Cinnamon Toxins: Understanding Coumarin & Safe Consumption

Cinnamon is a common spice whose health benefits have been acknowledged for hundreds of years. Cinnamon is anti-microbial as it kills fungi and bacteria. It is also very effective in regulating blood sugar levels and can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Despite the overwhelming health benefits of cinnamon, you should be cautious in your consumption because one type of cinnamon contains a toxin that interferes with blood clotting. This toxin, coumarin, is present in high amounts in cassia, the type of cinnamon most commonly sold in the United States. Coumarin, however, is not present in cinnamon extract. Make your own cinnamon extract following these simple instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Cinnamon sticks
• Alcohol - rum or vodka
• Glass jar with a cover

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Instructions

• 1

  Place the cinnamon sticks in a glass jar and fill the jar with the alcohol of your choice. Vodka is a good choice because it is largely flavorless. Rum is nice because the taste complements the cinnamon. Whichever alcohol you choose, be sure that the cinnamon sticks are completely immersed in the liquid.

• 2

  Gently stir the contents.

• 3

  Place the jar in an out-of-the way place and let it sit. After one week, you will have a weak cinnamon extract. For stronger flavors, wait 3 to 4 months.