Is Cinnamon Bad for BP? What the Science Says

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, nearly half of adults in the United States have hypertension, or high blood pressure. While often used for its potential health benefits, the question, "Is cinnamon bad for BP?" reveals a more nuanced reality, with the type and quantity of cinnamon playing a crucial role.

Quick Summary

Studies suggest that moderate cinnamon intake may help lower blood pressure, though research is mixed. It can interact with medications and excess amounts of cassia cinnamon can pose risks due to its coumarin content. Ceylon cinnamon is generally considered the safer option for regular consumption.

Key Points

Moderate Amounts: In small, culinary quantities, cinnamon is unlikely to harm blood pressure and may offer minor benefits.
Type Matters: Cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin, which can be harmful to the liver and interact with medication, while Ceylon cinnamon is much safer.
Medication Interactions: High cinnamon intake can dangerously interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medication, and diabetes drugs.
Not a Treatment: Cinnamon is not a replacement for prescribed blood pressure medication; its effects are minor and vary by individual.
Seek Medical Advice: Always consult a doctor before using cinnamon supplements or consuming large amounts, especially if you have chronic health conditions.
Potential Benefits: Research suggests cinnamon may have a modest blood pressure-lowering effect by relaxing blood vessels and acting as an antioxidant.

Understanding the Link Between Cinnamon and Blood Pressure

Emerging research indicates that certain compounds in cinnamon may positively influence blood pressure. This is primarily attributed to cinnamaldehyde, a key component that appears to help relax and dilate blood vessels. By promoting vasorelaxation, this spice may contribute to a modest reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties also support overall cardiovascular health.

The Critical Difference: Ceylon vs. Cassia Cinnamon

Not all cinnamon is created equal, and the type you consume significantly impacts its safety profile, especially concerning blood pressure. The two main varieties are Ceylon ("true") and Cassia cinnamon.

Cassia Cinnamon: This is the most common and inexpensive type found in grocery stores. It contains high levels of a compound called coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver in large doses. Coumarin also has natural anticoagulant properties, which can interfere with blood-thinning medications. While a small sprinkle is generally fine, high intake is not recommended, especially for those with existing liver conditions or on certain medications.
Ceylon Cinnamon: Also known as "true cinnamon," this variety contains only trace amounts of coumarin, making it a much safer option for regular consumption. Studies investigating cinnamon's health benefits, including its potential effect on blood pressure, often use Ceylon cinnamon.

Potential Interactions and Side Effects

Despite its potential benefits, cinnamon is not a standalone treatment for high blood pressure and can have unwanted side effects or drug interactions. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using cinnamon supplements or significantly increasing your intake, especially if you are on medication.

Potential Drug Interactions:

Blood Pressure Medications: Cinnamon may have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect. Combining it with prescribed antihypertensive drugs like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or calcium channel blockers could cause blood pressure to drop too low.
Blood Thinners: The high coumarin content in Cassia cinnamon can act as a blood thinner, increasing the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin.
Diabetes Medications: Cinnamon can affect blood sugar levels and may enhance insulin sensitivity. This could cause blood sugar to fall too low when combined with insulin or other diabetes medications.

Other Potential Side Effects:

In large quantities, particularly from high-coumarin Cassia, cinnamon can lead to liver damage.
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, digestive discomfort, or skin irritation.
One dated animal study suggested a potential for increased heart rate in exhaustive exercise, though human research does not support this and is limited. WebMD mentions that potassium in cinnamon can help control heart rate.

Cassia vs. Ceylon Cinnamon for Health


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon	Ceylon Cinnamon	Relevance to Blood Pressure and Health
Appearance	Thick, dark reddish-brown, hard sticks	Thin, papery, tan-brown, rolled sticks	Cassia is visually distinct, but the key difference is internal chemical makeup.
Coumarin Content	High; potential for liver toxicity with high, regular intake	Very low; safer for regular, prolonged use	High coumarin is the primary reason to limit Cassia intake, especially with liver or bleeding conditions.
Flavor	Strong, spicy, intense flavor	Milder, more delicate and sweet flavor	A milder flavor profile means more can be used in cooking without overpowering the dish.
Cost	Widely available and inexpensive	More expensive and can be harder to find	Cassia's low cost makes it prevalent in consumer goods, increasing accidental coumarin intake.
Best Use	Sparingly as a flavoring spice	Safer for regular culinary use and therapeutic applications	For health-focused, regular use, particularly with BP concerns, Ceylon is the preferred type.

Dosage and Safe Consumption

For those looking to explore cinnamon's potential benefits for blood pressure, the key is moderation and choosing the right type. There is no official recommended daily allowance, but studies have explored various dosages.

As a Spice: A small amount, like 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon sprinkled on oatmeal or toast, is generally safe for most people. Ensure you are using Ceylon cinnamon if you consume it daily or in larger quantities.
Supplements: Due to the wide variance in dose and type, supplements require careful consideration. Some studies have used dosages ranging from 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon daily. Always consult a doctor before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications.

Conclusion

So, is cinnamon bad for BP? The answer is complex. When consumed in moderate amounts, particularly the low-coumarin Ceylon variety, cinnamon is generally safe and may even offer modest benefits for blood pressure, especially for those with diabetes. However, excessive intake of high-coumarin Cassia cinnamon carries risks of liver toxicity and dangerous interactions with blood thinners and other medications. For anyone managing hypertension or other medical conditions, cinnamon should not be considered a replacement for prescribed medication. Always discuss with a healthcare professional before incorporating cinnamon supplements into your routine to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Where to find Ceylon Cinnamon

For those interested in exploring Ceylon cinnamon, sourcing can be the main challenge. Look for specialized spice retailers, health food stores, or online vendors that specifically label their products as "Ceylon cinnamon" or Cinnamomum verum. Avoid generic cinnamon from conventional grocery stores, which is almost always the higher-coumarin Cassia variety.

Visit the NCCIH for more information on the safety of cinnamon and other herbal supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin, which can be toxic in large amounts and may interfere with blood thinners. While moderate use as a spice is generally safe, large or supplemental doses are not recommended for those with blood pressure or liver conditions.

Ceylon cinnamon, often called "true cinnamon," is the best choice for those concerned about blood pressure. It contains significantly less coumarin and is much safer for regular, long-term consumption.

Yes, cinnamon can interact with certain blood pressure medications, potentially causing your blood pressure to drop too low. It is essential to consult your doctor before taking cinnamon supplements or consuming large quantities.

For most people, a culinary amount (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) of Ceylon cinnamon is safe daily. For higher amounts, especially if using Cassia, or for supplements, always talk to your healthcare provider first.

Cassia cinnamon's high coumarin content can have mild blood-thinning effects. This can be dangerous when combined with prescription blood-thinning medications.

While some studies indicate cinnamon may modestly lower blood pressure, especially in people with diabetes, the effect is not strong enough for it to be a standalone treatment. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are believed to be beneficial for cardiovascular health overall.

Excessive intake of cinnamon, particularly the Cassia variety, can cause liver damage due to its high coumarin content. Other side effects can include allergic reactions or digestive issues.