Benefits of Cinnamon and Honey for Arthritis

Honey and cinnamon are typically known as sweet additions to recipes and warm beverages, but they may offer more than just great taste. Because honey and cinnamon have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, they may also be able to help people with arthritis.

Benefits for Arthritis Patients

Throughout history and still today, cinnamon has been considered a remedy for many ailments. It is used to relieve high blood pressure, toothache, arthritis, and more. Honey has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and is known to have a number of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. Research also shows that honey may have some anti-inflammatory properties.

Honey and cinnamon are also used in Ayurvedic practices for items such as weight loss and indigestion. Ayurveda, which means “knowledge of life," believes in aligning balance within the mind, body, and spirit. It also follows the principle that disease is based on an imbalance in the body, stress, or the consciousness of the individual.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that is sweet and has a lot of ingredients that are known to help your overall health. This spice has many nutrients such as fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and more. With its antioxidant properties—such as cinnamaldehyde and cinematic acid—it is known to inhibit cell damage in the body.

Cinnamon is also known to help patients with arthritis due to its heavy antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has found that cinnamon has the highest antioxidant activity among 26 spices. Some of the antioxidant properties in cinnamon bark include:

• Procyanidin: This is also commonly found in fruits and vegetables such as berries, oranges, grapes, pineapples, carrots, eggplant, and nuts such as cashews, almonds, and walnuts. Procyanidins also have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Catechin: This helps prevent cell damage due to its antioxidant properties. Research has also shown that this property can also inhibit cartilage breakdown in the body.

In addition, studies show that the numerous flavonoid compounds in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties.

Honey

Honey is a natural product that has been used since ancient times for its nutritional and medicinal purposes. Honey has also been described as an alternative treatment for clinical conditions.

The main antioxidant properties in honey are flavonoids and polyphenols. These two properties have compounds that exert anti-inflammatory effects in honey. A study found that honey does have an anti-inflammatory effect and can be used to treat chronic and acute inflammation.

Along with honey, apple cider vinegar is another popular item for multi-purpose use including treating some health ailments. Taken orally and used topically, there is not enough research to show that apple cider vinegar can help with arthritis. 

Risks and Side Effects

Although cinnamon and honey are both known to help with arthritis there are some risks. Honey can cause weight gain due to the calories and sugar. It is also known to cause a blood sugar spike. Cassia cinnamon (most common in American markets, compared to Ceylon cinnamon which is found internationally) contains coumarin and can cause both liver and kidney damage when consumed in large quantities. 

Preparation

There are many ways to incorporate honey and cinnamon into your diet and lifestyle. Adding it to oatmeal, teas, or smoothies are a great option. Cinnamon and honey are also great additions to recipes for lunch, dinner, and snacks.

A Word From Verywell

Honey and cinnamon are used for many purposes. Whether it is added in a tea or in a recipe, these are some known staples in households. There is also research regarding their medicinal purposes and benefits. If you are thinking about trying additional treatments to help arthritis, whether natural remedies, medication, or ointments, it is important to follow guidelines and suggestions from a healthcare professional. They can help you make the right decision.