Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a member of the Lauraceae family, native to Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, its bark, leaves, and resin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and culinary uses.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and carminative actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and european herbal medicine.

Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Ceylon Cinnamon
Scientific Name	Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Plant Family	Lauraceae
Genus	Cinnamomum
Species	zeylanicum
Native Range	Sri Lanka, India, Southeast Asia
Plant Parts Used	Bark, Leaves, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Carminative
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Culinary Use

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Common Name: Ceylon Cinnamon
Synonyms / Alternative Names: True Cinnamon, Sri Lankan Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon
Plant Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Cinnamomum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 1 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Laminae with secondary veins forming distinct stomatal bands, upper surface dark brown to reddish brown, lower surface pale brown with prominent midrib.
Flowers: Bilaterally symmetrical flowers with two fused sepals, two petals, and two stamens, arranged in terminal clusters, with white to pale pink tepals and a yellow anther.
Stems: Erect, woody, aromatic, with longitudinal ridges, and bearing opposite, lanceolate, leathery leaves.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Culinary Use
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a soothing anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate tonic, for foundational support.
Carminative: Historically regarded as a gentle carminative, in digestion-focused applications.
Antispasmodic: In herbal texts, considered a cooling antispasmodic, for tension-related applications.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Volatile plant-derived substances commonly present in leaves and flowers.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Terpenoid: A diverse group of organic compounds present in many aromatic plants.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications related to this herb have been noted in traditional use and available sources.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Potential interactions with prescription medications have been reported in available sources.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Capsule: Capsules contain measured amounts of dried, ground plant material.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.