The low-coumarin one
Ceylon cinnamon powder or extract
Has very little coumarin (a compound that can strain the liver), so it's the safer choice for regular use.
Good for: Blood sugar
What variations of cinnamon exist?
A common kitchen spice studied for blood sugar after meals. Cassia, the most common type, contains coumarin, which can harm the liver in large amounts. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The low-coumarin one
Ceylon cinnamon powder or extract
Has very little coumarin (a compound that can strain the liver), so it's the safer choice for regular use.
Good for: Blood sugar
The studied extract
Water extract of cassia
Made with water, which leaves most of the coumarin behind. Used in several blood sugar studies.
Good for: Blood sugar
Usually skip
- Hard on the liver (Cassia powder in large daily amounts)Cassia is high in coumarin. A teaspoon or more a day can strain your liver over time.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Ceylon cinnamon powder or extract' on the label (the low-coumarin one)
Watch out for
- Doesn't say which type of cinnamon (Ceylon or cassia)
- Lots of cassia powder with no mention of coumarin, the part that can strain the liver
Check with your provider first if…
- You have liver disease, or take medicines that can affect the liver. Cassia's coumarin can harm the liver in large amounts.
- You take diabetes medicine (your blood sugar could drop too low)
- You take a blood thinner. Ask your provider first.
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding: cinnamon in food is fine, but ask before taking supplements
- You're allergic to cinnamon, which can cause mouth sores or a rash
In the Lesher Wellness store
One product in the store has cinnamon. Here's which form, where the label says.
Medical Disclaimer
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Vitanica
OvaBlend (PCOS Blend)
500 mg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.