Why is Cinnamon an Effective Alternative to Treat Seasonal Allergies?

Most people with allergies want immediate relief from their symptoms and turn to a wide range of nasal sprays, eye drops, tablets, inhalation sprays, or conventional medicine syringes. All these products promise rapid relief from symptoms only and possess unpleasant side effects.

The main reason for this is the ingredients that make up these drugs, usually a mixture of antihistamines, adrenaline, and immunosuppressants. Unfortunately, all of these medications only treat symptoms and completely ignore the cause of the allergic reaction.

Moreover, antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestant medications, and other over-the-counter medications counteract the effects of histamines produced by the body.

The most common side effects include:

Drowsiness
Decreased performance
Dry Eyes, Nose and Mouth
Concern
Stomach Pain
Nausea
Palpitations

On the other hand, cinnamon has a pleasant and exotic aroma and represents a natural and effective alternative to conventional antiallergics for the management of seasonal allergies. (1)

Cinnamon Properties

Aromatic essential oil makes up to 2.5% of its composition. The majority of compounds are cinnamaldehyde (65-70%), eugenol, and cinnamyl alcohol.

A smaller proportion is trans-cinnamic acid, hydroxycinnamic aldehyde, o-methoxy cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamic acetate, and the terpenes linalool and diterpene, as well as tannins, beta-carotenes, mucilage and proanthocyanins, coumarins, minerals, and vitamins A, C, and group B. These components’ synergistic action provides an invigorating, appetite-stimulating, healing, antispasmodic, antiseptic, and antiviral effect.

These substances are responsible for the incredible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cinnamon. Several studies have shown that cinnamon has powerful antioxidant capabilities, surpassing popular superfoods like turmeric, elderberries, and blueberries.

Cinnamon: A Natural Treatment for Seasonal Allergies

The antioxidant properties of cinnamon are involved in the immune process triggered by allergens, decreasing the synthesis of inflammatory cells and mast cells’ degranulation. These mast cells are direct mediators of allergic processes, additionally possessing antiviral and antibacterial properties that help decrease the possibility of colds and infections during allergy seasons. Cinnamon also acts as a mast cell stabilizer and causes the body’s mast cells to release less histamine and other inflammatory substances despite being activated by immunoglobulin E. Therefore, the allergic reaction is weaker and may even fail. (2)

Cinnamon also has an excellent effect on the digestive system, decreasing pathogenic microorganisms and strengthening the intestinal flora. The gut microbiota is closely linked to the immune system’s performance, and the vitamins and antioxidants contained in the cinnamon protect cells against the action of free radicals, thus improving the cellular response to pathogens from the outside, such as allergens. It is currently primarily used as an anti-inflammatory, cognitive function stimulant, and metabolism regulator. (3)

The latest studies are inclined towards less invasive and more natural solutions to manage recurrent allergic episodes better as the side effects of conventional medications also hinder the quality of life of people with allergies. Current studies show that combining natural substances such as cinnamon and honey is potentially effective at treating allergies. Honey also has an excellent effect on controlling atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, among others, due to its bioactive substances. (4)