Drinking herbal teas is common, and expectant mothers often wonder if spices like cinnamon are safe during pregnancy. While cinnamon is generally safe in small, culinary amounts, consuming it in concentrated forms, such as tea, requires careful consideration. The safety of cinnamon tea depends entirely on the type of cinnamon used and the quantity consumed. Understanding the specific compounds within this spice is necessary to make an informed choice for maternal and fetal health.
The Distinction: Cassia Versus Ceylon
The safety of consuming cinnamon tea is fundamentally tied to the variety of cinnamon bark used. “Cinnamon” typically refers to two main types: Cassia and Ceylon, which have vastly different chemical profiles. Cassia cinnamon, the variety most commonly found in grocery stores, contains high levels of a naturally occurring compound called coumarin.
Coumarin is the primary source of concern regarding toxicity, as high intake has been linked to liver damage in both animal and human studies. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for coumarin at 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Cassia cinnamon can contain coumarin levels up to 7,000 milligrams per kilogram, meaning small amounts can easily exceed the TDI for a pregnant woman.
In contrast, Ceylon cinnamon, often called “true cinnamon,” contains only trace amounts of coumarin, sometimes up to 350 times less than Cassia varieties. This difference makes Ceylon cinnamon the preferred and safer choice for regular consumption, including in tea, especially during pregnancy. When purchasing cinnamon or cinnamon tea, look for the “Ceylon” or “true cinnamon” label to avoid the coumarin-rich Cassia type.
Potential Physiological Concerns During Pregnancy
Beyond the concern of coumarin-induced liver toxicity, high consumption of cinnamon, particularly Cassia, introduces other physiological considerations. The risk of liver damage from coumarin is heightened during pregnancy when the body is already under increased metabolic stress. Regularly exceeding the tolerable daily intake of coumarin can cause abnormal liver biology, which represents an unnecessary risk.
Another concern surrounding concentrated cinnamon consumption is its potential to act as an emmenagogue. Emmenagogues are substances believed to stimulate blood flow in the pelvis and uterus, which could theoretically stimulate uterine contractions. This risk is primarily associated with very high, medicinal doses found in extracts or supplements, but it warrants caution with any concentrated form, like a strong tea.
High concentrations of cinnamon also possess mild anticoagulant properties, meaning they can thin the blood. While moderate tea consumption is unlikely to cause a problem, excessive intake could become a concern late in pregnancy due to the potential for increased bleeding risk. Furthermore, cinnamon has blood sugar lowering effects, requiring caution for pregnant women managing gestational diabetes or other blood sugar issues.
Safe Consumption Guidelines
For pregnant women who wish to enjoy cinnamon tea, the most important guideline is to exclusively use Ceylon cinnamon. This variety is explicitly labeled as “true cinnamon,” and its negligible coumarin content minimizes the risk of exceeding the safe daily intake. Moderate consumption is defined as no more than one cup of tea daily, especially if prepared with typical culinary amounts, such as less than one teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Pregnant women should strictly avoid all high-dose cinnamon products, including concentrated extracts, essential oils, and supplements, as these forms present the highest risk of adverse effects. The concentration of active compounds in these products can easily surpass safe limits. Because commercial cinnamon products often do not specify the variety, it is safest to assume that any unlabeled product is the higher-risk Cassia type.
Before introducing cinnamon tea or any other herbal remedy during pregnancy, consulting with a healthcare provider is necessary. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on the individual’s medical history and current health status. Adhering to these guidelines allows for the moderate enjoyment of cinnamon tea while prioritizing safety.