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| - Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that drinking warm water with cinnamon relieves period pain and helps in weight loss. We did the fact check to term this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
An Instagram post claims that drinking a cup of warm water with a pinch of cinnamon powder during periods can quickly reduce period pain, help with weight loss, and improve skin health by reducing acne and healing the skin from within.
Fact Check
Can cinnamon water reduce period pain?
Not really. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, so it might help with mild cramps for some. Small studies suggest it could slightly ease period pain, but not enough to replace medical treatments. A 2015 study found that cinnamon capsules (420 mg, three times a day) reduced period pain, bleeding, nausea, and vomiting in young women with primary dysmenorrhea. However, it had only 76 participants, used controlled doses, and was conducted under expert supervision, making it hard to apply to home remedies.
A 2014 study suggested cinnamon supplements (1.5 g daily) might improve menstrual cycles in women with PCOS, but only 17 completed the full six-month trial, limiting its reliability. Similarly, a 2018 study found that cinnamon (1000 mg capsules) helped reduce period pain, but both the cinnamon and placebo groups saw improvement, meaning other factors could have played a role.
Period pain is caused by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that trigger uterine contractions. Stronger cramps often need pain relief like ibuprofen, heat therapy, or lifestyle changes. While cinnamon might offer mild relief, it is not a guaranteed or fast-acting remedy.
Dr Suneet Kaur Malhotra, Associate Director-Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Max Healthcare, New Delhi, clarifies, “No, there’s no strong evidence that cinnamon water can reduce period pain. Some small studies suggest it may help a little, but it’s not a reliable treatment. If you have severe cramps, painkillers, heat therapy, or medical advice are better options.”
Similar to this, there are claims that eating oranges daily can cure period pain. But this is not true.
What can help relieve period pain?
Managing period cramps effectively requires a combination of approaches:
Heat therapy: A hot water bottle or heating pad on the lower abdomen can relax muscles and ease pain.
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Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen reduce inflammation and pain.
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Hydration & diet: Drinking plenty of water and eating anti-inflammatory foods (like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3-rich foods) can help.
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Exercise & movement: Light physical activity, yoga, or stretching can improve blood circulation and ease cramps.
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Herbal teas: Some studies suggest ginger or chamomile tea may help with menstrual pain.
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For severe or persistent period pain, it is best to consult a doctor, as conditions like endometriosis or fibroids may be involved. While some may confuse the two, endometriosis and fibroids are different conditions. We have also debunked myths like “calories don’t count during periods.”
Does cinnamon water help in weight loss?
Not directly. Cinnamon has been studied for its possible role in regulating blood sugar levels, which might help with cravings. However, drinking cinnamon water alone does not lead to significant weight loss.
For expert opinion, we got in touch with Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition. She says, “Cinnamon has some health benefits, but drinking cinnamon water alone won’t lead to significant weight loss. There’s no strong evidence that it burns fat or boosts metabolism. Sustainable weight loss comes from a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy habits.”
Sustainable weight loss requires a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits. Simply adding cinnamon to warm water will not burn fat or speed up metabolism in any meaningful way. It’s also important to be cautious of tips and tricks that promise drastic results, as extreme weight loss in rare cases can cause slimmer’s paralysis.
Can cinnamon water improve acne and heal skin from the inside?
Unlikely. Cinnamon contains antibacterial properties, which may help fight some skin bacteria when applied topically. However, drinking it will not “heal” acne from within.
Skin health is affected by multiple factors, including genetics, hormones, hydration, diet, and skincare routines. There is no scientific evidence that drinking cinnamon water will clear acne or repair the skin. In fact, consuming too much cinnamon may irritate the stomach and liver in some individuals. If you take medications like statins or paracetamol, excess cinnamon may harm your liver. It can also lower blood sugar too much if combined with diabetes medication.
THIP Media Take
The claim that drinking warm water with cinnamon relieves period pain is mostly false. While it may provide minor benefits for some people, it should not replace medical advice or proper healthcare. Those with severe menstrual cramps, weight concerns, or skin issues should seek guidance from a doctor or dermatologist rather than relying on social media remedies.
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