Cravings.
Energy crashes.
PMS symptoms.
Irregular cycles.

These are often not random.

They are frequently linked to:

• blood sugar instability
• insulin resistance
• inflammation
• hormonal signaling

One simple, everyday spice that may support all of these is
Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon).

What Is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is the inner bark of trees from the Cinnamomum genus.

It has been used for:

• over 4,000 years
• both as a spice and medicinal plant

There are two main types:

Types of Cinnamon

1. Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon)
   
   • softer, sweeter taste
   • lower coumarin (safer)
2. Cassia cinnamon
   
   • stronger flavor
   • higher coumarin content (can stress liver in high doses)

Best quality choice:
Ceylon cinnamon (especially for regular use)

Active Compounds in Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains several bioactive compounds:

• Cinnamaldehyde → main active compound
• Procyanidins & polyphenols
• Cinnamic acid
• Eugenol

These compounds are responsible for its:

• metabolic
• anti-inflammatory
• antimicrobial effects

(Ranasinghe et al., 2013)

How Does Cinnamon Work in the Body?

Cinnamon is especially powerful in metabolic and hormonal regulation.

1. Improves Insulin Sensitivity

Cinnamon helps cells respond better to insulin by:

• increasing insulin receptor activity
• enhancing glucose uptake (GLUT-4 transporters)
• improving signaling pathways

Result:

• more stable blood sugar
• fewer spikes and crashes

(Medagama, 2015; Akilen et al., 2012)

2. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Cinnamon may:

• slow carbohydrate digestion
• reduce post-meal glucose spikes
• influence liver glucose production

Especially relevant for:

• PCOS
• metabolic-related hormonal imbalance

(Medagama, 2015; Akilen et al., 2012)

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Cinnamon reduces inflammatory signaling pathways in the body.

Important because:

• inflammation disrupts hormonal balance

(Shen et al., 2012)

4. Antioxidant Protection

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants that:

• neutralize free radicals
• protect cells from damage

Supporting overall metabolic health

(Ranasinghe et al., 2013)

5. Supports Hormonal Balance (Indirectly)

Cinnamon does not directly regulate hormones.

Instead, it:

• stabilizes blood sugar
• reduces inflammation
• improves metabolic function

This creates a more stable internal environment for hormones

(Qin et al., 2010)

Is Cinnamon a Spice or Herb?

Both.

• everyday spice
• functional medicinal plant

How to Use Cinnamon

Daily Use

• add to meals, drinks, porridge, smoothies

Cinnamon Tea

• ½–1 teaspoon cinnamon
• hot water
• steep 10 minutes

How Much Can You Consume?

• ½–1 teaspoon/day
• up to ~2 g/day

Clinical studies used:

• 500 mg – 6 g/day

(Akilen et al., 2012)

How Long Can You Use It?

• safe long-term in moderate amounts
• higher doses → use in cycles

Safety Considerations

Coumarin Content (Important)

Cassia cinnamon contains higher levels of coumarin, which:

• may affect liver health in high doses

Prefer:
Ceylon cinnamon

Possible Interactions

• blood sugar medication
• blood thinners
• liver-metabolized drugs

Consult doctor/pharmacist if on medication

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A Holistic Approach to Hormonal Balance

Cinnamon supports:

• metabolism
• blood sugar
• inflammation

But hormonal balance also depends on physical processes.

The Aviva Method supports:

• pelvic circulation
• hormonal gland stimulation
• nervous system balance

Why This Combination Works

• Cinnamon → metabolic stability
• Movement → circulation + signaling

Together:
they support hormonal balance from multiple directions.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon is simple—but powerful.

It supports your body by:

• stabilizing blood sugar
• reducing inflammation
• improving metabolic function

And through this, it may support hormonal balance.

References

Akilen, R., Tsiami, A., Devendra, D., & Robinson, N. (2012).
Glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon in multi-ethnic type 2 diabetic patients. Clinical Nutrition, 31(4), 609–615.

Anderson, R. A., Broadhurst, C. L., Polansky, M. M., Schmidt, W. F., Khan, A., Flanagan, V. P., … Graves, D. J. (2004).
Isolation and characterization of polyphenol type-A polymers from cinnamon with insulin-like biological activity. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 52(1), 65–70.

Hlebowicz, J., Darwiche, G., Björgell, O., & Almér, L. O. (2007).
Effect of cinnamon on postprandial blood glucose, gastric emptying, and satiety. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(6), 1552–1556.

Medagama, A. B. (2015).
The glycaemic outcomes of cinnamon: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Journal, 14, 108.

Qin, B., Panickar, K. S., & Anderson, R. A. (2010).
Cinnamon: Potential role in the prevention of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 4(3), 685–693.

Ranasinghe, P., Pigera, S., Premakumara, G., Galappaththy, P., Constantine, G., & Katulanda, P. (2013).
Medicinal properties of ‘true’ cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 13, 275.

Shen, Y., Honma, N., Kobayashi, K., Jia, L. N., Hosono, T., Shindo, K., … Seki, T. (2012).
Cinnamon extract enhances glucose uptake in adipocytes. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2(2), 149–156.

Mang, B., Wolters, M., Schmitt, B., Kelb, K., Lichtinghagen, R., Stichtenoth, D. O., & Hahn, A. (2006).
Effects of a cinnamon extract on plasma glucose, HbA1c, and serum lipids in diabetes mellitus type 2. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 36(5), 340–344.

Khan, A., Safdar, M., Ali Khan, M. M., Khattak, K. N., & Anderson, R. A. (2003).
Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 26(12), 3215–3218.