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Velvet Digest

What happens if you eat a tablespoon of cinnamon?

Author

Christopher Snyder

Updated on April 05, 2026

The challenge is difficult and carries substantial health risks because the cinnamon coats and dries the mouth and throat, resulting in coughing, gagging, vomiting, and inhalation of cinnamon, leading to throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and risk of pneumonia or a collapsed lung.

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In this manner, is it possible to swallow a tablespoon of cinnamon?

A person takes one tablespoon of cinnamon and tries to swallow it within 60 seconds. While it seems relatively simple, videos all over the web show people attempting the stunt, coughing up clouds of reddish-brown dust for viewers' amusement. But, doctors caution that this seemingly harmless "challenge" could be deadly.

Beside above, can you swallow cinnamon itself? If I were to really strip it down to its most rudimentary elements: A person tries to swallow a spoonful of dry cinnamon and then feels terrible physically and emotionally. Actually, well, that's all it is. Some people are able to swallow the cinnamon without looking like they want to die. Most are not.

Regarding this, is eating a spoonful of cinnamon bad for you?

While Cassia cinnamon is safe to eat in small to moderate amounts, eating too much may cause health problems because it contains high amounts of a compound called coumarin. Research has found that eating too much coumarin may harm your liver and increase the risk of cancer ( 3 , 4, 5 ).

How much cinnamon should you eat a day?

Because cinnamon is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. Some recommend 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) of powder a day. Some studies have used between 1 gram and 6 grams of cinnamon. Very high doses may be toxic.

Related Question Answers

Has anyone died doing the cinnamon challenge?

A coroner, who says cinnamon asphyxiation is surprisingly common, adds some of the powder made its way into Matthew's lungs. Though this was no cinnamon challenge, Brianna says her son's death should be a caution to those attempting to swallow a dry spoonful of cinnamon powder. "Cinnamon can kill," Rader says.

Can Cinnamon Challenge kill you?

Health dangers The stunt can be dangerous, as there is a risk of gagging or choking on the cinnamon, especially if it forms a clump and clogs one's airways. Accidental inhalation of cinnamon can seriously damage the lungs by causing inflammation and leading to infection.

Is cinnamon toxic to humans?

Cinnamon Side Effects Some people are allergic to it. It might cause redness and irritation if you put it on your skin. Toxicity. Eating lots of cassia cinnamon could be toxic, especially if you have liver problems.

What does Cinnamon do for health?

At the end of the day, cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet. It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors and has a plethora of other impressive health benefits. Just make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon or stick to small doses if you're using the Cassia variety.

Is drinking cinnamon tea bad for you?

However, such large amounts of cinnamon may contain dangerously high amounts of coumarin. When consumed in excess, this natural compound may increase the risk of bleeding and cause or worsen liver disease ( 9 , 20 ).

Can you taste cinnamon?

And then there's the taste. Ceylon cinnamon's flavor and aroma are extremely mild and delicate—it definitely reads as "cinnamon," but with subtle, almost floral notes in there. Some people will tell you that that cassia cinnamon is "fake" cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon is real cinnamon.

What is cinnamon made from?

Cinnamomum

Is cinnamon bad for throat?

Cinnamon is a fragrant and delicious spice that's high in antioxidants and provides antibacterial benefits (12). It's a traditional remedy for colds and flus and is used in Chinese medicine to ease sore throat pain. You can also add cinnamon to herbal or black tea.

What does the cinnamon challenge feel like?

Trying to swallow dry cinnamon usually causes a person to gag, cough, or choke. Dry cinnamon can make someone's mouth, nose, and throat feel like they're burning. The “lucky” people in cinnamon challenge videos end up spitting the cinnamon out, coughing, choking, and wishing they had never tried it.

Who created the cinnamon challenge?

Pre-YouTube, the Cinnamon Challenge was first documented on the web by Michael Buffington as it was played by Erik Goodlad on December 21, 2001, according to KnowYourMeme.com. The CC2K1 was then reported by Jason Kottke on December 22, 2001.

Can nutmeg kill you?

Nutmeg. A surprising addition considering it only takes a few teaspoons to potentially kill you. More likely outcomes include convulsions, palpitations or nausea. In 2007 the International Programme on Chemical Safety produced a report which stated that as little as five grams of the spice could be considered toxic.

When was the cinnamon challenge popular?

The cinnamon dare has been around for over a decade, but its popularity took off about four years ago. Google recorded 2.4 million hits for the topic in 2012, up from 200,000 in 2009.

Is honey and cinnamon good for joint pain?

Rubbing the mixture on your joints can relieve arthritis pain: Honey and cinnamon do reduce inflammation, but there is no proof that applying these foods to your skin can reduce inflammation in the joints.

What can you do with cinnamon sticks?

6 Uses for Cinnamon Sticks (That Don't Involve Dessert)
  1. Use as a stirring stick for your coffee, tea, cider, and cocktails.
  2. Break up a cinnamon stick to infuse a pot of coffee or tea.
  3. Simmer a cinnamon stick with your oatmeal.
  4. Flavor your broth with a few cinnamon sticks.
  5. Add a bit of spice to curry fried rice.
  6. Flavor meats in a slow cooker, tagine, or roast.

How much Ceylon cinnamon is too much?

Ceylon cinnamon has been safely used in doses of 0.5-3 grams daily for up to 6 months. But Ceylon cinnamon is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in larger amounts or when used long-term. Ceylon cinnamon contains a chemical called coumarin. Coumarin can cause liver injury when used in large amounts.

Is cinnamon good for diabetics?

It's not yet clear if cinnamon is good for diabetes. (One gram of ground cinnamon is about half a teaspoon.) The researchers found that cinnamon cut cholesterol by about 18% and blood sugar levels by 24%. But in other studies, the spice did not lower blood sugar or cholesterol levels.

What does cinnamon treat?

People use cinnamon as a supplement to treat problems with the digestive system, diabetes, loss of appetite, and other conditions. It has also been used in traditional medicine for bronchitis.

Is cinnamon good for blood pressure?

Cinnamon Cinnamon is another tasty seasoning that requires little effort to include in your daily diet, and it may bring your blood pressure numbers down. One study done in rodents suggested that cinnamon extract lowered both sudden-onset and prolonged high blood pressure.

Does cinnamon burn belly fat?

Cinnamon and weight loss Cinnamon has been shown to reduce some of the bad effects of eating high-fat foods. This can help in an overall weight loss plan. Its effect on blood glucose levels can also help your body ultimately lose weight.