Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Evidence-based guide to Ceylon Cinnamon: benefits, dosage, safety and interactions.

Evidence

Moderate: 2018 RCT (n=80) and 2020 meta-analysis (pooled with fennel/ginger) show significant pain reduction for primary dysmenorrhea, though individual trials remain small.

Traditional use and mechanism

Antispasmodic for painful heavy periods; anti-inflammatory; warming digestive tonic; blood glucose regulation. Used in Ayurvedic, TCM, Arab, and medieval European medicine for menstrual pain and heavy flow for centuries. Recognised in pharmacognosy as peripheral antispasmodic (noted alongside caution for emmenagogue effect).

Safety

SPECIES IS CRITICAL: Ceylon cinnamon is low in coumarin and safe at medicinal doses. Cassia cinnamon (the common supermarket variety) contains significantly higher coumarin — EFSA considers daily supplemental use of cassia a risk for liver function. Always specify and purchase Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum) for therapeutic use.