Is cinnamon good for blood sugar?

It's traditionally used to help balance blood sugar and some research is supportive, but it can lower it — use culinary amounts and consult a doctor if on diabetes medication.

Which cinnamon is better, Ceylon or cassia?

Ceylon ('true') cinnamon is lower in coumarin and gentler for regular medicinal use; cassia is the common, stronger-flavoured kitchen variety.

Yoga Life

Cinnamon (Dalchini) in Ayurveda

Cinnamon (dalchini) is a warming, sweet Ayurvedic spice traditionally used to kindle digestion, warm the body and support healthy circulation and blood sugar.

By Yoga & You Teaching FacultyUpdated 23 July 2026

3 min read

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Cinnamon (dalchini, Cinnamomum) is a warming, sweet-pungent Ayurvedic spice woven into teas, sweets and savoury cooking. It's traditionally used to kindle digestion, warm and energise the body, support healthy circulation, and help balance blood sugar — especially soothing for Vata and Kapha.

The fragrant inner bark of the cinnamon tree has been prized as both spice and medicine across India for centuries, in chai, sweets and warming remedies.

How it's used in Ayurveda

Ayurveda considers cinnamon warming, sweet and pungent, pacifying Vata and Kapha. It kindles agni, warms a cold, sluggish digestion, and supports the flow of circulation.

Traditional benefits

Cinnamon is traditionally used to support digestion and ease bloating, warm the body and improve circulation, freshen the breath, and help maintain healthy blood-sugar levels. It's a comforting spice in warming drinks.

How it's taken

A pinch is added to tea, warm milk, porridge or cooking, or steeped as a simple spice tea. Little and often is the Ayurvedic way with warming spices.

Cautions

Everyday culinary amounts are safe. Common cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, so large or medicinal doses may not suit those with liver conditions or on blood thinners — Ceylon (true) cinnamon is lower in coumarin. It may also lower blood sugar.

Frequently asked questions

Is cinnamon good for blood sugar?: It's traditionally used to help balance blood sugar and some research is supportive, but it can lower it — use culinary amounts and consult a doctor if on diabetes medication.
Which cinnamon is better, Ceylon or cassia?: Ceylon ('true') cinnamon is lower in coumarin and gentler for regular medicinal use; cassia is the common, stronger-flavoured kitchen variety.

References

Charaka Samhita — classical Ayurvedic compendium · Classical text — Cinnamon is a warming, agni-kindling spice used in Ayurvedic cooking and remedies to pacify Vata and Kapha.
General wellbeing guidance; not medical advice · Institution — Ayurvedic herbs and practices are traditional wellness support, not a diagnosis, treatment or cure. Consult a qualified practitioner or doctor, especially in pregnancy or with medication.

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