Ròu Guì · Cinnamon Bark
Ròu Guì (肉桂, Cinnamon Bark) is a herb of Hot nature and Pungent, Sweet flavor, in the “Interior Warming” category. Tradition uses it to fortify Yang and Dispel Cold, Warm Channels and Unblock Vessels, Return Yang to its Source.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Ròu Guì
- Characters
- 肉桂
- Botanical name
- Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Part used
- Bark
- Nature
- Hot
- Flavor
- Pungent, Sweet
- Meridians
- Heart, Kidney, Liver, Spleen
- Category
- Interior Warming
- Toxicity
- Slightly toxic
- Pregnancy
- Avoid
- Origin
- China, Vietnam
Actions according to tradition
- Fortify Yang and Dispel Cold
- Warm Channels and Unblock Vessels
- Return Yang to its Source
- Lead Fire Back to its Origin
Traditional uses
- Kidney Yang deficiency with cold limbs
- Impotence and low libido
- Frequent clear urination
- Deficiency cold causing abdominal pain
- Cold painful obstruction syndrome
Studied effects and current applications
- Warms body and extremities
- Improves metabolism
- Regulates blood sugar
- Increases circulation
- Relieves pain from cold
- Supports kidney function
Applications under investigation
- Type 2 diabetes management
- Metabolic syndrome
- Cold extremities and poor circulation
- Chronic pain conditions
- Low energy and vitality
- Menstrual cramps
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Pregnancy (may stimulate uterus)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Yin deficiency with heat signs
Relative contraindications
- Liver disease (high doses)
- Blood clotting disorders
- Pregnancy
- Avoid therapeutic doses. Small culinary amounts likely safe.
- Breastfeeding
- Culinary amounts safe. Avoid therapeutic doses.
- Children
- Use in small amounts only.
- Older adults
- Use with caution
Possible adverse effects
- Liver toxicity (high doses, especially cassia)
- Mouth sores
- Allergic reactions
- Low blood sugar
When to stop
- Pregnancy
- Signs of liver problems
- Mouth irritation
- Excessive heat signs
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diabetes medications | Insulin, Sulfonylureas, Metformin | Moderate | May lower blood sugar, risk of hypoglycemia Monitor blood glucose. May need medication adjustment |
| Hepatotoxic drugs | Acetaminophen, Statins | Moderate | High doses may increase liver stress Avoid high doses of cassia cinnamon |
Reference dose
- Powder
- 1-4 grams daily (Ceylon), 0.5-2 grams (Cassia)
- Decoction
- 2-5 grams
- Extract
- 100-200 mg extract daily
- Culinary use
- Up to 1 teaspoon daily
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- Up to 3 months
- Maximum
- Ceylon: long-term safe. Cassia: limit to 3 months due to coumarin content
- Children
- Culinary amounts safe. Avoid therapeutic doses.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 1-2g cinnamon stick in water 10-15 min.
Warming, digestive support
Add 0.5-2g powder to food, smoothies, or warm milk.
Blood sugar regulation, convenience
Simmer 2-5g in formulas for 30 min.
Traditional TCM formulas
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Cinnamaldehyde, procyanidins and cinnamic acid
Phenylpropanoid aldehyde · Hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Insulin mimicry (IR/IRS-1 phosphorylation), glycogenolysis inhibition, NF-κB blockade · 55-90% of bark essential oil
Proanthocyanidins · Insulin sensitizer, antioxidant
Insulin receptor activation, α-glucosidase inhibition · 1-5% in bark
Phenolic acids · Antioxidant, antifungal
Scavenging of free radicals, fungal membrane disruption · 1-3%
Phenylpropanoid · Analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Sodium channel blockade, COX inhibition · 5-10% in essential oil (higher in C. zeylanicum)
Benzo-α-pyrone lactone · Anticoagulant, antibacterial
Vitamin K antagonism · High in C. cassia (0.45-0.5%); low in C. zeylanicum (<0.004%)
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October)
The bark is harvested twice a year from trees over 10 years old. In spring the bark comes off more easily. The best quality cinnamon comes from Guangxi Province (肉桂 Guǎngxī).
Dried inner bark, in pieces or fine powder. The rough outer bark is removed. The powder should be crushed just before use to preserve the volatile essential oils.
Bark crushed into very fine powder, stored in capsules or mixed with other powdered herbs. It is not boiled in prolonged decoction (the volatile oils evaporate). It is added at the end or taken separately.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
