Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui)
肉桂 · Ròuguì
Cinnamomum cassia
Family: Lauraceae · Part used: Bark · Origin: Fangchenggang, Guangxi, China
Nature
Hot
Flavor
Pungent, sweet
Meridian
Kidney, Spleen, Heart, Liver
Rou Gui — the thick, oil-rich bark of Guangxi — kindles the 'life gate fire' (ming men) at the root of kidney yang. Where cinnamon twig warms the channels, the bark itself anchors the deep fire, guiding yang home. Its sweet-warm aroma graces both classical decoctions and kitchen desserts.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Tonifies kidney yang and kindles the life gate fire
- •Dispels cold and relieves pain
- •Warms the channels and invigorates blood
- •Guides floating yang downward
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Cold lower back and knees
- •Cold limbs and aversion to cold
- •Frequent pale urination
- •Impotence and low vitality
- •Cold-type menstrual pain
- •Floating yang with facial flush
📖 Usage & Dosage
1–5 g in decoction added in the final 5 minutes (not long-boiled), or 0.5–1.5 g as powder.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Rou Gui Honey Milk
Cinnamon powder a pinch stirred into warm milk with honey — a gentle evening yang tonic.
Kidney-Yang Warming Broth
Cinnamon 3 g + eucommia 10 g + walnuts 20 g simmered with lamb for winter.
🔬 Modern Research
Cinnamaldehyde and cassia polyphenols are studied for thermogenesis, insulin sensitivity, and circulation.
⚠️ Contraindications
Avoid in pregnancy, yin-deficiency heat, and bleeding conditions. Traditionally antagonized by red ochre (dai zhe shi).
