Can cinnamon be steeped in water for drinking?

Generally speaking, cinnamon can be consumed as an infusion, but it should be taken in moderation. A detailed explanation is as follows:

Cinnamon is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing various components such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, and cinnamyl acetate. It has functions including enhancing fire to support yang energy, dispersing cold to relieve pain. Drinking cinnamon infusion can warm the body, alleviate symptoms caused by cold invasion, such as abdominal pain, joint pain, and dysmenorrhea. Additionally, it helps replenish yang energy within the body and improve symptoms such as kidney yang deficiency, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, and cold limbs with aversion to cold.

However, it must be consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption of cinnamon tea may cause heatiness, leading to symptoms like mouth ulcers, dizziness, dry mouth, and coughing. Patients with heat-related illnesses or internal heat due to yin deficiency should avoid using cinnamon, as it may worsen their conditions. Pregnant women should also use cinnamon cautiously to avoid potential adverse effects on the fetus. During consumption of cinnamon tea, avoid eating foods such as mung beans, radishes, and crabs simultaneously, as these may interfere with cinnamon's medicinal effects.

To ensure safety, individuals—especially those with special health conditions—are advised to consult a physician or nutrition expert before starting any new dietary habit. Drinking cinnamon tea in moderation allows one to enjoy its health benefits while avoiding potential side effects. Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in appropriate physical activity in daily life also contribute to maintaining overall health.