Cinnamon is one of the most aromatic spices that is attained from the bark of Cinnamon trees. It tastes sweet initially, but once chewed can leave your mouth with a hot, pungent aftertaste. Cinnamon, also called Dalchini, is the second most popular spice after Black pepper and is widely used in cooking, particularly baked goods. The spice also possesses incredible medicinal benefits and is a common home remedy for colds and arthritis. While it is a common practice in many households to include Cinnamon in one’s diet during pregnancy, many questions are asked related to its safety during this sensitive phase of life. In this article, we tried to clear the air for you by discussing some of the frequently asked questions on the benefits and side effects of Cinnamon during Pregnancy.
Is Cinnamon Good for Pregnant Women?
Cinnamon is a great flavouring agent and is also high in nutrition. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties make it one of the most popularly used home remedies across the world. Pregnants are advised to take small doses of Cinnamon to deal with issues like common colds, coughs, sore throat, nausea and joint pains. In fact, doctors recommend regular consumption of dalchini during pregnancy to treat appetite loss, and tooth pain and control cholesterol levels.
Does Cinnamon Help You Get Pregnant?
The answer is No! There is no concrete research to prove that Cinnamon can help women conceive. However, it can strengthen the immune system and help in keeping common infections at bay.
Read: Cloves (Laung) During Pregnancy
Benefits of Cinnamon During Pregnancy:
Let’s see the incredible benefits of Cinnamon for pregnant women:
1. Natural Antioxidant:
Cinnamon houses natural antioxidants, which is not a benefit specific to pregnancy. This means that cinnamon is a good source of antioxidants if consumed generally. It helps the body to fight bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections. Whether it is some kind of infection, cold or flu, it can be cured with cinnamon.
2. Healthier Substitutes in Foods:
Cinnamon has a strong flavour and is also low in sugar. This makes it possible to use cinnamon as a healthier substitute in food that has the best effect of cinnamon on pregnancy.
3. For Gestational Diabetes:
Cinnamon bark is an excellent option for women with gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a condition in pregnant women, where their blood sugar levels are unstable. Cinnamon can help reduce blood sugar for patients who suffer from Type 2 diabetes.
Read: Is Black Pepper Safe During Pregnancy
How Much of Cinnamon Is Considered Safe During Pregnancy?
Although Cinnamon is healthy during pregnancy, it is important to pay heed to the dosage limit. Doctors recommend taking no more than 2-4gms of Cinnamon per day in powder form or a maximum of one or two small sticks. Overeating Cinnamon may be toxic and can lead to a number of health complications like Stomach disorders, liver dysfunction etc.,
Precautions To Follow While Taking Cinnamon:
- Certain people might experience allergies to Cinnamon during pregnancy. Avoid spice in such cases.
- Cinnamon is best when taken fresh. Expired and old stock cinnamon be posed health issues.
- Doctors warn against the usage of Cinnamon if you are dealing with high-risk pregnancies and previous miscarriages.
- If you plan on using Cinnamon for cooking, opt for Ceylon varieties, as it is generally mild in taste.
- Never use artificial Cinnamon flavouring agents, as they are combined with chemicals.
- Cinnamon essential oil must never be used during pregnancy, as it is high in potency and can be extremely harmful.
Eating Cinnamon When Pregnant: Side Effects
One may experience the following side effects of Cinnamon during pregnancy:
- Cinnamon acts as a blood thinner and can increase your chances of bleeding. If you are opting for a Caesarean surgery, it is better to avoid the spice.
- Excessive consumption of Cinnamon can interrupt your blood sugar levels and can be extremely dangerous if you might have to go through emergency surgery.
- Cinnamon is also known to interfere with many medications and doctors’ advice is recommended before including it in your diet.
- People allergic to Cinnamon may experience burning of the mouth, inflammation of the tongue and oral sores.
- Taking Cinnamon more than the recommended dosage may lead to miscarriages. A lot of women try Cinnamon to abort the pregnancy, which can be dangerous in many cases.
- Cinnamon oil during pregnancy can lead to premature contractions.
- Uterine Contractions:
It is also believed that cinnamon during pregnancy causes a trigger in uterine contractions and preterm labour. Cinnamon consumed in high doses, or even inhaled through essential cinnamon oils or in any other manner may cause uterine contractions and preterm labour in pregnant women.
Read: Hing During Pregnancy (Asafoetida)
Cinnamon is one of nature’s best gifts to mankind and a small whiff of aromatic spice can de-stress you. Chewing on this spicy-sweet bark can help in keeping a number of health issues at bay! Particularly during pregnancy, when you can’t take too many medicines, Cinnamon can come to your rescue. But, remember to always use high-quality, natural Cinnamon and not packaged artificial powders. If you are planning to cook something yummy for your tummy, just remember to sprinkle some Cinnamon dust for better taste, flavour and good health!
Q1. What is the Best Way to Use Cinnamon to Deal with Colds and Coughs?
Ans: If you are experiencing a cold and cough during pregnancy, Cinnamon is your go-to agent! You can make your own homemade Cinnamon syrup by mixing Cinnamon powder with a tbsp of honey and half a cup of warm water. Take it twice a day, after food to fight the microbes inside your body and get quick relief.
Q2. How Can I Use Cinnamon to Deal with Morning Sickness?
Ans: Morning sickness is experienced by many women and it is recommended to take Cinnamon during early pregnancy to deal with it. Simply replace your regular tea with a Cinnamon-infused tea for instant relief. Just add a big Cinnamon stick in boiling water and leave it on till the warm turns mild brown. Just enjoy the drink warm with a dollop of honey. Cinnamon tea during pregnancy is a wonderful cure to help you stay calm and get rid of stress.
Q3. What are the Symptoms to Watch out for in Cinnamon Allergy?
Ans: Cinnamon, like the other spices, is not 100% safe. You may experience the following reactions if you have a Cinnamon allergy –Severe abdominal pain, dizziness, vomiting, itching, eczema, tingling in the mouth, breathing issues, hives and swelling in lips etc., If you have any of these symptoms, stop consuming it and visit your nearest doctor for advice.
