Two millennia ago, in the “Naturalis historia” (a true naturalistic encyclopedia, composed of 37 volumes) Pliny the Elder claimed that cinnamon was worth more than its weight in gold and silver. It is no coincidence that cinnamon was nicknamed “kings’ spice” due to its rarity, very high cost and the exclusive use made of it in past centuries, which made it a luxury good accessible only to the noble classes, sovereigns and emperors. The ancient Egyptians used it to embalm the deceased, the Greeks added it to wine to treat coughs and exhaustion, we use it as a simple condiment, despite the many virtues that accompany it and whose existence is often ignored.
It purified the air already in the Middle Ages
During epidemics of bubonic plague, wealthy Europeans used cloves, fennel, and cinnamon to perfume and sanitize the air coming through windows. The famous masks of the plague doctors — with that long beak that became a symbol of the era, which you can see in the image below — were stuffed with aromatic herbs and spices, including cinnamon and cloves, because the doctors of the time believed that the herbs purified the air before it reached the lungs.
Of course, the theory was wrong, because the plague is transmitted through flea bites, not through the air, although the reasoning was not entirely without foundation, given that the antimicrobial properties of cinnamon are real.
Stops bleeding
Few people know this, but cinnamon can be sprinkled on small cuts to stop bleeding. A study published in 2025 in ScienceDirect delved into the applications of cinnamon in wound healing. The results indicate that the active compounds reduce inflammation, fight microorganisms, support collagen production, promote the growth of new blood vessels and help skin cells migrate to the site of injury. A set of actions that can accelerate wound closure, reduce the risk of infections and support tissue repair. The field remains under exploration, but the scientific prerequisites are there.
The lead problem
In 2023, the recall of several cinnamon-based products due to excessive lead levels has shined a light on an often ignored problem (we also talked about it in this article). Tests conducted by Consumer Reports in September 2024 on 36 products found that 12 brands exceeded the threshold of 1 part per million — the limit that would trigger a product recall in New York State, the only U.S. jurisdiction to regulate heavy metals in spices.
Contamination can occur naturally, through the soil in which the trees grow, or as a result of industrial waste. Cinnamon plants are particularly exposed: they take about ten years to reach maturity before the bark can be harvested, a period of time long enough to accumulate significant quantities of lead. The risk is greatest for children, newborns and pregnant women. Before buying, it is worth checking the brand.
Cassia or Ceylon: it’s not the same thing
In supermarkets you can mainly find two types of cinnamon: Cassia and Ceylon. In North America Cassia predominates, in Europe and Mexico Ceylon is more widespread. The difference is not just one of taste.
The key variable is coumarin, a natural compound present in both but in very different quantities. Cassia contains high levels: taken regularly and in significant doses, it can be harmful to the liver, particularly in people with pre-existing liver problems. Ceylon — also known as “true cinnamon” — contains only trace amounts and is the safest choice for frequent or prolonged consumption.
Ceylon can be recognized by its lighter yellowish color, delicate and sweet flavor, and by the sticks made up of many thin layers of rolled inner bark. Cassia is darker, with an intense and spicy flavor, with hard and compact sticks.
How much can you use?
According to the American Pharmacists Association, cinnamon has a good safety profile and you can take up to 6 grams per day — about two teaspoons — without any particular risks. Several studies (1, 2) confirm this threshold as also effective for glycemic control. However, it should be avoided during pregnancy due to its stimulating effect, and those following pharmacological therapies should consult their doctor before integrating it systematically.
An ancient spice, versatile and largely still to be discovered — as long as you choose the right one.
