rock candy, to taste.
• And stir.

The wonder potion you get in your tea kettle is the best drink for cold. This is cinnamon tea. Indians use this age-old remedy to get instant relief from the flu.

Not only in India, but cinnamon tea is also popular around the world. There are several distinct ways to make this magical tea depending upon the region variants. Hence, people know it by different names such as cinnamon black tea, cinnamon ginger tea, and cinnamon stick tea.

Cinnamon tea is usually made by steeping cinnamon bark in the water. You can use cinnamon powder instead. Cinnamon tea bags are also available in the market.

I still find this magical herbal tea the most effective remedy to ease symptoms during infection. I also use cinnamon in my morning tea to feel fresh and alert.

Note 1: If you use honey in cinnamon tea, it can accelerate your weight loss efforts. You should drink it before bedtime or in the morning.

Note 2: Along with cinnamon, you can add 5-7 black peppers and a small piece of ginger to your tea as well. These three ingredients collectively make the fastest healing remedy for colds, coughs and infections.

Therapeutic Benefits of Cinnamon Tea (Science-Backed)

#1. A Source of Good Antioxidants

Antioxidants are the molecules that prevent damage to cells in your body. The damage is due to free radicals which your own body produces.

A couple of studies showed cinnamon is a good source of antioxidants.

In this study, researchers collected extracts from cinnamon as samples. They performed a test to find out the antioxidant activity of cinnamon. The study results found polyphenols in samples.

Polyphenols provide many benefits. Science believes polyphenols support in the treatment of digestive disorders, weight management issues, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Cinnamon bark contains the compound catechin. This chemical compound is also an antioxidant.

Researchers in a study investigated the antioxidant activities of 26 spices. Guess what? Cinnamon proved itself a lion in the fight.

These studies are enough for demonstrating the potential benefits of drinking cinnamon tea daily. Regular use of cinnamon in your tea can make you strong and boost your immunity.

#2. Anti-diabetic Properties

Cinnamon has beneficial effects on insulin resistance which eventually leads to the development of diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone. It helps control the amount of sugar in the blood. The problem occurs when it fails to transport an effective amount of glucose into the blood cells.

It usually happens with people who are obese or physically inactive. This effect is known as insulin resistance. This particular effect eventually leads to the development of diabetes.

Studies found cinnamon reduces insulin resistance. Thus, cinnamon causes proper insulin activity in the body.

Apart from helping insulin to function effectively, cinnamon can help lower fasting blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients as well. This is due to the ability of a component from cinnamon. The component acts on cells as an effective mimetic for insulin.

According to 2003 research published in diabetes care, consumption of 1-6 grams of cinnamon per day may aid to reduce sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

#3. Benefits of Cinnamon Tea As An Effective Treatment for Menstrual Cramps

If you are a woman, you must give chance to cinnamon tea, if not for other benefits but for painless periods!

Chinese has been utilizing cinnamon for treating menstrual cramps for ages.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cinnamon is a boon to women. From the TCM perspective,  swelling in veins is the cause of menstrual problems. The swelling happens due to cold and stagnation.

Cinnamon as a warming and moving herb can treat cramps. Modern studies also found the cinnamon safe remedy for treating menstrual problems.

Cinnamon tea has anti-inflammatory properties as well as analgesic and anticoagulant properties. These properties reduce menstrual pain and bleeding without affecting hormone levels.

#4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

If you drink cinnamon tea daily, your body would develop a property to fight inflammation. Because in a study, scientists found cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti Inflammatory is the property of a substance or drug which removes the effect of inflammation (swelling, redness or pain) in the body.

Branches of cinnamon osmophloeum have compounds such as trans-cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. These compounds are responsible for anti-inflammatory properties.

Cinnamon osmophloeum is native to Taiwan. It is also called Taiwan’s indigenous cinnamon. The compound has similar properties and ingredients as compared to that commercial bark cinnamon.

#5. Beneficial Effects on Brain Health

Cinnamon tea can protect your brain health as well. According to scientists, cinnamon is converted to sodium benzoate after entering the body. This component has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Sodium Benzoate improves brain functions. It may also produce particular changes to how memories are made in the brain.

In an animal study, two compounds were found in cinnamon. They can curb the build-up of a protein called ‘tau’ in the brain. Tau is one of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

Though, experts need to perform further human studies to prove this ability of cinnamon. But including cinnamon tea in your diet may improve your memory. You should drink it to keep your mind fresh and alert.

#6. The Surprising Benefits of Cinnamon Tea: Can Improve Your Heart Health

According to some studies conducted to find out more benefits and unique remedial properties of cinnamon, using cinnamon in your tea may improve your heart functions.

In similar studies, researchers found cinnamon has Cinnamaldehyde. This component is good for cardiovascular health. It is known as cardioprotective due to its ability to produce nitric oxide (source).

Nitric oxide improves the function of the heart. It increases blood flow, expands the blood vessels and decreases blood clotting.

#7. Can Aid Your Weight Loss Efforts

Science has not proved this benefit of cinnamon yet. Some experts still believe cinnamon tea contributes to preventing weight gain indirectly.

Cinnamon tea boosts metabolism because your body needs more energy to process the spice. Also, numerous studies are indicating cinnamon helps in regulating blood sugar which leads to weight gain.

It all depends upon the use of cinnamon. If you use cinnamon in tea, it becomes a low-calorie drink and helps you in your weight loss efforts. But, if you are expecting to eat cinnamon in rolls, cake, and other desserts, cinnamon is going to show adverse effects.

Additionally, cinnamon tea can aid in preventing weight gain. But it doesn’t mean, you should entirely depend on cinnamon tea to lose weight.

For an effective weight loss, you would need an effective diet plan with a good amount of physical activity.

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#8. Improves Your Digestion

Cinnamon tea is also known as an appetite stimulant drink for ages.

I often used to hear my grandma saying cinnamon tea enhances the digested fire. The fire processes undigested toxic food into pieces. Thus the food in pieces becomes easy to digest.

Cinnamon is high in fibre. You must be knowing foods rich in fibre provide better digestion. We also saw in the above section cinnamon contains compound polyphenols. This compound aids in digesting the food easily (read here).

Besides it, I have personally found cinnamon tea as a digestive aid. The tea kills the gas and treats the digestive disorders within 1 hour of use.

If eating fruits like mango, it counters their side effects and lets them get digested better.

#9. Anti Cancer Properties

Cancer is a deadly disease leading cause of death in the US and worldwide.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the number of new cancer cases per year is expected to rise to 23.6 million by 2030.

Some studies found cinnamon and its active compounds effectively act on preventing cancer development. They can also delay the progression of cancer at different stages.

However, these studies don’t signal the major significance of cinnamon in preventing cancer in human beings. The research is limited to test-tube and animal studies only.

But drinking cinnamon tea would not harm your health either. So, why not give it a try?

#10. Benefits of Cinnamon Tea for Hair and Skin

Along with several other properties, cinnamon also has antimicrobial and antibacterial compounds. These compounds kill acne bacteria and clear your skin.

That’s why dermatologists use cinnamon to treat skin diseases. Beauty experts use it in face masks and scrubs to keep bacteria away.

Cinnamon tea can do wonders for your hair as well. Its ability to boost blood flow is extremely useful for hair growth. When you drink or apply cinnamon tea to your scalp, it stimulates blood flow. This process strengthens hair follicles that help grow thick and long hair.

Note: Applying cinnamon tea on your scalp can work but don’t leave it there for more than 7-8 minutes.

Cinnamon Tea with Honey & Lemon

You must be aware of the advantages of lemon and honey for weight loss.

If you are aiming for weight loss, include honey and lemon with cinnamon. The trio increases the metabolic rate.

The faster the metabolism, the faster your body takes in necessary nutrients while doing away with junk. If junk is stored in your body, it causes weight gain.

But you must count the calories in each cup you drink. 1 spoon of honey consists of 64 calories while cinnamon and lemon are calorie-free.

Precautions and Side effects of Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon has a dozen of health benefits. Scientific studies are proving it every day. Despite it, using an excessive amount of cinnamon may harm your health in a significant manner. Therefore, you must be aware of its risks and the causes of risks.

Cinnamon can hamper your health because of the distinct properties of a compound found in it. The compound is called coumarin.

According to experts, too much use of coumarin can hamper your liver and increase the risk of cancer. Coumarin is found in different amounts in different types of cinnamon.

There are mainly two types of cinnamon:

1. Cassia: Cassia cinnamon is easily available in the market. This is most commonly used and known as “regular” cinnamon.

2. Ceylon: Ceylon is known as “true” cinnamon. This is much more expensive than cassia and has a less bitter taste.

Cassia cinnamon contains a high amount of coumarin.

Therefore, cassia is safe to eat only in small to moderate amounts. Too much use of cassia may lead to serious health issues.

You need to be careful with the amount of cinnamon in your tea. Unless it can cause:

• liver damage
• mouth sores
• breathing problem
• increase the risk of cancer
• damage to your lungs

How Much Consumption of Cinnamon Tea is Safe

According to studies, an acceptable amount of consumption of coumarin per day is – 0.05 mg per pound (0.1 mg per kg) of body weight. This is the amount that is safe to eat per day without the risk of any side effects.

Note: These daily intakes are for adults. Children have less capacity to tolerate coumarin per day.

Buy Cinnamon Online

You can find cinnamon in all types and all forms online as per your needs. Some people prefer steeping sticks to tea while some others prefer teabags. Choose whatever you like the most from this huge collection of both Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon. There are many choices both all-natural and organic choices as well as herbal and caffeinated options.

Cinnamon tea bags

If you prefer tea bags, click the link below to view cinnamon tea bags on Amazon.

View On Amazon

Cinnamon organic powder

If you want to use cinnamon powder, click the link below to view cinnamon powder on Amazon.

View On Amazon

Cinnamon sticks

If you are interested in buying sticks, click the link below to view cinnamon sticks on Amazon.

View On Amazon

The Final word

Cinnamon tea is one of the most delicious and healthiest herbal teas around. It’s a boon to diabetics. The use of cinnamon tea in a balanced amount helps lower blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and waistline.

Along with other health benefits, cinnamon is the best friend of women while treating their menstrual cramps.

As you know, excess of everything is bad. The same is the case with cinnamon tea. Though cinnamon and cinnamon tea is safe to use, being careful is always the best idea.

One other important point to remember is you should try to get Ceylon cinnamon tea bags or Ceylon powder for tea. Otherwise, limit the use if you are using cassia. Because too much use of coumarin may hamper your health.

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Resources & References

1. Azzeh, F. S. (2013). Synergistic effect of green tea, cinnamon, and ginger combination on enhancing postprandial blood glucose. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 16(2), 74-79.
2. Torbati, M., Nazemiyeh, H., Lotfipour, F., Nemati, M., Asnaashari, S., & Fathiazad, F. (2014). Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Heracleum transcaucasicum and Heracleum anisactis roots essential oil. Bioimpacts, 4(2), 69-74. doi: 10.5681/bi.2014.004.
3. Shan, B., Cai, Y. Z., Sun, M., & Corke, H. (2005). Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 53(20), 7749-7759. doi: 10.1021/jf051513y.
4. Kirkham, S., Akilen, R., Sharma, S., & Tsiami, A. (2009). The potential of cinnamon to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 11(12), 1100-1113. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2009.01094.x.
5. Jarvill-Taylor, K. J., Anderson, R. A., & Graves, D. J. (2001). A hydroxychalcone derived from cinnamon functions as a mimetic for insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 20(4), 327-336. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2001.10719053.
6. Tung, Y. T., Chua, M. T., Wang, S. Y., & Chang, S. T. (2008). Anti-inflammation activities of essential oil and its constituents from indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) twigs. Bioresource Technology, 99(9), 3908-3913. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2007.07.050.
7. Peterson, D. W., George, R. C., Scaramozzino, F., LaPointe, N. E., Anderson, R. A., Graves, D. J., & Lew, J. (2009). Cinnamon extract inhibits tau aggregation associated with Alzheimer’s disease in vitro. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 17(3), 585-597. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2009-1083.
8. Kwon, H. K., Hwang, J. S., So, J. S., Lee, C. G., Sahoo, A., Ryu, J. H., … Im, S. H. (2010). Cinnamon extract induces tumor cell death through inhibition of NFkappaB and AP1. BMC Cancer, 10, 392. doi: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-392.
9. Abraham, K., Wöhrlin, F., Lindtner, O., Heinemeyer, G., & Lampen, A. (2010). Toxicology and risk assessment of coumarin: focus on human data. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 54(2), 228-239. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.200900281.