India’s kitchens are a treasure trove of spices, from the golden turmeric that flavours curries to the warm aroma of cinnamon in chai. While these ingredients have long been celebrated for their health benefits, according to a report from The Sun, recent research suggests they can sometimes backfire when combined with certain prescription medications.
Cinnamon: Sweet Spice, Hidden Risks
Cinnamon, a favourite in desserts, hot drinks, and breakfast dishes, contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and coumarin. According to a University of Mississippi study, these compounds may speed up the body’s clearance of certain drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
Dipa Kamdar, senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at Kingston University, told The Conversation: “While this research is still in early stages and hasn’t yet been tested in humans, it raises important questions about how cinnamon interacts with modern medicines.”
The type of cinnamon matters. Cassia cinnamon, commonly found in Indian supermarkets, has higher levels of coumarin—a natural blood thinner—which can pose risks for people on anticoagulants like warfarin. True cinnamon from Sri Lanka carries less coumarin and is considered safer in this context.
Turmeric: The Golden Spice That Could Alter Drug Effects
Turmeric is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties and bright yellow hue in Indian cooking, but curcumin, its active compound, may influence how the liver processes certain medications.
Dipa Kamdar explained that turmeric can interact with antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, blood pressure medications, and antibiotics. “Turmeric also has natural blood thinning properties and may lower blood sugar or blood pressure, which could amplify the effects of prescription drugs,” she said.
Experts stress that these risks are primarily associated with high-dose supplements rather than the small amounts used in everyday cooking.
Ginger: A Zing That Requires Caution
Ginger, beloved for its flavor and digestive benefits, contains active compounds such as gingerol. These can act as mild blood thinners, potentially increasing bleeding risks when combined with anticoagulants. Evidence on its effects alongside diabetes medications is still limited, but caution is advised.
Dipa Kamdar advises: “People taking blood thinners, anti-diabetic drugs, or chemotherapy medicines should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new herbal supplements.”
How to Enjoy Spices Safely
While cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger offer numerous health benefits—including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects—patients with chronic conditions should exercise caution. The key is moderation and communication with medical professionals. A light sprinkle of cinnamon on porridge or adding turmeric to your dal is unlikely to cause problems, but high-dose supplements could interfere with prescribed medications.
Shabana Khan, a principal scientist involved in the study, summed it up: “People with chronic diseases should be cautious when using any supplements along with prescription medicine. Always check with a healthcare provider.”
Spices remain an integral part of Indian cuisine and daily wellness rituals. However, for patients on certain medications, these everyday kitchen ingredients could do more than just flavour your food—they could subtly affect how drugs work. Enjoy them mindfully, and when in doubt, seek professional advice.
Cinnamon: Sweet Spice, Hidden Risks
Cinnamon, a favourite in desserts, hot drinks, and breakfast dishes, contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and coumarin. According to a University of Mississippi study, these compounds may speed up the body’s clearance of certain drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
Dipa Kamdar, senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at Kingston University, told The Conversation: “While this research is still in early stages and hasn’t yet been tested in humans, it raises important questions about how cinnamon interacts with modern medicines.”
The type of cinnamon matters. Cassia cinnamon, commonly found in Indian supermarkets, has higher levels of coumarin—a natural blood thinner—which can pose risks for people on anticoagulants like warfarin. True cinnamon from Sri Lanka carries less coumarin and is considered safer in this context.
Turmeric: The Golden Spice That Could Alter Drug Effects
Turmeric is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties and bright yellow hue in Indian cooking, but curcumin, its active compound, may influence how the liver processes certain medications.
Dipa Kamdar explained that turmeric can interact with antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, blood pressure medications, and antibiotics. “Turmeric also has natural blood thinning properties and may lower blood sugar or blood pressure, which could amplify the effects of prescription drugs,” she said.
Experts stress that these risks are primarily associated with high-dose supplements rather than the small amounts used in everyday cooking.
Ginger: A Zing That Requires Caution
Ginger, beloved for its flavor and digestive benefits, contains active compounds such as gingerol. These can act as mild blood thinners, potentially increasing bleeding risks when combined with anticoagulants. Evidence on its effects alongside diabetes medications is still limited, but caution is advised.
Dipa Kamdar advises: “People taking blood thinners, anti-diabetic drugs, or chemotherapy medicines should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new herbal supplements.”
How to Enjoy Spices Safely
While cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger offer numerous health benefits—including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects—patients with chronic conditions should exercise caution. The key is moderation and communication with medical professionals. A light sprinkle of cinnamon on porridge or adding turmeric to your dal is unlikely to cause problems, but high-dose supplements could interfere with prescribed medications.
Shabana Khan, a principal scientist involved in the study, summed it up: “People with chronic diseases should be cautious when using any supplements along with prescription medicine. Always check with a healthcare provider.”
Spices remain an integral part of Indian cuisine and daily wellness rituals. However, for patients on certain medications, these everyday kitchen ingredients could do more than just flavour your food—they could subtly affect how drugs work. Enjoy them mindfully, and when in doubt, seek professional advice.
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