Single Herb Glossary
Ròu Guì 肉桂
| Pharmaceutical name | Cinnamomi Cortex Cinnamomum cassia bark, cinnamon bark |
| Category | Warm Interior, Expel Cold |
| Key Properties | Warms and Tonifies the Yang Disperses Cold Promotes the movement of Blood |
| Properties | Acrid Sweet Hot |
| Tropism | HT, KD, LV, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Fortifies the Kidney and Spleen Yang, Warms the Heart Yang and Fortifies the Yang 2) Disperses deep Cold, Warms the Channels, Unblocks the Channels and Vessels, and Alleviates Pain 3) Leads the Fire back to its Source 4) Encourages the generation of Qi and Blood |
| Dosages | 1.5-4.5g; added near end of decocting process. For powders and pills, use 1-2g per dose. |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Pregnancy, Blazing fire from Yin Deficiency, Excess Heat, bleeding from Blood heat |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl acetate, phenylpropyl acetate, cinncassiol-A, -B, -C1, -C2, -C3; cinnzeylanine, cinnzeylanol |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cardiovascular: intravenous administration associated with marked reduction in blood pressure, decrease in heart rate, peripheral vasodilation, and decreased vessel resistance, within 3 to 5 minutes after injection; cardiovascular system returned to normal after 15 minutes • Sedative and analgesic: essential oil demonstrates marked analgesic and sedative actions in rats • Gastrointestinal: essential oil has mild stimulating effect on gastrointestinal system; increases secretion of saliva and gastric acid, enhances digestive functioning, and relieves intestinal spasms and pain • Immunostimulant: subcutaneous injection of preparation for 5 days increased white blood cell count by 150 to 200% in dogs • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect on dermatophytes, pathogenic fungi, and many gram-positive bacteria |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • This herb antagonizes or is antagonized by Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysitum Rubrum) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.