Question:
What are some of the common symptoms of a cinnamon allergy or food
sensitivity? I am beginning to suspect that a reaction to cinnamon (as in cinnamon rolls)
may be causing me to have flu-like symptoms.
I've found cinnamon is listed among the top causes of allergic reactions and
food sensitivities. However, I haven't been able to find a list of common
symptoms that may indicate a cinnamon reaction.
Answer:
Each person is unique so they can have just about any symptom from any
allergy/sensitivity. The same allergen can cause different symptoms in
different folks. Some common symptoms are congestion, rashes, hives, respiratory problems,
headaches, fatigue, emotional/behavioral symptoms, digestive problems,
sneezing, eye problems, etc.
I have had to avoid it (and many other spices) most of my life (since gall
bladder was removed) and have known others who have same
problems...gastro/flu-like symptoms. Even if you still have your gall bladder
intact, perhaps it is some "interplay" because your general "gastro" health and
inability to tolerate some spices.
Used plant part
Stem bark.
Cinnamon leaves may serve as a substitute for
Indian bay leaves.
Plant family
Lauraceae (laurel family).
Sensoric quality
Strongly aromatic, sweet, pleasant, warm and but
faintly bitter.
Main constituents
The essential oil (max. 4%) is dominated by the two
phenylpropanes cinnamic aldehyd
(3-phenyl-acrolein, 65 to 75%) and eugenol
(4-(1-propene-3-yl)-2-methoxy-phenol, 5 to 10%).
Other phenylpropanes (safrol, cinnamic acid esters),
mono- and sesquiterpenes, although occurring only
in traces, do significantly influence the taste of
cinnamon. The slime content of the bark is rather
low (3%).
