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Cinnamomum verum
CautionEchter_Zimt · (Cinnamomum verum)
Laurel family (Lauraceae)
Description
Cinnamomum verum, also known as true cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon is a small evergreen tree belonging to the family Lauraceae, native to Sri Lanka. The inner bark of the tree is historically regarded as the spice cinnamon, though this term was later generalized to include C. cassia as well.
- SpiceBarkInternalCommission E
True cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon) is traditionally used as a spice for mild dyspeptic complaints, flatulence, and feeling of fullness. The German Commission E confirmed this indication in 1990 for the dried inner bark.
Preparation & dosage
Pour 150 ml hot water over 0.5–1 g ground bark, steep 10 min, strain. Up to 3 times daily.
- Dry amount
- 0.5–1 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
[#src_komm_e_cinnamomum] [#src_arzneipflanzenlexikon_cinnamomum]
- TeaBarkInternalCommission E
Prepared as a tea, cinnamon bark helps relieve spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints and mild diarrhoea. The tannin content (catechin tannins) acts mildly astringent on the intestinal mucosa.
Preparation & dosage
Pour 200 ml boiling water over 1 teaspoon (approx. 1 g) coarsely ground cinnamon bark, steep 10 min, strain. Drink warm 3 times daily.
- Dry amount
- 0.5–1.5 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
[#src_komm_e_cinnamomum] [#src_ema_cinnamomum] [#src_arzneipflanzenlexikon_cinnamomum]
- SpiceBarkInternalCommission E
Used as an appetite-stimulating spice: true cinnamon stimulates saliva secretion and gastric juice production. Traditionally recommended for loss of appetite.
Preparation & dosage
[#src_komm_e_cinnamomum] [#src_arzneipflanzenlexikon_cinnamomum]
- TinctureBarkInternalTraditional use
Cinnamon bark extract in tincture form is traditionally used for digestive complaints and to support peripheral circulation. Cinnamaldehyde has mild vasodilatory effects.
Preparation & dosage
Cinnamon bark tincture (1:5, 70% ethanol): 20–40 drops in water, 2–3 times daily before meals.
- Essential oilBarkExternalTraditional use
The essential oil of cinnamon bark contains approx. 60–90% cinnamaldehyde and shows antibacterial and antifungal properties in laboratory tests. For external use only, highly diluted (max. 0.5%) in carrier oil — undiluted it is strongly skin-irritating.
Preparation & dosage
- SpiceBarkInternalFolk medicine
In nutritional science, true cinnamon is being studied for its influence on blood glucose metabolism. Polyphenols (type-A procyanidins) show insulin-like activity in cell experiments and inhibit intestinal alpha-glucosidases. Clinical studies in humans have so far yielded inconsistent results.
Preparation & dosage
- SpiceBarkInternalTraditional use
In Ayurvedic and Arabic medicine, true cinnamon has been used as a warming carminative for nausea and to support digestive function — documented over millennia.
Preparation & dosage
[#src_wikipedia_en_cinnamomum] [#src_wikipedia_de_cinnamomum]