9Cinnamon Bark

Cinnamon Bark (Rou-gui) – The Herb Used in Traditional Systems to Support Kidney Yang Strengthening and Deep WarmthCinnamon Bark (Rou-gui), also known as Cinnamomum cassia], is the traditional Chinese medicine name for the dried inner bark of the cinnamon bark of cinnamon trees from the Lauraceae family. This valuable, powerfully warming herb has been held in high regard in TCM for over 3000 years and is particularly used to support normal Kidney Yang function, normal sexual vitality, normal lower back strength and normal body temperature regulation. It is classified as one of the most powerful "Yang-tonifying" and "Cold-expelling" herbs in traditional apothecaries.Traditional Understanding in TCM SystemsWithin traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon-bark (Rou-gui) is described as an herb with strongly acrid-sweet taste and very hot (extremely warming) character. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Kidney, Spleen, Heart and Liver meridians. According to this traditional description, cinnamon-bark (Rou-gui) primarily tonifies the so‑called "Kidney Yang" and the "Gate of Vitality" (Ming Men) – fundamental TCM concepts that stand for the deepest warmth-energy that regulates growth, reproduction, body temperature and long-term vitality.Cinnamon Bark (Rou-gui) is seen as an herb that "tonifies Kidney Yang," "expels Cold," "moves Qi and Blood," "relieves pain" and "kindles Yang" – which helps support normal body temperature, normal sexual function, normal Qi circulation and normal energy levels. It is traditionally used to support normal digestion, restrict normal bowel movement and relieve painful obstructions.Special Property: "Gate of Vitality" StrengtheningThe most distinctive feature of cinnamon-bark (Rou-gui) is that it is seen as the only herb that can directly reach and strengthen the "Ming Men" (Gate of Vitality) – the energetic center behind the kidneys that kindles all Yang processes in the body. This makes it particularly valuable for people with deep Yang deficiency.Botanical Composition and ResearchCinnamon Bark (Rou-gui) contains numerous bioactive compounds, of which the main ones are:Cinnamaldehyde (volatile oil component) – the primary warming-active substanceCinnamic acid and derivatives – inflammation-regulatingPolyphenols and tannins – strong antioxidantsEugenol – aromatic componentCoumarin – traces (limited)Essential oils (mainly monoterpenoids)Minerals (potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium)Vitamin K – blood coagulation-supportingModern scientific research shows that cinnamon-bark (Rou-gui) extracts can offer diverse benefits:Normal glucose regulation: Studies show that cinnamaldehyde can support normal blood sugar levels and promote normal glucose tolerance. This aligns with traditional use for normal digestion and normal energy.Anti-inflammatory action: Polyphenols and cinnamic acid can help maintain normal inflammation balance and help relieve inflammation-related pain.Antioxidant activity: Tannins and polyphenols possess strong free-radical-fighting action, providing protection against oxidative stress.Normal blood circulation support: Cinnamaldehyde can support normal blood viscosity and promote normal vascular function.Normal lipid support: Research suggests that certain components can support normal cholesterol levels.Normal kidney support: Studies investigate potential kidney-protective effects of cinnamon components.Antimicrobial action: Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol have demonstrated antimicrobial activity.Normal thermoregulation: Cinnamaldehyde can support normal body temperature regulation.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, cinnamon-bark (Rou-gui) is classically used in situations described as:Lower back pain or lumbar vitality weakness related to Kidney Yang deficiency and ColdWeak knees or lack of sexual functionImpotence, premature ejaculation or infertilityFrequent urination or nocturnal urination (enuresis)Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) with Cold characterAbdominal pain related to Spleen Yang deficiencyDiarrhea related to Spleen-Kidney ColdAsthma or shortness of breath related to Kidney Yang weaknessEdema (fluid accumulation) related to Kidney functionTinnitus or dizziness related to Kidney Yang deficiencySupporting normal body temperature and bodily warmthThese are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Extremely Warming and Yang-Tonifying CharacterCinnamon Bark (Rou-gui) is traditionally seen as the most warming of all herbs – which helps dissolve deep body cold and restore fundamental Yang deficiency. This makes it particularly suitable for people with a tendency toward cold feet/hands, lower back pain with Cold character or general Kidney Yang weakness.Classical Formulas and ApplicationsCinnamon Bark (Rou-gui) is traditionally used very frequently in:You Gui Wan (Formula for warming the left side/Kidney Yang)Nuan Gan Jian (Formula for warming the Liver)Shen Hui Tang (Formula for warming the Spleen)Many male vitality and sexual function formulasCareful Dosing and PreparationCinnamon Bark (Rou-gui) is very strong and is traditionally used in limited amounts (2-5 grams per day in formulas). It must always be used as part of balanced formulas, never alone.CAUTION DURING PREGNANCY AND HOT CONSTITUTIONCinnamon Bark (Rou-gui) is contraindicated (must not be used) in:Pregnancy – highly stimulating, may increase miscarriage riskYin deficiency with Heat symptomsExcessive internal HeatBleeding disordersSeasonality and Daily UseCinnamon Bark (Rou-gui) fits well into winter wellness routines, when Yang support traditionally takes priority. It is less suitable for summer use due to its extremely warming character.Well-being and Professional UseCinnamon Bark (Rou-gui) is used by modern users only under professional TCM guidance, to support normal Kidney vitality, normal sexual health, normal lower back comfort and general Yang tonification, especially in people with deep fatigue or Cold-related complaints. The herb works optimally in professionally compiled formulas, never as a solo herb.Many TCM practitioners see cinnamon-bark (Rou-gui) as one of the most valuable tonifying herbs – as a powerful element in professional routines, always under expert supervision and in correct dosage.Very Strong Profile – Professional Use OnlyCinnamon Bark (Rou-gui) is not suitable for self-use without professional advice. It requires expert knowledge of dosing, combinations and contraindications.Two Types of Cinnamon:Rou Gui (Cinnamomum cassia]): stronger Yang tonification, for serious deficiencyGui Zhi (twigs): milder, for superficial Cold conditionsImportant Note for the ConsumerThis product is intended for professional TCM use only. TCM terms such as Kidney Yang, Gate of Vitality, Ming Men and Cold-expelling are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine. This herb must NOT be used without professional advice.PREGNANCY WARNING: This herb must NOT be used during pregnancy.