Does cinnamon interact with medications?
Written by
Thomas Wilson
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.Cinnamon interacts significantly with several medication categories, requiring careful consideration. These interactions can alter drug effectiveness or cause various ailments or health consequences. Knowing potential combinations allows adverse effects to be prevented. I have counseled numerous clients on the safe use of cinnamon in conjunction with their prescriptions. This knowledge of the health consequences of these things is valuable to the health journey.
Blood thinners, such as warfarin, pose serious interaction risks. Cinnamon may increase the anticoagulant effect, leading to serious bleeding. Look for unusual bruising or prolonged bleeding. I suggest avoiding cinnamon altogether unless you are medically advised to do so. This precaution is effective in preventing emergencies.
Monitoring Signs
- Bleeding: Unexplained nosebleeds or gum bleeding
- Bruising: Frequent large bruises
- Testing: Regular INR level checks
Safe Practices
- Consultation: Doctor approval required
- Alternatives: Use ginger instead
- Consistency: Maintain stable diet
A potentially dangerous interaction exists between diabetes drugs and cinnamon. The risk of hypoglycemia is markedly increased when both cinnamon and the drugs are used. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are shakiness and some confusion. Individuals who use both drugs and cinnamon should have their blood glucose levels determined more frequently. I have had clients requiring medication adjustments after starting cinnamon.
Drugs that are metabolized by the liver experience the same altered metabolism as drugs containing cinnamon. Coumarin in Cassia cinnamon affects the liver's ability to metabolize certain medications. This will affect how quickly they are metabolized and their overall effectiveness. Statin drugs and other pain medications fall into this category. Always consult your pharmacist before using cinnamon.
Medical Consultation
- Disclosure: List all supplements
- Timing: Discuss before starting cinnamon
- Monitoring: Schedule follow-up checks
Dosage Control
- Ceylon preference: Lower risk variety
- Measurement: Precise teaspoon amounts
- Consistency: Avoid sudden increases
It's important to maintain transparency with your medical providers. Bring any supplements, like cinnamon, to your medical appointments. Discuss whether they can interact with any prescription medication you've been prescribed and your specific health situation. This method is effective for integration and ensures overall safety. I have avoided several adverse reactions using this method.
Keep a medication journal to track your responses to cinnamon. Write down any unusual symptoms after starting cinnamon. Note how much cinnamon you took, as well as when. This can help you discover patterns that need modification. Share these observations with your health care team during consultations.
Read the full article: Top 10 Science-Backed Cinnamon Health Benefits
