Cinnamon (Shing Tsha)
Cinnamomum verum
About Cinnamon (Shing Tsha)
Cinnamon (Shing Tsha) (Cinnamomum verum) is a herb used in the Tibetan Medicine tradition to help with Diabetes, Circulation, Digestive Issues, and Arthritis. The bark is the part traditionally used, taken internally.
Botanical background
Cinnamomum verum, called true cinnamon tree or Ceylon cinnamon tree is a small evergreen tree belonging to the family Lauraceae, native to Sri Lanka. Among other species, its inner bark is used to make cinnamon.
Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Cinnamon (Shing Tsha) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Cinnamon (Shing Tsha) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Cinnamon (Shing Tsha) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Topical / Poultice
- Mash fresh Cinnamon (Shing Tsha) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
Infused Oil
- Fill a jar with dried Cinnamon (Shing Tsha).
- Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
- Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
- Use topically or as a salve base.
Herbal Bath
- Brew 4–6 tbsp of Cinnamon (Shing Tsha) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
Pregnancy
Use CautionCulinary seasoning amounts (especially true Ceylon cinnamon) are considered safe; medicinal/concentrated doses of Cassia cinnamon are best limited due to coumarin content, which in large amounts may affect the liver and has a mild blood-thinning reputation.
Breastfeeding
Likely SafeNormal culinary use is considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Children
Likely SafeCulinary amounts are fine for children; avoid concentrated supplements and be aware Cassia cinnamon's coumarin content adds up with regular heavy use.
Contraindications
- Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
- Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely
Warnings
⛔ Diabetes Medications
May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.
⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications
May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
Diabetes medications
Cassia cinnamon may lower blood sugar; monitor glucose closely with regular high-dose use.
Liver-metabolized medications
High-dose cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, a liver-stressing compound.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, northern India
Climate
High-altitude alpine
Habitat
Alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and valleys above 3,000 m in the Himalayan region
🌿 To see Cinnamon (Shing Tsha) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
- Farmers markets with herb vendors
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Cinnamon (Shing Tsha), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.