Handbook of Medicinal Herbs

(Nandana) #1

C


Dosages (Cinnamon) — 1 tsp bark/cup water 2–3 ×/day w meals (APA; WIC); 0.5–1 g bark as
tea 3 ×/day (CAN); 2–4 g bark/day (KOM; WHO); 20 grains bark for dysentery (DEP); 0.3–1 g
powdered bark (PNC); 0.5–1.0 ml liquid extract (1:1 in 70% ethanol) 3 ×/day (CAN); 2–4 ml
cinnamon tincture (CAN; PNC); 0.05–0.2 g EO/day (KOM; WHO); 0.05–0.2 ml cinnamon oil
(PNC); 0.3–1.2 ml spirit of cinnamon (PNC).

Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Cinnamon) — Class 2b, 2d. “Not for
long-term use; do not exceed recommended dose (2–4 g bark/day; 50–200 mg EO/day). May
overstimulate the vasomotor center” (AHP). Commission E reports bark contraindications:
hypersensitivity to cinnamon or Peruvian balsam; and adverse effects: often allergic reactions
of skin and mucosae. TRAMIL warns against continued use because of mutagenicity (TRA).
Extracts and cinnamaldehyde reported mutagenic in some studies, nonmutagenic in others.
Other sources report contraindications: GI-ulcer and pregnancy (AEH). CAN cautions that the
cinnamaldehyde in the volatile oil is allergenic and irritant. The allergenic oil should not be
taken internally (CAN). “No known problems with the use of cinnamon during pregnancy and
lactation, provided that doses do not greatly exceed the amounts used in foods. “May cause
some people to break out in a rash” (Castleman, 1996). High doses caused vomiting in
experiments with dogs, corresponding with reported side effects in humans. Cinnamaldehyde,
5% in petrolatum, is a skin irritant. Prolonged contact with cinnamon oil on skin may cause
burns. Cinnamaldehyde in cosmetics or perfumes may cause allergic reactions. Allergic reac-
tions (i.e., swollen lips or tongue, itching, burning sensation, blistering of the oral mucosa,
and urticaria) reported from contact with ointments, toothpaste, mouthwash, or foods contain-
ing cinnamon oil or cinnamaldehyde (AEH1). Cinnamic aldehyde in perfumes can cause
dermatosis. In toothpaste, it can cause sensitivity (DAD). Sensitized and sensitive justifiable
chemophobes may develop dermatosis using mouthwash, perfume, soap, or toothpaste flavored
with camphor, cassia, or cinnamon (FNF; RIN). May reduce activity of tetracycline (WHO).
Following ingestion of cinnamon, contact dermatosis may flare up. Eugenol has been reported
to be irritant and a weak tumor promoter. EO LD50 690 mg/kg der (CAN). Perhaps second
only to some varieties of clove (up to 20% eugenol), cinnamon (to 3.8%) is a major source
of eugenol.

CINNAMON-VINE, CHINESE YAM (Dioscorea batatas Decne.) ++

Synonym — Dioscorea opposita auct.

Activities (Cinnamon-Vine) — Antioxidant (1; PR14:250); Antiradicular (1; PR14:250); Nootro-
pic (f; X10925408).

Indications (Cinnamon-Vine) — Asthma (f; DAA); Bite (f; DAA); Cachexia (f; DAA); Cough
(f; DAA); Debility (f; DAA); Diarrhea (f; DAA); Dyspepsia (f; DAA); Dysuria (f; DAA); Enterosis
(f; DAA); Enuresis (f; DAA); Hypertonia (f; DAA); Leukorrhea (f; DAA); Neurasthenia (f; DAA);
Night Sweats (f; DAA); Polyuria (f; DAA); Snakebite (f; DAA); Spermatorrhea (f; DAA); Sting
(f; DAA).

Dosages (Cinnamon-Vine) — None found.

Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Cinnamon-Vine) — Not covered (AHP;
KOM; PH2). None found.
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