aromatic
Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui)
肉桂 · Ròuguì
Cinnamomum cassia
Nature
Hot
Saveur
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.
🌿 Fonctions
- •Tonifies kidney yang and kindles the life gate fire
- •Dispels cold and relieves pain
- •Warms the channels and invigorates blood
- •Guides floating yang downward
📖 Usage
1–5 g in decoction added in the final 5 minutes (not long-boiled), or 0.5–1.5 g as powder.
🔬 Recherche moderne
Cinnamaldehyde and cassia polyphenols are studied for thermogenesis, insulin sensitivity, and circulation.
⚠️ Contre-indications
Avoid in pregnancy, yin-deficiency heat, and bleeding conditions. Traditionally antagonized by red ochre (dai zhe shi).
