Cinnamon and Honey: What the Evidence Actually Shows
Cinnamon and honey can be enjoyable foods, but the claim that they’re a “powerful remedy” for numerous diseases isn’t supported by good clinical evidence. Doctors can explain the proposed effects, but laboratory findings don’t necessarily translate into treating illness in people.
🍯 Honey
Honey contains sugars and various plant compounds. There is useful evidence for honey as a cough-soothing treatment, particularly for children over 1 year old. It can also be used for certain wounds in specific medical products under appropriate care.
🌿 Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies. Some clinical research suggests cinnamon might produce small improvements in blood glucose in some people, but it isn’t a replacement for diabetes medication or lifestyle treatment.
What about mixing them?
There isn’t convincing evidence that a mixture of cinnamon and honey:
-
“cleanses” the blood
-
melts body fat
-
cures infections
-
removes parasites
-
treats herpes or influenza
-
unclogs arteries
-
reverses diabetes
Also, cassia cinnamon can contain significant amounts of coumarin, and consuming large quantities regularly may be problematic for the liver.
Bottom line: A small amount of cinnamon and honey can be part of a normal diet, but it shouldn’t be presented as a cure or substitute for medical treatment.
