Can Amla and Cinnamon Be Taken Together for Health?

November 26, 2025 •

5 min read

According to traditional Ayurvedic practices, amla (Indian gooseberry) and cinnamon are often combined to enhance their medicinal properties, and modern studies are beginning to explore these synergistic effects. Combining amla and cinnamon can create a potent health tonic, but understanding the correct dosages and potential interactions is important for safe consumption.

Quick Summary

This article explores the safety and efficacy of consuming amla and cinnamon together, detailing their combined health benefits and potential risks. It provides practical methods for incorporating the blend into a daily routine and discusses considerations for people with certain health conditions.

Key Points

Generally Safe to Combine: Amla and cinnamon are often used together in traditional remedies and are considered safe for consumption.
Enhanced Antioxidant Power: The mix provides superior antioxidant benefits, combining amla's high vitamin C with cinnamon's polyphenols to fight oxidative stress.
Supports Blood Sugar Management: The combination helps regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and pancreatic function.
Boosts Immune System: Together, they create a potent blend that enhances immune function and helps protect against seasonal illnesses.
Aids Digestion: The duo supports digestive health by regulating bowel movements and soothing the stomach lining.
Choose Ceylon Cinnamon: Use Ceylon cinnamon to avoid high levels of coumarin, which is present in Cassia cinnamon and can cause liver issues with long-term, high-dose use.
Consult a Doctor for Diabetes: If you are taking diabetes medication, consult a healthcare provider before regularly consuming amla and cinnamon to prevent excessively low blood sugar.

Is it safe to combine amla and cinnamon?

Yes, it is generally considered safe to combine amla and cinnamon, and this practice is common in traditional and modern herbal remedies. Amla, known for its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties, complements cinnamon, which is rich in anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic compounds. Together, they can create a more potent and balanced remedy. For instance, the sharpness of cinnamon can help mask the bitter, sour taste of amla, making it a more palatable experience. The combination is often used in herbal teas and health drinks to boost immunity, aid digestion, and help manage blood sugar levels.

The synergistic health benefits of amla and cinnamon

The combined power of amla and cinnamon offers a wide range of health benefits, leveraging the unique properties of each ingredient to support overall wellness.

Enhanced Antioxidant Action: Amla is a powerhouse of vitamin C, while cinnamon contains beneficial polyphenols. When taken together, their combined antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This enhanced protection can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support healthy aging.
Better Blood Sugar Management: Both amla and cinnamon have been studied for their potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. Amla is believed to improve pancreatic function, and cinnamon may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar levels. This makes the combination a popular choice for those looking to naturally support their metabolic health.
Improved Immune Function: The high vitamin C in amla is crucial for a robust immune system, enhancing the function of white blood cells. Cinnamon adds a warming, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effect that can help fend off seasonal infections, making a tea with these two ingredients a popular winter remedy.
Superior Digestive Aid: Amla is known to support digestive health by regulating bowel movements due to its high fiber content. Cinnamon also aids digestion and helps soothe the stomach lining. The combination can help relieve symptoms like bloating and discomfort, promoting a healthier gut.
Cardiovascular Support: Both ingredients contribute to heart health. Amla helps manage cholesterol levels by increasing beneficial HDL and reducing harmful LDL cholesterol. Cinnamon is also beneficial for the cardiovascular system.

How to prepare amla and cinnamon remedies

There are several simple and effective ways to combine amla and cinnamon into your daily routine. Here are a few popular methods:

Amla and Cinnamon Tea: This is one of the most common methods. Boil a small piece of cinnamon stick in water, then add crushed fresh amla or amla powder. Let it steep for a few minutes before straining. You can add a little honey to sweeten it, though those with diabetes should use caution with added sugars.
Immunity Boosting Drink: For a raw, potent blend, mix amla juice with warm water and a teaspoon of cinnamon powder. This is often recommended to be taken on an empty stomach to maximize benefits. Adding a pinch of black pepper can enhance the bioavailability of the compounds.
Spice Blend: A powder mixture of dried amla, cinnamon, black pepper, and other spices like turmeric can be stored in an airtight container. This blend can be mixed with warm water, honey, or added to smoothies.

Important considerations and potential side effects

While the combination is largely safe, a few important points should be considered, especially regarding cinnamon varieties and dosage.

Cassia vs. Ceylon Cinnamon: Cassia cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin, which can potentially cause liver damage if consumed in large quantities over time. Ceylon cinnamon has much lower levels of coumarin and is the safer choice for regular, long-term consumption. Always check the label to know which type you are buying.
Blood Sugar Levels: The combination's blood sugar-lowering effects can be a concern for individuals with diabetes who are already on medication. It is crucial to monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal regimen to avoid hypoglycemia.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may have allergies to amla, which can manifest as skin rashes, swelling, or itching. If you experience any allergic symptoms, discontinue use immediately.
Digestive Sensitivity: Excessive intake of either ingredient can lead to digestive issues. Amla, if consumed excessively, can sometimes cause constipation, while high amounts of cinnamon can lead to an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Comparison of Amla and Cinnamon for Health


Feature	Amla (Indian Gooseberry)	Cinnamon	Combined Effect
Primary Nutrients	Vitamin C, Antioxidants, Fiber	Polyphenols, Antioxidants, Cinnamaldehyde	Potent antioxidant and immune support
Flavor Profile	Sour, bitter, and astringent	Sweet and warming	Masks bitterness, creates a balanced flavor
Blood Sugar Impact	Improves pancreatic function, regulates metabolism	Improves insulin sensitivity, lowers fasting blood sugar	Synergistic regulation of blood sugar
Digestive Impact	Regulates bowel movements, high in fiber	Soothes stomach, aids digestion	Calming and regulative effect on digestion
Immune Support	High in vitamin C, antibacterial properties	Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory	Powerful immune-boosting combination
Cardiovascular Health	Supports healthy cholesterol levels	Supports overall cardiovascular system	Comprehensive heart health support
Primary Caveat	Can cause constipation with excessive intake	Cassia variety high in coumarin; potential liver risk with high intake	Must monitor dosage and choose Ceylon cinnamon

Conclusion

The combination of amla and cinnamon is a time-tested remedy in traditional medicine for good reason. The two ingredients complement each other perfectly, with amla providing a burst of immune-boosting vitamin C and powerful antioxidants, while cinnamon adds its antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Together, they form a potent blend for supporting digestion, regulating blood sugar, and enhancing overall vitality. While incorporating this duo into your diet is straightforward through teas, smoothies, and spice mixes, it's essential to be mindful of the type of cinnamon used (favoring Ceylon) and to consume it in moderation. Always consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication, to ensure this combination is right for your individual needs. By doing so, you can safely enjoy the synergistic benefits of this remarkable herbal pairing.

NDTV Food provides several recipes for amla-based teas that incorporate cinnamon, a testament to the popular use of this combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, mixing amla powder and cinnamon powder is a popular and effective method. You can blend a teaspoon of amla powder with half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of warm water or add it to a smoothie.

Amla and cinnamon water can help boost immunity, regulate blood sugar, and improve digestion. The combination's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties support overall health and detoxification.

While both ingredients have blood sugar-regulating properties, diabetics on medication should consult a doctor first. The combination can lower blood sugar, and unsupervised use may cause it to drop too low.

Moderate daily consumption is generally safe for most people. A common practice is to have it once a day, for example, as a morning tonic. However, listen to your body and adjust frequency as needed.

Potential side effects, though uncommon with moderate intake, include digestive upset or allergic reactions. Using Cassia cinnamon in high doses over time can also pose a liver risk due to its coumarin content.

Yes, the naturally sweet and warm flavor of cinnamon is an excellent complement to the tart and sometimes bitter taste of amla. This pairing makes amla easier to consume, especially in tea or juice.

For regular consumption, it is highly recommended to use Ceylon cinnamon over Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon has much lower levels of coumarin, a compound that can be harmful to the liver in large doses.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always consult their healthcare provider before adding new herbal remedies to their diet. High doses of certain herbs can have unintended effects.