Latin / Scientific Name: Cinnamomum verum (syn. Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Common Names: Cinnamon Flower, Cinnamon Buds, Cinnamon Bud Essential Oil
Family: Lauraceae (Laurel family)
Origin & History
Cinnamon flower refers to the unopened flower buds of the cinnamon tree, most commonly derived from Cinnamomum verum, also known as true or Ceylon cinnamon. Native to Sri Lanka and parts of Southern India, the cinnamon tree has been valued for thousands of years across Ayurvedic, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and European herbal traditions.
Historically, cinnamon buds were considered just as valuable as cinnamon bark and were often reserved for medicinal and ceremonial use. Cinnamon flower preparations were used to stimulate circulation, support digestion, warm the body, and protect against microbial activity. Because of its potency, cinnamon flower was traditionally used sparingly and with respect, often under the guidance of experienced herbalists or physicians.
Qualities & Traditional Use
Cinnamon flower is considered:
• Warming
• Drying
• Stimulating
• Circulatory
• Antimicrobial
Traditionally, cinnamon flower has been used to support:
• Digestive sluggishness and gas
• Cold conditions and poor circulation
• Blood sugar balance (supportive, not corrective)
• Respiratory congestion
• Microbial imbalance
Cinnamon flower shares many qualities with cinnamon bark but is often regarded as slightly more aromatic and concentrated, particularly when distilled into essential oil.
Toxic Components & Mechanism
Cinnamon flower contains potent volatile compounds, including:
• Eugenol
• Cinnamaldehyde
• Coumarins (trace amounts in true cinnamon)
Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol are responsible for cinnamon flower’s warming, antimicrobial, and stimulating properties. These compounds increase circulation and stimulate tissue activity, which can be beneficial in appropriate doses but irritating or harmful when overused.
In concentrated forms such as essential oil, cinnamon flower can strongly stimulate mucous membranes, skin, and internal tissues. This mechanism explains both its therapeutic value and its potential for irritation, burns, or systemic stress.
Risks, Dangers & Side Effects
Cinnamon flower is not a gentle herb, especially in concentrated preparations.
Potential risks include:
• Skin irritation or chemical burns (topical use)
• Mucous membrane irritation
• Gastrointestinal burning or nausea
• Elevated heart rate or blood pressure in sensitive individuals
• Liver stress with excessive or prolonged use
Cinnamon flower essential oil is particularly strong and should never be used undiluted on the skin or taken internally without professional guidance
Contraindications & Who Should Avoid It
Cinnamon flower should be used cautiously or avoided by individuals with certain health conditions, especially when used medicinally or aromatically.
Caution is advised for individuals with:
• Liver disease or compromised liver function
• Gastrointestinal inflammation or ulcers
• Cardiovascular sensitivity
• Hormone-sensitive conditions
• Known sensitivity to cinnamon or spicy herbs
Even culinary exposure can cause reactions in highly sensitive individuals.
Avoid Use If You Are:
• Pregnant or trying to conceive
• Breastfeeding without practitioner guidance
• Taking blood-thinning medications
• Managing high blood pressure without supervision
• Sensitive to warming or stimulating herbs
Cinnamon flower has historically been associated with uterine stimulation and increased circulation, making it inappropriate during pregnancy in medicinal forms.
Best Practices / Precautions
To use cinnamon flower safely:
• Use very small amounts when taken internally
• Always dilute essential oil heavily before topical use
• Avoid prolonged or daily use without breaks
• Do not apply near eyes, genitals, or broken skin
• Discontinue use if burning, irritation, or discomfort occurs
Cinnamon flower is best used short-term and intentionally, not as a daily tonic herb.
Summary
Cinnamon flower is a powerful, warming botanical ally with deep roots in traditional medicine. Its ability to stimulate circulation, support digestion, and address microbial imbalance makes it valuable—but also potentially harmful when misused. Concentrated forms, particularly essential oil, demand respect, restraint, and informed application.
At SheFit Wellness, cinnamon flower is approached as a potent medicinal tool, not a casual wellness add-on. Understanding its risks, contraindications, and proper use allows for safer, more intentional healing rooted in awareness and accountability.
References
• World Health Organization – Monographs on Medicinal Plants
• European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Herbal substance assessments
• Natural Medicines Database – Cinnamon (Ceylon)
• Botanical Safety Handbook – American Herbal Products Association
• Mills, S. & Bone, K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy
