10/04/2025
You think cinnamon is just a cozy baking spice?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Rou Gui (Cinnamomum cassia bark) is a powerful “closer”—used to warm Kidney Yang, activate channels, and guide floating fire back to its source. That means cold hands and feet, lower-back/knee cold-ache, cramps or abdominal cold pain from “cold congealing” can get a fast track out. 🔥
Same plant, different world: West vs. TCM
Western use: flavor, antioxidants, and general wellness chatter (like blood sugar support) in foods or supplements.
TCM use: strictly by pattern differentiation and body constitution. Rou Gui shows up when we see signs of Kidney Yang deficiency / “gate of vitality” weakness or cold-induced stagnation—think certain cases of menstrual cramps with cold, abdominal cold pain, lumbar/knee cold pain, fear of cold, low libido from Yang deficiency, etc. Classic formulas include Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Gui Fu Di Huang Wan).
Dosing & handling: typically small doses, added near the end (late addition) so its warming essence targets the lower burner (Kidneys/Mingmen)—a totally different goal than sprinkling spice on a cinnamon roll.
A fun mind-blower:
TCM separates Rou Gui (bark) from Gui Zhi (tender twig)—same tree, different parts, different actions. Rou Gui “warms and anchors downward,” while Gui Zhi “releases the exterior, warms channels, and moves Yang.” That surgical precision is one reason people are amazed by TCM. ✨
Friendly note:
If you tend toward heat signs (dry mouth/throat, constipation, throat irritation, night heat) or are pregnant or have specific medical conditions, don’t self-prescribe. Always use Chinese herbs under guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner.
Curious whether cinnamon in TCM fits your body pattern?
Message John & Jenny TCM College to book a constitution assessment—let the same “cinnamon” deliver a completely different, TCM-level effect. 🌿
