Cinnamon (Camphor, Hon-Sho)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Cinnamonum camphora
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Leaves
Roots
Chemicals this herb contains:
Camphor oil
Cineol
Cinnamaldehyde
Fatty acids
Gum (See Glossary)
Limonene
Mannitol
Safrole
Tannins (See Glossary)
Oils

KNOWN EFFECTS

Aids in expelling gas from intestinal tract. Shrinks tissues. Prevents secretion of fluids. Provides flavor. Safrole is a possible carcinogen. Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.

Miscellaneous information:
Sometimes cinnamon is mixed with marijuana then smoked. Used as placticizer to make celluloid, explosives and other chemicals.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

None

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweight any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated dangerous, particularly in children, persons over 55 and
those who take larger than appropriate quantities for extended
periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS