The global cinnamon market is estimated to be worth an impressive $1.02 billion as of 2024. This warm and woody spice is used in anything from sweet cakes to soothing teas, and is more than likely squirreled away somewhere in your kitchen cupboards.
With autumn in full swing, now is the perfect time to use cinnamon in everything and anything!
Keep reading, and we'll share the best recipe for brewing cinnamon tea at home (plus other helpful tips and tricks!)
Key Takeaways
- JUMP TO RECIPE ⬇️
- Cinnamon is a spice that became an invaluable commodity in Europe and Asia many centuries ago. It was often used in wellness rituals and beauty treatments, particularly in Jamu practices.
- Cinnamon has myriad health benefits and can help manage blood sugar, fight illness, and soothe the stomach. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can refine and smooth the skin.
- To make cinnamon tea, all you need are Ceylon cinnamon sticks and water. You can add other optional ingredients like honey, lemon juice, or black tea for additional flavor.
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Origin of Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon is native to parts of South Asia, including Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar. Centuries-old trading routes helped bring this soothing spice into other parts of Asia and Europe.
Around 200 AD, Pliny the Elder wrote that cinnamon was more valuable than gold or silver. It eventually became an impressive status symbol in Europe and became the most valuable spice for the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the 17th century.
Cinnamomum zeylanicum dates back to 2800 BC, which was uncovered in ancient Chinese writings. Cinnamon was even used in Ayurvedic and Jamu wellness cultures, and its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a useful remedy for illness or sickness.
Across the globe, this sweet and aromatic spice has been used in wellness rituals, beauty treatments, and flavorful cuisine.
Without a doubt, cinnamon is now a classic staple in American kitchens and cuisine, whether you brew cinnamon tea or bake cinnamon swirl cake.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea has many health benefits that can enhance and empower your day-to-day routine. Especially if you take a holistic approach to wellness, this herbal remedy is a great way to prevent illness, support digestion, and reduce inflammation.
Here are a few key health benefits of cinnamon tea.
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Antioxidant powerhouse: Cinnamon contains an assortment of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the body.
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Manages blood sugar levels: Cinnamon can reduce insulin resistance, lower blood sugar levels, and support healthy digestion.
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Antimicrobial properties: Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent tooth decay and even heal acne. That's why we included it in our Radiance Enzyme Scrub, a powerful three-in-one cleanser and exfoliator that minimizes pores, refines the skin, and smooths texture.
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Supports brain health: Cinnamon can support cognitive function and brain health, and has been shown to inhibit tau aggregation.
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Soothes the stomach: Cinnamon is a flavorful and warm spice that can be used to calm nerves, soothe the senses, and support digestion.
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Fights illness: With cold and flu season closing in, now is the perfect time to brew a hot and steamy cup of cinnamon tea. It can be helpful in preventing and treating illness, including respiratory infections.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love the aromatic and warm flavor profile of cinnamon, then we're sure you'll fall head-over-heels in love with this simple yet effective cinnamon tea recipe.
It requires limited ingredients and minimal effort, making it an effortless addition to your cozy self-care routine. It's also caffeine-free, meaning you can enjoy it morning or night without any downsides (if you use black tea, just keep in mind that your tea may include caffeine.)
What You’ll Need
You only need a couple of key ingredients to brew a cup of homemade cinnamon tea.
You can add other herbs and spices you wish in order to create a more robust and hearty cup of calm.
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Cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon sticks are at the core of cinnamon tea (duh!) It's best to use Ceylon cinnamon, as it has a more mild and delicate flavor that can prevent your tea from becoming bitter or overpowering. Ceylon cinnamon also contains lower levels of a compound called coumarin. If you cannot gather any cinnamon sticks, you can also use powdered cinnamon.
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Water: Use distilled or filtered water to make your cinnamon tea.
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Black tea: Optional. Some cinnamon tea recipes do not call for black tea. However, you can add black tea or green tea to create a more robust flavor. You can use either loose-leaf tea or tea bags (like our Soothing Island Comfort green tea blend.)
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Honey: Optional. You can use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to create a more soothing and delightful cup of cinnamon tea.
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Lemon juice: Optional. Add lemon juice or lime juice to your cup of cinnamon tea to add some zest and tartness.
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Ginger: Optional. Ginger cinnamon tea has additional health benefits and will deepen the flavor profile of your beverage.
How to Make Cinnamon Tea
Making cinnamon tea at home is far easier and quicker than you would assume. Unlike other tea types, practically no preparation is needed. That makes cinnamon tea ideal if you have limited time or energy but still want to relax and indulge.
For a very primitive and basic cup of tea, all you need is a cinnamon stick and water.
Use 1 cup of water for every 1 stick of cinnamon.
- Bring your water to a boil.
- Add cinnamon sticks to your boiling water. Add tea leaves or sliced ginger, if desired.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat. Strain to remove the cinnamon sticks and other optional ingredients like tea leaves or sliced ginger.
- Add other ingredients as preferred, such as honey or lemon juice.
Serve warm or iced, depending on the season.
Warm cinnamon tea is great for cold or flu season, while iced cinnamon tea is best for steamy summer days!
The Bottom Line
If you want to enjoy a cup of calm, cinnamon tea is the perfect way to unwind and indulge. As we dive deeper into autumn, a warm mug of cinnamon tea will keep you healthy, happy, and relaxed.
There's very little this humble spice can't do!
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Frequently Asked Questions: Cinnamon Tea
What is cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a spice that is harvested from the inner bark of several trees.
It's been used in culinary dishes and wellness remedies for thousands of years.
What are the main types of cinnamon?
There is more than one type of cinnamon. There are several varieties of cinnamon, but there are two main categories: cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon.
Cassia cinnamon is a common type of cinnamon that can be easily found at your local grocery stores. These dark brown cinnamon sticks usually come in three varieties: Indonesian, Saigon, and Chinese.
Ceylon cinnamon is known as "true" cinnamon and is a pale brown color. They are more expensive and exclusive but can be tracked down at international markets or some stores. It has a delicate and mild flavor that makes it preferable for making cinnamon tea.
Is it safe to drink cinnamon tea every day?
It is generally safe to drink cinnamon tea every day. However, it is important to drink cinnamon tea in moderation. Cinnamon contains a compound known as coumarin, which is linked to liver toxicity when consumed in large amounts.
There is more coumarin in cassia cinnamon than in Ceylon cinnamon, so try to use Ceylon cinnamon if you'll be drinking cinnamon tea frequently.
Can I reuse cinnamon sticks after making a batch of tea?
Cinnamon sticks lose most of their flavor and aroma after one brewing. It's not recommended to reuse cinnamon sticks, as any subsequent brews will not be nearly as healthy or flavorful. If you don't want to throw out your used cinnamon sticks, simply add them to holiday potpourri.
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