A few days ago, My wife loved the fragrance of scented candles and incense sticks and heard from someone that the scent of burning cinnamon is very nice. But before burning cinnamon, she asked me is burning cinnamon toxic?
I didn’t know the answer at that moment but after some research, I found some amazing information about is burning cinnamon toxic or not.
The topic of the toxicity of cinnamon arises from some studies done on the potential damage of inhaling large amounts of cinnamon powder or oil caused to human health.
What is Cinnamon?
Before knowing is burning cinnamon toxic we need to know what is cinnamon, so Cinnamon is the bark of a tree derived from a tree called the Cinnamomum genus.
In many countries, cinnamon is used for cooking, medicine, and fragrance in foods.
Cinnamon has a rich history and has different properties than other spices.
Cinnamon contains several beneficial compounds, including cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and cinnamic acid. Helps enhance the flavors of the food, enhances the fragrance of the food, and also has health benefits.
Is Burning Cinnamon Toxic?
Yes, burning cinnamon sticks can be toxic and harmful to health. InFact inhaling cinnamon powder in large amounts or for a long period can be dangerous to health.
The main concern stems from coumarin, a compound found in cinnamon.
Inhaling cinnamon powder or burning cinnamon can irritate and inflame the respiratory system leading to health issues like sneezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing.
Cinnamon Allergies and Sensitivities
Exposure to Cinnamon is safe for most individuals but still, it is important to be aware of the allergies and sensitivities caused by cinnamon.
Only 2 percent of people are allergic to cinnamon, these individuals may experience allergic reactions like skin rashes or respiratory issues when exposed to cinnamon or feel sick for some days.
If you notice any symptoms inside your body, then keep your distance and avoid cinnamon as much as possible.
Safety Concerns
Some studies show there are some bad effects on your body because of inhaling large amounts of cinnamon powder or burning cinnamon.
But there are also mentioned when used responsibly and in moderation, the risk of cinnamon toxicity from burning cinnamon is very low.
The main solution is to ensure proper ventilation in your room and avoid overexposing yourself to the smoke produced by burning cinnamon.
Symptoms of Cinnamon Toxicity
- Liver damage(very rare): Abdominal pain, changes in urine, and Jaundice.
- Oral and throat irritation: Difficulty swallowing, Burning sensations.
- Gastrointestinal issues: vomiting, diarrhea, and Nausea.
- Allergic reactions: rashes, difficulty breathing, swelling, hives and Itching.
- Low blood sugar: confusion, weakness, Dizziness and sweating.
Precautions while using burning Cinnamon
To safely enjoy the benefits of burning cinnamon, it is crucial to follow a few precautions are as follows:
- Avoid direct inhalation of smoke that comes from burning cinnamon, excessive inhalation can affect your respiratory system.
- Provide proper ventilation in a place where the burning cinnamon is placed by opening the windows or some other ways to ventilate the room.
- Lastly, always prefer to buy good quality cinnamon products from reputable retailers and avoid inferior quality cinnamon products which can be harmful to health.
FAQs
Is cinnamon smoke harmful?
Normally, cinnamon smoke is not considered harmful but for some people, it might be because of excessive inhalation of smoke inside of respiratory system.
Can you burn cinnamon as incense?
Yes, cinnamon can be burned as incense. It is commonly used to enhance the surrounding environment’s fragrance.
Is it okay to breathe in cinnamon?
Yes, It is okay to breathe in cinnamon if you like its fragrance but it should be in a small amount, excessive inhaling of cinnamon can irritate your respiratory system.