What Happens if I Chew Cinnamon Every Day?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Chewing cinnamon has been a traditional remedy for centuries, with recent studies showing cinnamon's potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. But what happens if I chew cinnamon every day, and is it a safe practice for long-term health?

Quick Summary

Chewing cinnamon daily offers potential benefits like improved oral hygiene and blood sugar regulation due to its active compounds. However, regular chewing of the more common Cassia variety can pose serious risks, notably liver damage from high coumarin levels. The effects depend largely on the cinnamon type and amount consumed.

Key Points

Type of Cinnamon Matters: Chewing common Cassia cinnamon daily is risky due to high coumarin content, which can cause liver damage.
Ceylon is Safer: Ceylon, or “true” cinnamon, contains only trace amounts of coumarin, making it the safer choice for regular, moderate consumption.
Oral Health Benefits: Chewing cinnamon can freshen breath and fight oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
Enamel and Dental Risks: The hard, fibrous texture of cinnamon sticks can damage tooth enamel and dental work with consistent chewing.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Daily cinnamon intake may improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar, but can also cause hypoglycemia in high doses, especially for those with diabetes.
Potential for Allergies: Some individuals may experience mouth sores or allergic reactions due to the compound cinnamaldehyde.
Interactions with Medications: Large amounts of cinnamon can interfere with blood thinners, diabetes medication, and liver-affecting drugs.
Moderation is Key: Small amounts as a spice are generally safe, but chewing large quantities or taking high-dose supplements requires caution and medical consultation.

Exploring the Effects of Chewing Cinnamon Daily

While cinnamon is a common culinary spice, the practice of chewing cinnamon sticks or powder every day raises important questions about health benefits and potential risks. The outcome depends heavily on the type of cinnamon, with the more widely available Cassia variety carrying different implications than the less common Ceylon or "true" cinnamon. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone considering this daily habit.

Potential Benefits of Daily Cinnamon Consumption

For centuries, cinnamon has been valued for its medicinal properties, many of which can be reaped through regular, moderate consumption. When chewed, these properties are released, offering several potential health advantages.

Oral and Dental Hygiene

Cinnamon has notable antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacteria and fungi in the mouth. Chewing on small pieces of cinnamon stick can:

Inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a primary cause of tooth decay and cavities.
Fight against bad breath by reducing the bacteria responsible for odor.
Help prevent gingivitis and other gum infections, as some cinnamon compounds show antibacterial effects against key pathogens.

Blood Sugar Management

One of the most well-researched benefits of cinnamon is its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. Chewing or consuming cinnamon regularly can:

Improve insulin sensitivity, making the hormone more effective at transporting sugar from the bloodstream to the cells.
Interfere with digestive enzymes, which slows the breakdown of carbohydrates and reduces the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream after a meal.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Cinnamon is packed with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, that protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This can lead to a reduction in chronic inflammation, which is linked to many age-related and chronic diseases.

Significant Risks and Side Effects

Despite the benefits, chewing cinnamon daily, especially Cassia cinnamon, comes with notable health risks due to its coumarin content.

Liver Damage from Coumarin

The most significant risk of excessive and regular cinnamon consumption is potential liver damage. Cassia cinnamon, the most common and inexpensive type, contains high levels of coumarin, a natural flavoring that can be toxic to the liver in large doses. Regulatory agencies have established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for coumarin, and regular consumption of Cassia cinnamon can easily exceed this limit, especially in smaller individuals. Ceylon cinnamon, by contrast, contains only trace amounts of coumarin, making it a much safer option for daily use.

Oral and Dental Damage

While it has benefits for oral hygiene, the physical act of chewing on woody cinnamon sticks can also cause harm. The abrasive texture can potentially damage tooth enamel, and there is a risk of damaging dental work. Some individuals may also develop mouth sores or irritation due to an allergic reaction to the cinnamaldehyde compound. A study found that high exposure to cinnamon extract could also change the tooth enamel's surface roughness over time.

Choking Hazard and Pulmonary Issues

Attempting to chew or ingest dry, ground cinnamon powder carries a significant risk of choking, and if inhaled, it can cause severe lung irritation. The lungs cannot break down the fibers, which can accumulate and lead to inflammation and even a serious condition called aspiration pneumonia.

Other Side Effects

Low Blood Sugar: For those with diabetes, consuming cinnamon regularly in large doses could lower blood sugar too much, leading to hypoglycemia.
Drug Interactions: High doses of cinnamon can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, antibiotics, and drugs for diabetes or heart disease. This can either reduce the effectiveness of the medication or intensify its side effects.

Comparison of Cinnamon Types: Cassia vs. Ceylon


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon	Ceylon Cinnamon (True Cinnamon)
Appearance	Thick, hard single layer of bark, darker reddish-brown.	Thin, papery, and layered bark, lighter brown.
Coumarin Content	High levels, can be toxic to the liver in large, consistent doses.	Negligible levels, making it safe for regular, moderate consumption.
Flavor Profile	Stronger, more pungent, and spicier taste.	Milder, sweeter, and more delicate flavor.
Health Risks	High risk of liver damage with excessive intake.	Very low risk of liver damage due to coumarin.
Usage	Common in grocery stores; use in moderation, especially if consumed daily.	Best choice for daily chewing or higher-dose therapeutic use; often found in specialty stores.

Making a Safe Choice

If you want to incorporate daily cinnamon consumption into your routine, the type of cinnamon you choose is the single most important factor. Switching to Ceylon cinnamon dramatically reduces the risk of liver damage associated with the high coumarin content in Cassia. For chewing, opting for food-grade sticks of Ceylon cinnamon is the safest approach, though it's important to be mindful of potential damage to tooth enamel from the fibrous texture. It is always recommended to discuss any significant dietary changes, especially involving regular consumption for therapeutic purposes, with a healthcare professional. You can read more about the differences between cinnamon types and their effects at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Conclusion

Chewing cinnamon every day can potentially offer benefits such as improved oral hygiene, better blood sugar control, and powerful antioxidant effects. However, it is not a practice without risks. The presence of coumarin in the widely used Cassia cinnamon can lead to liver toxicity with regular, high-volume intake. For those who wish to maintain this habit, selecting Ceylon cinnamon and moderating the amount consumed are essential steps to minimize harm. As with any natural remedy, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking other medications. A balanced approach ensures you can enjoy the advantages while avoiding the drawbacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

While small amounts of Ceylon cinnamon can be chewed safely, it is not generally recommended. Chewing on the hard, woody sticks can potentially damage tooth enamel and dental work. There is also a risk of ingesting too much coumarin if the stick is Cassia cinnamon.

Cassia is the most common cinnamon, known for its stronger flavor and higher coumarin content, which can be toxic to the liver in large doses. Ceylon, or 'true' cinnamon, has a milder flavor and very low coumarin levels, making it a safer option for frequent consumption.

Some studies show that regular cinnamon intake can improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels. However, it is not a replacement for medical treatment, and people with diabetes should consult their doctor before using cinnamon for this purpose, as excessive amounts could cause blood sugar to drop too low.

Yes, cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that can help fight odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. Chewing small, safe pieces can temporarily freshen breath.

Yes, chewing Cassia cinnamon daily carries a significant risk of liver damage due to its high coumarin content. Ceylon cinnamon contains minimal coumarin and is much safer for liver health, but moderation is always advised.

Excessive intake of cinnamon, particularly Cassia, can cause gastrointestinal irritation, mouth sores, and potentially dangerous interactions with medications like blood thinners. Inhaling powdered cinnamon is also extremely dangerous and can cause lung damage.

There is no official recommended dose, but many experts suggest limiting daily intake to about ½ to 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) of powder, especially if using Cassia cinnamon. For Ceylon cinnamon, higher amounts are typically safer due to the low coumarin levels.