What is Dalchini?
Cinnamon, known in Ayurveda as Dalchini, isn’t just a tasty spice in your chai or dessert — it’s a powerful medicinal herb with a rich history in healing. Sourced from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree, Dalchini has been treasured for centuries in India, China, and the Middle East for its aromatic warmth and therapeutic value.
In Ayurveda, Dalchini is considered a “digestive fire igniter”, a natural detoxifier, and an herb that balances the body’s internal energies — especially Vata and Kapha doshas.
With modern science validating its benefits — from regulating blood sugar to reducing inflammation — Dalchini is earning a rightful spot in today’s natural wellness toolkit.
Let’s explore the Ayurvedic profile of Dalchini, its traditional uses, health benefits, and simple home remedies you can try right in your kitchen.
Latin Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum / Cinnamomum verum
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Dalchini
- Bengali: Daruchini
- Tamil: Ilavangapattai
- Telugu: Dalchinachekka
- Kannada: Lavangapatte
- Malayalam: Karuvapatta
- Marathi: Dalchini
- Gujarati: Taja
- English : Cinnamon
Sanskrit Names:
Tanutvak, Chocha, Darusita, Varanga, Svadi
Mukhshodhana : Cleanses mouth
Vanpriya : grows wildly in forest
Saimhalam : found in srilanka
Utkata, Bahugandha, Gandhavalka- having good smell
Lataparna, twak patra, swarna bhumika, Ramapriya, Rama Vallabha, Bhringam, Kavach, Shakala, Saihala,
Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Dalchini
Ras
- Madhur (Sweet)
- Katu ( Pungent)
- Tikth ( Bitter)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna(Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
- Teekshna ( Sharp)
Dosha Effect
Balances: Vata and Kapha dosha
May increase: Pitta (if overused) due to its hot potency
Classical Categorization
In Charak Samhita – It is categorized as
- Shirovirechaniya : Group of herb that are used in Nasya.
- Deepaniya: Group of herb useful in improving digestion.
- Sushrut : Eladi gana ( group)
- Vagbhata : Eladi gana( group)
Chaturjatak : It is group of 4 herbs trijatak and nagkeshar.
Health Benefits of Dalchini powder
Is dalchini helpful in improving digestion ?
The hot potency ( ushna virya) of dalchini makes it ideal for improving the Agni( digestive fire) and as a result it is useful in
- Indigestion
- Reducing Bloating and gas
- Digesting Ama ( Toxin)
- Relieving Nausea and Vommiting
Can dalchini reduce blood sugar levels ?
In Ayurveda higher blood sugar levels are resultof imbalance of Kapha dosha. Also because of stress Vata dosha also gets imbalanced. Dalchini has hot potency and sweet taste because of this it helps in balancing kapha-vata dosha. It also improves the insulin sensitivity and promotes carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore it is good for
- Pre- Diabetes people
- Type 2 Diabetes management
- Metabolic syndrome
Can dalchini be used in respiratory problems ?
Respiratory problems are known as Shwas rog in Ayurveda. In shwas roga there is imbalance of Kapha- Vata dosha. Dalchini is a hot potency herb, therefore helps in loosing the kapha (mucus) in the wind pipe and releasing the obstructed vata dosha. It provided relief from
- Asthma
- Cough
- Sinusitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
Supports Heart health
Excess of Kapha dosha and Ama ( toxins) are responsible for high cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood. This cholesterol deposits in the arteries that supply blood to the heart thereby reducing the blood flow to heart. Dalchini helps in reducing the kapha dosha and Ama ( toxins) from the body and improving the blood circulation to heart to make it healthy. So it is useful in
- High cholesterol
- High Triglyceride
- Strengthening Heart function
Actions (Karma) of Dalchini in Ayurveda
Vishapah – Useful in toxic condition
Shiroruk hara– relieves headache
Bastishodhana – cleanses urinary bladder act as diuretic.
Peenasa – useful in rhinitis
Aruchihara – relieves anorexia
Kushtahar – Good for skin diseases
Amavathar : helps in rheumatoid arthritis
Amahara : Relieves Ama(toxins) from the body
Vataj Arsh: Useful in treatment of heamorrhoids.
Kanduhar: Relieves itching
Kanthshuddikar : cleanses, clear throat, improves voice
Kanth vaktra rujahara : relieves throat and oral pain.
Chemical compostion
Dalchini’s health benefits come from its essential oils, polyphenols, and aromatic compounds found in the bark. The major active constituents found in dalchini are
Cinnamadehyde (60 -80%) it is the main bioactive compound and forms 60 to 80 % .
Eugenol (5-10%)
Linalol, Coumarin, Cinnamic acid, tannins, mucilage and polysaccharide, proanthocyanidins ( type A)
How to use Dalchini
Dalchini can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Dalchini churna: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of dalchini powder two times a day with honey or plain water. Take it on a empty stomach.
- Dalchini tea: Take two cup of water add small piece of cinnamon to it and boil till 1 cup water is left. Strain and let it cool. Sip this tea in then morning and evening.
- Part Used : Inner bark
What are the side effects of Dalchini
Like any other Ayurvedic herb dalchini is having many health benefits . However, it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to dalchini they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
Heartburn :
Because of its hot potency it may cause heartburn and increase acidity. Use with caution in People having pitta prakriti ( Body constitution)
May Effect liver health:
Long-term high use of Cassia cinnamon may affect liver health due to coumarin
Precautions
Avoid taking Dalchini if you are taking any blood thinners or have history of bleeding problems.
During breast feeding avoid consuming Dalchini.
Avoid consuming Dalchini during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use Dalchini in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as heartburn and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using dalchini. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use dalchini continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store dalchini in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Dalchini
Cinnamon oil for massages
Ingredients:
2 drops Dalchini essential oil
1 tbsp coconut or sesame oil
Method: Mix and apply on chest ,feet and on parts affected by pain
Relieves pain, cold, sinus congestion, and body aches.
Dalchini for cough
Ingredients:
1/4 tsp Dalchini powder
1 tsp raw honey
Method: Mix and consume twice daily
Great for sore throat, cough, and boosting immunity and weight loss.
Dalchini Tea for boosting digestion
To make the you need following ingredients:
Dalchini – 1 small stick
Ginger – one small piece
Turmeric – one pinch
Water- 2 cups
How to make
Add all the three ingredients in water and boil it till 1 cup water is left. Strain it. Now sip this tea empty stomach in morning.
This helps to improve digestion and also relieve the inflammation.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does devdaru take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly devdaru powder benefits are seen.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Can dalchini be used regularly?
It should not be consumed regularly for long period. However it is best to use it as part of diet in making dishes but not regularly.
In people with dental caries a small piece of dalchini can be chewed daily for few days.
The bark and leaf powder in small quantity is added to fruit juices to improve flavour as well as to boost health benefits of the juice.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains dalchini
Dalchini is one the ingredients in following medicines
Sitopaladi churna: It is one of the ayurvedic medicine which is used to treat cold , cough and anorexia.
Vayu gulika: It is used in abdominal pain, cold, cough rhinitis and bronchitis.
Conclusion
Dalchini is more than a sweet kitchen spice — it’s a time-tested Ayurvedic medicine for digestion, immunity, metabolism, and mental clarity. Whether you’re sipping it in tea or massaging with its oil, this bark holds ancient power in every stick.
As always, honor the herb with awareness. 🌿 Use it intentionally, and it will reward you with warmth, balance, and vitality.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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