Satyori — Cinnamon (Twak) Herb Quick Card
Herb Quick Card
Cinnamon
Twak · Cinnamomum verum (syn. C. zeylanicum)
Traditional Uses
The Charaka Samhita includes twak among the eladigana (cardamom group) of aromatic herbs and describes it as beneficial for hikkashvasa (hiccups and respiratory distress), kasa (cough), and aruchi (anorexia). Charaka prescribes cinnamon as a component of numerous digestive and respiratory formulations, and includes it in preparations for hridroga (heart disease) and raktapitta (hemorrhagic disorders). It is recommended for managing pinasa (rhinitis/coryza) and pratishyaya (common cold), often combined with honey and ginger for acute respiratory infections.
Preparations
Twak Churna (cinnamon powder): used in cooking, beverages, and medicinal preparations. Cinnamon bark tea: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon powder or a small bark piece steeped in hot water. Cinnamon milk: warmed milk with cinnamon powder and optional honey, ghee, or turmeric.
Dosage
Bark powder: 1-3 grams per day in divided doses (culinary and mild medicinal use). For blood sugar management: 1-6 grams per day (based on clinical trial dosages), though starting at 1 gram and increasing gradually is advisable.
Dosha Guidance
For Vata types, cinnamon is a wonderful daily spice. Its warming, sweet, and stimulating qualities directly address Vata's cold, dry, and irregular tendencies. Vata individuals benefit from adding cinnamon to warm milk, oatmeal, stewed fruits, and herbal teas.
Synergistic Combinations
A key ingredient in Sitopaladi Churna with Cardamom, Pippali, and Vamshalochana for respiratory conditions. Pairs classically with Ginger and Cardamom in chai for a balanced warming beverage.
Contraindications
The primary safety concern with long-term, high-dose cinnamon supplementation is coumarin content, which is hepatotoxic. This concern applies primarily to cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), which contains 1-2% coumarin, rather than true Ceylon cinnamon (C. verum), which contains negligible amounts.
Tissues & Channels
Dhatus: Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Shukra (reproductive)
Srotas: Annavaha (digestive), Pranavaha (respiratory), Raktavaha (circulatory), Shukravaha (reproductive)
Where to Buy
The single most important distinction when purchasing cinnamon is species identification. True Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) from Sri Lanka has thin, paper-like bark that rolls into multiple delicate layers (quills within quills), a light tan color, a sweet and complex aroma, and negligible coumarin content.
Shop Cinnamon on Amazon →Affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Herbal Profile
Cinnamon is one of 50 herbs — but which ones are right for your body? Your Herbal Profile reveals your top 10 herbs, herbs to avoid, best preparations, seasonal calendar, and a daily protocol matched to your dosha.