From the Guidelines
Cinnamon bark is not recommended as a primary treatment for allergies due to insufficient clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for this purpose. While some laboratory studies suggest cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that might theoretically help with allergy symptoms, the most recent and highest quality studies do not support its use for allergies 1. If you're experiencing allergies, it's better to use proven treatments like antihistamines (such as loratadine, cetirizine, or diphenhydramine), nasal corticosteroids (like fluticasone or mometasone), or decongestants (pseudoephedrine) depending on your symptoms, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. These medications directly target the histamine response or inflammation causing your allergy symptoms.
Key Considerations
- Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment option for allergic rhinitis, which can modify the natural history of the disease and provide long-term benefits 1.
- Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are both considered safe and effective, but have differences in associated risks and benefits, including efficacy, convenience, and cost 1.
- Patients should discuss the available options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
Important Notes
- Cinnamon can cause allergic reactions in some people and may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners and diabetes medications, as noted in a study on nutrition therapy recommendations for diabetes management 1.
- Cinnamon contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde that have shown anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory settings, but these effects haven't been conclusively demonstrated to relieve allergy symptoms in humans.
Treatment Options
- Antihistamines: loratadine, cetirizine, or diphenhydramine
- Nasal corticosteroids: fluticasone or mometasone
- Decongestants: pseudoephedrine
- Allergen immunotherapy: SCIT or SLIT
From the Research
Cinnamon Bark for Allergies
- Cinnamon bark has been used as an alternative product to treat allergic rhinitis, along with other methods such as tea therapy, acupuncture, and Nigella sativa 2.
- A study found that occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cinnamon, including airborne exposure, can occur, and cinnamal is possibly the main allergen in cinnamon 3.
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a nasal spray containing a standardized extract of cinnamon bark reduced symptom severity and improved quality of life in participants with seasonal allergic rhinitis 4.
- Cinnamon has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, which may be beneficial in treating allergic conditions 5.
- While antihistamines are a mainstay treatment for allergic conditions, there is limited research on the use of cinnamon bark as a treatment for allergies, and more studies are needed to fully understand its potential benefits 6.
Potential Benefits and Risks
- The use of cinnamon bark may have potential benefits in reducing symptom severity and improving quality of life in individuals with seasonal allergic rhinitis 4.
- However, occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cinnamon can occur, and individuals with allergies should be cautious when using cinnamon bark 3.
- More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using cinnamon bark as a treatment for allergies.
Comparison to Other Treatments
- Antihistamines are a common treatment for allergic conditions, and evidence has shown that they are effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life 6.
- Cinnamon bark may be a potential alternative or complementary treatment to antihistamines, but more research is needed to compare its effectiveness and safety to other treatments 2, 4.