Many individuals wonder if cinnamon can be taken with blood thinners. It is important to understand how dietary choices, even common spices, might affect medications, especially those that manage blood clotting. Awareness of these potential interactions helps maintain health while using prescription drugs.
Cinnamon’s Natural Blood-Thinning Properties
Cinnamon contains coumarin, a natural chemical compound known for its anticoagulant properties. Coumarin acts as a blood thinner by interfering with the blood clotting process. Warfarin, a commonly prescribed blood thinner, is derived from coumarin.
There are two main types of cinnamon: Cassia and Ceylon. Cassia cinnamon, the variety most commonly found in grocery stores, contains significantly higher levels of coumarin. Ceylon cinnamon, often called “true cinnamon,” has only trace amounts, typically around 0.004% compared to Cassia’s 0.4% to 1.2%. This difference makes Cassia cinnamon a greater concern for potential blood-thinning effects.
The Danger of Interactions with Prescription Blood Thinners
Combining cinnamon, particularly Cassia, with prescription blood thinners can significantly increase the risk of bleeding. This heightened risk occurs because coumarin in cinnamon adds to the medication’s anticoagulant effect, potentially leading to excessive blood thinning. A case report detailed a fatal gastrointestinal hemorrhage in an 80-year-old man taking dabigatran, a direct oral anticoagulant, after consuming a ginger and cinnamon mixture.
Common prescription blood thinners that can interact with cinnamon include Warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), and dabigatran (Pradaxa). Signs of excessive bleeding can include unusual bruising, prolonged nosebleeds lasting over 10 minutes, bleeding gums, or blood in urine or stool.
Women might experience heavier or increased menstrual bleeding. More severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include vomiting blood, coughing up blood, sudden severe back pain, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
Safe Practices and When to Seek Medical Guidance
Given the potential for increased bleeding, consult a healthcare professional before consuming cinnamon, especially in larger amounts or as a supplement, if you are taking blood thinners. Your doctor can assess your individual risk and provide guidance on safe consumption levels, or advise against it entirely. This is important because Cassia cinnamon’s coumarin content can vary, making it difficult to gauge the exact amount consumed.
While Ceylon cinnamon contains very low levels of coumarin and is generally considered safer, caution is still warranted due to individual sensitivities. If you use cinnamon, monitor for any signs of increased bleeding, such as easy bruising or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts. Should concerning symptoms like unusual bleeding, severe headaches, or dizziness occur, seek immediate medical attention.