Sip Tea with Saba: What's the Tea on Cinnamon?

Cinnamon, this warm, spicy-sweet bark that we sprinkle in our lattes, swirl into baked goods, and dream of at holiday time, is much more than just a comforting kitchen staple. For millennia, it has enchanted cultures, inspired myths, and intrigues scientists as it has been one of the mainstream herbs across various cultures worldwide. Even in today’s world, cinnamon is a strong note in our High Tech Healing, Blissvana herbal tea blend, which supports the reduction of cortisol in the body and supports the body’s stress response. Cinnamon is a bonus to stabilize blood sugar, and it is most definitely one of my best-selling blends year-round. 

Its Origins and the Myth 

So from (the last month of) 2025 (which flew by so quickly), and taking it far back to our oldest records (like with most of the herbs I take these journeys on with you), you guessed it, we are in ancient Egypt around 2000 B.C., where cinnamon was so precious it was reserved for royalty and rituals. The Egyptians used it in embalming to preserve mummies and in other high-level ceremonies. Fast forward to the Classical world, and cinnamon (and its cousin cassia) were used for pagan offerings in temples. But here’s where the story gets mysterious (and pretty funny): for centuries, the true source of cinnamon was hidden. Traders kept the origin secret, spinning wild tales. 

Herodotus and Aristotle claimed giant “cinnamon birds” lived in far-off lands. They would say that these mythical creatures supposedly gathered cinnamon sticks to build their nests on cliff faces. According to the myth, people lured the birds with meat, and when the bird would take the bait and carry it back, their weight caused their nests to fall, making it accessible to harvest all the cinnamon that was used to build their nest. 

The Truth About Cinnamon: Not All Cinnamon is the Same

The truth, however, is that over centuries, real cinnamon came from Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka) and Asia. European powers scrambled for control: the Dutch, Portuguese, and British all wanted pieces of this fragrant treasure; thus began the spice-trade drama that shaped worlds.

Here is where things get botanical (but in a good way). Cinnamon actually refers to several species of the genus Cinnamomum, but the two most common in commerce are Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum, also called “true cinnamon"), and Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia or aromaticum). 

Ceylon Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka and southern India. Its quills are thin, softly layered, and tan-brown. It has a delicate, mildly sweet flavor. Importantly, its essential oil is made up of about 50-63%cinnamaldehyde, which gives it flavor without being overwhelming. Cassia cinnamon comes mainly from China and parts of Southeast Asia. The sticks are thicker, darker, and rougher. Cassia’s essential oil, in contrast, is about 95% cinnamaldehyde, giving it a much stronger, spicier bite. 

There is another major and crucial difference, which is the levels of coumarin. This is a natural compound that can damage the liver if consumed in large amounts. Cassia contains much more coumarin than Ceylon, with one study finding cassia powder has up to 63 times more coumarin than Ceylon, and its sticks have 18 times more. That’s why, for regular or therapeutic use, many people prefer Ceylon cinnamon; it’s safe and gentler. 

It’s Bioactive Compounds

So what makes cinnamon more than just fragrant? Its health effects come from a symphony of bioactive compounds, which include the already mentioned cinnamaldehyde. This is the superstar that gives its signature aroma and many of its biological effects. Another is eugenol, a phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Procyanidins, especially type A polymers, like cinnamtannin B1 that have insulin-mimicking effects. Alongside other polyphenols and flavonoids. 

Insulin, Brain Health, and Cardiovascular Support

These compounds contribute to one of cinnamon’s most studied effects, which is its ability to support healthy blood sugar. In human trials, cinnamon extract (sometimes just water-based, like in a tea) has been shown to improve fasting glucose, insulin levels, and even lipid profiles. 

A landmark study published in PubMed examined participants taking 3g/day of cinnamon for 14 days. At the end, they saw a reduced glucose response during an oral glucose tolerance test, plus improved insulin sensitivity, and when cinnamon was stopped, the effects faded quickly.

Cinnamon doesn’t just talk to metabolic cells; it also whispers to the brain. Researchers have found that cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin can bind to tau protein (the same protein that misbehaves in Alzheimer’s), interfering with its aggregation in vitro, without disrupting tau’s normal function. At a molecular level, these compounds interact with the cysteine residues of tau reversibly. Preclinical animal models add more details. In rats that had this protein present, cinnamon extract reduced the presence of tau and lowered inflammatory cytokines, while protecting neurons and improving memory in maze tests! Another study with mice that showed obesity and insulin resistance found that cinnamon extract enhanced insulin sensitivity in the brain, boosted locomotor activity, and even improved blood glucose control. 

So alongside blood sugar and brain health, cinnamon’s role in cardiovascular health is also very promising. An extensive review concluded that cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid reduced oxidative stress, lowered blood pressure, increased “good” HDL cholesterol, and had mild anti-arrhythmic effects. It also downregulates key inflammatory mediators while protecting the gut from inflammation and oxidative injury. 

Celebration of Spice

So with all the above being stated, cinnamon is more than cozy; it’s a bridge between ancient trade routes and modern science. From mythical bird nests to microscopic proteins, kitchen culture and amazing health benefits. 

Next time you sprinkle a little in your oats, or swirl a bit into your High Tech Healing tea, pause for a moment and appreciate the journey, this humble yet mighty bark has travelled across millennia to provide relevance in your life during this holiday season and year around, and thanks to science, we can pinpoint exactly what the bark is capable of and how it can support your health! 

To try our best seller, visit us at the Downtown Summerlin farmers market (near the Pahrump honey/bread stand), or check us out online for amazing holiday (and year-round) gifts www.hightechhealing.org

The statements in this editorial are simply for informational purposes, entertainment, and objective research and do not represent the views or policies of the publication or any other organization with which the author may be affiliated. They are also not to be viewed as personal medical care, but rather for the purpose of general knowledge. The author is not a medical professional. The reader is strongly encouraged to speak to his/her own physician for medical advice.