Globally, cinnamon finds use in cuisines and is also used in essential oils. One among the more commonly used spices in global cuisines, cinnamon is popular for its aroma and medicinal properties. The popularity of the spices has created a separate market for the product as supplements, in addition to its typical uses in cooking as a flavoring agent. The cinnamon bark, delivers standout properties and benefits that make it popular globally. However, it the possibility of adverse side effects of cinnamon cannot be ruled out, and this or unwanted side effects in certain food preparations, the bark comes with a long list of benefits.
However, there is the possibility of certain unwanted outcomes, and the subsequent sections highlight the possible undesirable effects of the bark. A quick overview of the bark will help understand more about it before looking at the compilation of possible unwanted effects. Cinnamon is typically categorized into four types and all the four types are known to beneficial to patients diagnosed with heart disease. It is also used with significant results in patients with Alzheimer’s, the age-related degenerative condition. The medicinal properties of cinnamon make it suitable for treating patients with dental conditions, certain types of infections and allergies. In addition to the above, cinnamon bark in various forms is part of a combination of therapies and treatments extended to cancer patients holistically.
Are there possible undesirable effects that affect all users?
No, the possibility of unwanted effects being experienced by all users does not exist, as undesirable effects are known to affect only a small section of users. The effects may also differ among users, with some experiencing mild or moderate effects while some may experience stronger effects. Additionally, the length of duration of effects may also vary, with some users experiencing effects for a longer duration, while others may experience for a shorter duration.
Compilation of possible side effects of cinnamon
#1 Premature labour
by virtue of its strong medicinal properties, cinnamon is helps uterine contractions, and this could turn out to have adverse effects on pregnant women. Pain in the stomach, gas and indigestion are some of the possible reasons for pregnant women to choose cinnamon as a remedy. However, there is a strong likelihood of premature labor being experienced by women in advanced stages of pregnancy, as a result of the cinnamon. As a rule, most obstetricians advice pregnant women to avoid cinnamon during various stages of pregnancy, to prevent the possibility of premature labor, which in turn may have long term implications on the health of the baby. For instance, commonly associated problems of child birth include lesser than average weight, difficulty in breathing, problems in vision, and impact on the development of organs. The possibility of cerebral palsy is high among premature babies, in addition to the risk of issues in behavior and learning disabilities.
#2 Toxin levels
Cinnamon is also known to increase toxin levels in the body, as a result of the coumarin in the bark. The chemical compound, loaded with potent properties makes it effective in dealing with specific conditions. It is typically used for the antifungal, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective properties. It is also loaded with antioxidants, which makes the combination of properties desirable. However, it also poses a threat to the health of the individual, as it could result in possible liver damage if taken on a long-term basis. The level of coumarin in cinnamon is to be ascertained, before it is used. For instance, as outlined earlier, there are four different varieties of cinnamon, and some are known to have potent levels of coumarin, whereas others are known to lesser or moderate levels of the organic chemical compound.
Coumarin in cinnamon also contains antibacterial, anti-coagulant and antihypertensive properties that makes it a preferred choice for managing certain conditions alongside medications. The list of properties of coumarin extends to ant-inflammatory properties, antitubercular, anti hyperglycemic and antiadipogenic properties. The continued use of cinnamon in heavy dosages can result in an accumulation of toxins in the body, and this could trigger undesirable consequences. Safe quantities of cinnamon when taken for a long period should be typically kept below 6 grams. Additionally, it is recommended to allow a gap of 7 days or more, to permit the body’s natural processes to rid it of the toxin build-up.
#3 Low blood sugar
Cinnamon can cause a dip in blood sugar levels wen taken in certain strengths. Most individuals are unlikely to experience these effects, as the possibility of consumption in higher quantities is limited, However, the possibility of a dip in blood sugar levels is possible only among those who take more quantities, and for a longer period. There is a possibility of a decrease in blood sugar levels when cinnamon is taken in higher quantities. Symptoms that can be used to identify the possibility of a reduction in blood sugar levels includes a light headed feeling, and behavior consistent with a drunk person.
#4 Blood thinner
By virtue of its properties, cinnamon can also cause blood thinning among users. This may make it a possible risk among patients already on blood thinners. This blood thinning property is typically experienced only among cinnamon varieties that are potent in nature. Patients on other blood thinning products are advised to stop cinnamon to prevent the possibility of an aggravated, unintended effect of blood thinning beyond the desirable outcomes.
#5 Increased heart rate
As a result of its potent properties, cinnamon may cause an increase in heart rate among younger users. This may also impact a very small section of users of cinnamon. Cinnamon oil is known to have higher potency and this makes it necessary for users to adequately dilute it to prevent undesirable effects stemming from the potency of the product. Ideally, the strength should not exceed 2% when it is used as oil, and adhering to this level may prevent any unwanted increase in heart rate among users.
#6 Allergies and rashes
Allergies and rashes are another possible outcome that may be attributed to the oil. However, it is correct to add that allergies may be experienced only by those users who have history of allergies to cinnamon or the active organic compounds. Allergies may also be experienced by users who have been sensitized to cinnamon earlier. Allergies or rashes can be identified through simple symptoms that are indicative of a reaction. This includes, swelling on the face, eye sores, and swelling on the hands. There is also the possibility of individuals experiencing some kind of water discharge from the eyes.
#7 Anaphylactic shock
Allergies also include the possibility of anaphylactic shock which is considered as a serious allergy. This is effectively a life endangering type of allergy and it is necessary for patients to carefully monitor or identify the tell-tale symptoms. This includes lowered blood pressure levels, and difficulty in breathing. Nausea is another possible symptom, apart from stomach upset and dizzy feelings. It is necessary to carefully assess the condition of young users, due to the potency of the spice and the oil. Its strong properties could cause skin irritation and could also trigger a burning sensation. Preventive measures include adequate dilution of the oil, especially when it is used on skin types that are either sensitive in nature or when it is used sensitive areas of the body.
Is there any possibility of a difference in quality from different manufacturers?
Good manufacturing practices help maintain standards in the manufacturing storage and distribution of products. However, in the absence of regulatory oversight or standards, it is highly likely that the products may depend on the quality of manufacturing and the ingredients used in various processes. Cinnamon is also available in tablet form, and the manufacturing processes involved in cinnamon tablets will determine the possibility of side effects of cinnamon. Silicon dioxide is often used by manufacturers during the process of making tablets, and this is responsible for unwanted effects. Individuals are advised to pick a brand that or manufacturer that confirms to the highest standards. It is also necessary to carefully scrutinize the ingredients and ascertain if it contains silicon dioxide or silica dust. This is important as long-term exposure to the dust is known to have ill effects on health.
Is there a possibility of drug interactions?
Drug interactions cannot be ruled out and it is necessary to understand all about the possibility of drug interactions. Supplements and herbal remedies or medications with mechanisms of actions that are similar may cause effects that are undesirable. This could include an impact wherein the desired outcomes of one of the products are reduced or it could also have the opposite effect of increasing the desired outcomes of one of the products. As cinnamon is known to have effects similar to antibiotics, it could trigger undesirable effects.
Is it true that cinnamon increases body heat?
It is true that body heat increases as a result of heavy intake of cinnamon. Medicine in most instances, is targeted at reducing the heat in the body, as this could trigger certain responses in the body to the increased body temperature. As a result of increased body heat, individuals may experience boils under the tongue, in the mouth, or dried lips that crack up. Pimples are another possible indication of increased body heat, apart from discharge from the eyes. By virtue of the heat increasing properties, cinnamon is not to be mixed with other products that also increase body heat. Any increase in body temperature as a result of two products with similar mechanism of action may result in unpleasant outcomes that may require further remedies.