Evidence supporting the use of: Cinnamon
For the health condition: PMS Type C

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cinnamon has been traditionally used in various cultures to address menstrual and premenstrual symptoms, including those associated with PMS Type C (characterized by cravings, especially for sweets and carbohydrates, and symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and hypoglycemia). Historical records from traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often recommend cinnamon for menstrual regulation and to help alleviate discomfort related to the menstrual cycle.

The rationale for using cinnamon in PMS Type C primarily stems from its purported ability to help balance blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains bioactive compounds, such as cinnamaldehyde, which have demonstrated some capacity to enhance insulin sensitivity and modulate glucose metabolism in both animal and limited human studies. As PMS Type C is often associated with cravings and possible blood sugar fluctuations, cinnamon’s traditional use may be justified by its effects on stabilizing blood sugar.

However, scientific evidence specifically targeting cinnamon’s efficacy for PMS Type C is minimal. While some small-scale studies suggest cinnamon may reduce overall menstrual pain and bleeding, robust clinical trials for its use in alleviating PMS carbohydrate cravings or related symptoms are lacking. Most support for this application remains traditional rather than evidence-based, and any benefits are extrapolated from cinnamon’s general metabolic effects rather than direct PMS research.

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