Indications
Cinnamomum is the plant genus that gives cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum and Cinnamomum cassia) and camphor (Cinnamomum camphora). Extracts, bark powder and oils from these plants are used as ingredients in herbal digestive preparations, carminative mixtures and pain-relieving balms. Traditionally, cinnamon taken by mouth is used for indigestion, wind, bloating, loss of appetite and mild diarrhoea, while cinnamon or camphor oil in balms is rubbed on the skin for headache, muscle aches, joint pain and blocked nose. Evidence for these uses is limited, although the warming and cooling feel of balms is well known.
How It Works
Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde and other aromatic oils that relax the bowel and help release gas, and may have mild antibacterial effects. Camphor and cinnamon oils applied to the skin produce a warm or cool sensation that distracts from pain (counter-irritant effect) and a vapour that makes breathing through the nose feel easier.
Dosage and Administration
Oral products: take as directed on the label or by a registered practitioner. Balms: rub a small amount gently on the affected area or forehead 2 to 3 times daily, and wash hands afterwards. Do not swallow balms or oils.
Interactions
- Large amounts of cassia cinnamon taken by mouth may add to the effect of diabetes medicines and may affect the liver when combined with other medicines that can harm the liver, such as Paracetamol in high doses.
- Large amounts may increase the effect of blood thinners such as Warfarin.
- No important interactions are expected with balms used normally.
Contraindications
- Allergy to cinnamon or camphor.
- Balms: do not use on broken skin, wounds, eyes or mucous membranes, or on infants and young children (camphor can be toxic to them).
- Liver disease: avoid large oral amounts of cassia cinnamon.
Side Effects
Oral use in normal amounts is usually well tolerated; it may cause heartburn or mouth irritation. Long-term high intake of cassia cinnamon may affect the liver because of its coumarin content. Balms may cause skin redness, burning or an allergic rash.
Get urgent medical help if a child swallows a balm or oil, or if there are fits, drowsiness, vomiting, swelling of the face, difficulty breathing or a severe skin reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Cinnamon in food amounts is safe. Avoid medicinal doses of cinnamon and avoid camphor products during pregnancy unless a doctor advises. During breastfeeding, do not apply balms on the breast area.
Precautions and Warnings
- Keep camphor-containing balms away from children: even a small amount swallowed can cause fits.
- Do not heat balms or use them in steam inhalation unless the label says so.
- Stop use if the skin becomes irritated.
- Persistent pain or digestive symptoms need a doctor’s assessment.
Overdose
Swallowing camphor-containing products can cause burning in the mouth, vomiting, confusion and fits, and is a medical emergency. Large oral amounts of cinnamon may cause mouth irritation, stomach upset and, over time, liver problems.
Therapeutic Class
Herbal ingredient: carminative (oral) and counter-irritant (topical).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep containers tightly closed.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.