Is Cinnamon the Secret to Lighter, Shorter Periods? Here’s What Researchers Found

Studies have shown that cinnamon may be the secret to lighter, shorter periods and an overall regulated menstrual cycle. How does cinnamon treat your body during your cycle? What is the effect of cinnamon during active bleeding days? How do you use cinnamon safely?


Are you searching for relief outside of birth control that could lighten and shorten your period? It’s no secret that heavy periods are unpleasant and disruptive. They arrive with their posse of unwelcome symptoms every month like clockwork, just to remind you that you’re not pregnant.


Many women experience those dreaded 5 to 7-day stretches when you find yourself at work wishing you were curled up in bed while suffering in silence as you power through your shift like a trooper – wishing your period would just hurry up and end already. Or days when lethargy freezes your energy levels into oblivion. But there is good news! An affordable, everyday spice that you most likely have in your kitchen may help remedy the symptoms of long, heavy periods.

Cinnamon

You’ve read that correctly. The all too common spice that a collective of us keep in our cabinets and spice racks, which we garnish in our teas, coffees, and oatmeal. Believe it or not, this warm spice goes beyond welcoming you to autumn when adding flavor to holiday indulgences.

Here’s How Cinnamon Treats Your Body During Your Cycle

Studies suggest that cinnamon helps ease heavy period symptoms, lighten blood flow, and potentially shorten the number of active bleeding days. This can appear very promising for those who prefer natural and more affordable approaches to treatment.

Because of the spice’s significant anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its powerful antioxidants and compounds that help fight inflammation, cinnamon also comes with its many benefits that will help regulate your menstrual cycle, such as:

• Alleviating pain and PMS symptoms 
• Less bleeding
• Shorter duration of bleeding days
• Overall regulated menstrual cycle

What Research Says

How exactly does this beloved spice operate when it comes to your period?

If you’re wondering if there’s any proof to this phenomenon, here’s what researchers are saying. 

In a clinical study, 38 female students were given placebo pills (inactive starch capsules) to take three times a day, while another group of 38 women took 420 mg of cinnamon per capsule, also three times daily, within 24 hours.

Cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory compounds, such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, help relax your uterine muscles, reducing contractions, thereby reducing pain and cramping. It also has anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties that lessen the intensity of nausea and heavy bleeding.

Researchers tracked both groups of women for pain, nausea, and menstrual flow, measuring how many pads were fully soaked. The tracking began within the first 72 hours of their cycle.

The average amount of menstrual bleeding in the cinnamon group was significantly reduced by 5% compared to less than 0.1% in the placebo group, as measured at various time points throughout the study. 

The cinnamon group also reported reduced vomiting and nausea more than the placebo group, and less pain, scoring 4.1 out of 10 compared to the placebo group’s score of 6.1 out of 10, 24 hours into the study.

The study concluded that cinnamon greatly reduced period symptoms in terms of severity and how long they lasted, compared to a placebo. While cinnamon was not as powerful as ibuprofen, it was still considered a safe and effective natural remedy for alleviating period pain. The study also suggested that cinnamon may help reduce menstrual bleeding; however, more studies are needed to confirm this.

Cinnamon’s Effect On Active Bleeding Days

While cinnamon will not delay your period or stop it altogether, some studies suggest that it may help reduce the number of bleeding days by likely decreasing the volume of blood flow and easing inflammation.


According to the clinical study mentioned above, the women who took cinnamon capsules reported reduced menstrual bleeding and less pain, vomiting, and nausea compared to the placebo group. 


This reduction in flow may be what helps regulate the body during a cycle. It’s important to remember, in this case, that “shortening your period” does not mean skipping or preventing your cycle altogether, but rather reducing heavy bleeding and possibly ending a bit earlier than usual.

How To Use Cinnamon Safely

Some safe ways to add cinnamon to your diet while on your period would be to take its capsules (420 mg) or add it to beverages and meals no more than about 1/6 to 1/4 of a teaspoon (420 mg).

If you have any kind of food allergies or on any medications for lowering blood sugar, it’s best that you check in with your doctor before adding cinnamon to your diet or trying out any new dietary supplements.

The Final Thought

Cinnamon may not replace stronger medications for more severe symptoms but it’s worth giving a try. 

In addition to cinnamon living up to its comforting capabilities, this spice also pairs beautifully with other period-friendly foods and habits. Warm teas like ginger and chamomile, light movement, and magnesium-rich foods (e.g., dark chocolate and dark leafy greens) are also known for their benefits during menstrual cycles — and when combined with cinnamon, they may offer even greater relief.

Cinnamon is a safe and effective, natural remedy you can use to ease heavy period symptoms without any adverse effects, as studies have shown; however, more research is needed. Be sure to keep a record of your own experience or consult with your doctor.

Q & A

Can cinnamon delay my period?

Nope! Cinnamon may help reduce heavy bleeding or inflammation, but it won’t stop or delay your cycle.

Can cinnamon be harmful?

Yes, an overconsumption of cinnamon may come with multiple adverse effects, including liver damage if not taken in moderation or used properly. 

Can I take cinnamon every day?

Yes, you can take cinnamon daily but in moderate doses, such as 420 mg capsules. This amount should only be taken during your menstrual cycle. For everyday use, stick to only food-based amounts. Otherwise, it’s best to consult with your doctor.

Colette Mompoint

Colette Mompoint is a health and fitness writer with a background in personal training and group fitness. She writes for various wellness brands as well as her own fitness blog, where she shares content that empowers women to feel strong, supported, and seen, especially during life’s tougher seasons. When she’s not writing or swinging kettlebells, she’s walking her Pomeranian, Croissant, or sipping a matcha latte while binging telenovelas on Netflix.