What Happens When You Drink Cinnamon Tea on an Empty Stomach? Potential Benefits and Risks

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to traditional wellness practices, consuming cinnamon on an empty stomach can kickstart your metabolism. But what happens when you drink cinnamon tea on an empty stomach specifically? This practice is linked to several effects on your body, from regulating blood sugar to potentially impacting your digestive system.

Quick Summary

Drinking cinnamon tea on an empty stomach may boost metabolism, regulate blood sugar, and aid digestion. However, risks include liver damage from excessive Cassia cinnamon and digestive upset.

Key Points

Metabolism Boost: Drinking cinnamon tea on an empty stomach can help kickstart your metabolism, aiding in weight management efforts.
Blood Sugar Regulation: It can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels, preventing mid-morning cravings.
Choose Ceylon Cinnamon: Use Ceylon, or "true" cinnamon, for regular tea consumption to avoid the high coumarin content found in Cassia cinnamon that can harm the liver.
Potential for Liver Damage: Excessive intake of Cassia cinnamon, particularly for those with existing liver conditions, poses a risk of liver toxicity.
Digestive Effects: The tea can aid digestion and reduce bloating for some, while potentially causing stomach upset for others, especially on a sensitive, empty stomach.
Moderation is Key: Consume cinnamon tea in moderation and listen to your body to avoid adverse side effects.
Consult a Doctor: Always consult a healthcare provider before adding new supplements or significant dietary changes, especially if you take medication or have underlying health issues.

Exploring the Effects of Cinnamon Tea on an Empty Stomach

Drinking cinnamon tea, especially as the first beverage of the day, has become a popular morning ritual. The practice is often touted for its potential health benefits, but it is important to understand the full scope of its effects, including both the positives and the potential downsides. The type of cinnamon used and the amount consumed play a significant role in the outcome.

Potential Benefits

Several potential advantages are associated with drinking cinnamon tea first thing in the morning. Many of these benefits are linked to the bioactive compounds found in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Boosts Metabolism: Consuming cinnamon tea on an empty stomach can help jumpstart your metabolism for the day. The thermogenic properties of cinnamon encourage the body to burn more calories, which can support weight management efforts when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Regulates Blood Sugar: Cinnamon has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, mimicking the effects of insulin and helping to transport glucose into cells. Starting the day with cinnamon tea can help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing the rapid spikes and crashes that lead to cravings and hunger pangs later on.
Supports Digestive Health: The anti-inflammatory and prebiotic properties of cinnamon can soothe the digestive tract. Drinking the tea on an empty stomach may stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, reduce bloating, and help improve nutrient absorption.
Aids Weight Management: By boosting metabolism and regulating blood sugar, cinnamon tea helps control appetite and can contribute to feelings of fullness. This can be a useful tool for managing calorie intake and supporting weight loss efforts.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

While cinnamon tea has benefits, it's not without potential drawbacks, especially when consumed regularly or in large quantities on an empty stomach.

Liver Damage: The most significant risk comes from Cassia cinnamon, the most common and inexpensive type found in supermarkets. Cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin, a compound known to cause liver toxicity and damage in high doses. Regular, excessive intake can pose a serious risk, especially for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions.
Digestive Upset: Some individuals may experience digestive complaints such as nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea, particularly with large doses over a prolonged period. Starting the day with a stimulating beverage on a sensitive, empty stomach can sometimes exacerbate irritation.
Allergic Reactions: The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon can cause allergic reactions in some people, leading to mouth sores, irritation, or skin rashes.
Hypoglycemia Risk: For people with diabetes, drinking cinnamon tea, which can lower blood sugar, combined with diabetes medication could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to hypoglycemia. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting this practice.

Cassia vs. Ceylon Cinnamon: A Critical Comparison

Understanding the difference between cinnamon types is essential for safe consumption, especially regarding coumarin content and potential liver health implications. Most supermarket cinnamon is Cassia, while Ceylon is often labeled as "true cinnamon".


Feature	Cassia (Common) Cinnamon	Ceylon (True) Cinnamon
Coumarin Content	High	Trace Amounts
Safety for Regular Use	Potentially Toxic in High Doses	Considered Safe for Regular Consumption
Taste	Strong, Pungent, Spicy	Milder, Sweeter, More Delicate
Appearance	Thick, tough, single bark layer	Thin, papery layers that crumble easily
Cost	Less Expensive	More Expensive

For daily consumption on an empty stomach, choosing Ceylon cinnamon is the safer option to avoid the risks associated with high coumarin intake from the more common Cassia variety.

How to Prepare and Consume Cinnamon Tea Safely

To make cinnamon tea at home, you can use either a cinnamon stick or ground powder. Here is a simple, safe recipe, preferably using Ceylon cinnamon.

Simple Cinnamon Tea Recipe

Bring one cup of water to a boil.
Add one Ceylon cinnamon stick (or a half teaspoon of ground Ceylon cinnamon).
Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavor to infuse.
Strain the tea into a mug.
(Optional) Add a squeeze of lemon or a touch of honey once it has cooled slightly.

Best Practices for Your Morning Ritual

Use Ceylon Cinnamon: This is the most crucial step for regular consumption to avoid liver damage from coumarin.
Start Small: Begin with a small amount to see how your body reacts. If you have a sensitive stomach, it might cause discomfort.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any side effects. If you experience nausea, stomach irritation, or allergic symptoms, stop and consult a doctor.
Avoid Overdoing It: As with any supplement or herbal remedy, moderation is key. A single cup is generally sufficient to reap the benefits without increasing risk.

Conclusion

Drinking cinnamon tea on an empty stomach offers several potential health benefits, including a metabolism boost, blood sugar regulation, and digestive support. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks, particularly the danger of liver damage from high coumarin levels in Cassia cinnamon. To enjoy this beverage safely as a regular part of your morning routine, always opt for Ceylon cinnamon and consume it in moderation. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take medications. Used correctly, cinnamon tea can be a beneficial and flavorful addition to your wellness regimen.

For more information on the safety of cinnamon and its components, you can refer to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at the following link: Cinnamon: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it can be safe to drink cinnamon tea every day, provided you use Ceylon cinnamon, also known as "true cinnamon." The more common and cheaper Cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver with regular, high consumption.

While not a magic bullet for weight loss, drinking cinnamon tea in the morning on an empty stomach can aid weight management. It does this by boosting metabolism, stabilizing blood sugar, and helping to curb cravings, all of which support healthy eating habits.

In some individuals, particularly those with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing digestive issues, drinking tea on an empty stomach may cause irritation. The acid in tea and stimulating properties can sometimes lead to acidity, bloating, or stomach pain.

Cassia cinnamon is the most common and contains high levels of coumarin, which can cause liver damage in large amounts. Ceylon cinnamon, or "true cinnamon," contains very low coumarin levels and is considered much safer for regular consumption.

To make cinnamon tea, simply bring a cup of water to a boil, add one cinnamon stick, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain the liquid and enjoy warm. Using a stick, especially Ceylon, is a great way to infuse flavor and benefits.

Worrying about liver damage depends on the type and amount of cinnamon consumed. If you use the common Cassia variety frequently or in high doses, there is a risk due to coumarin. By switching to Ceylon cinnamon, which has minimal coumarin, you can avoid this risk.

Yes, you can enhance the flavor and benefits of your morning cinnamon tea by adding other ingredients. Common additions include a squeeze of lemon juice, a slice of fresh ginger, or a small amount of honey for sweetness.