Cassia Bark
肉桂 · Ròu Guì
Warms you from the core and fires up circulation
Properties
NeutralNeutral botanicalPungent, Sweet
What it does
Cassia bark is for when you feel cold to the bone: chilly limbs, low energy, sluggish digestion, painful periods. In TCM, these symptoms point to low yang, the warming energy that powers your metabolism and circulation. Cassia bark is one of TCM's strongest warmers, traditionally used to reignite that internal heat. It's also used to help your body absorb other botanicals more effectively.
How to take it
Simmer 1–3g of cassia bark pieces in water for 15–20 minutes on low heat. Drink warm. Don't boil it hard. Gentle simmering preserves the volatile oils.
Add a small piece of cassia bark to your regular tea for gentle warming
Safety
- Very warming, skip if you run hot, have high blood pressure, or feel flushed easily
- Not safe during pregnancy. It strongly activates blood circulation
- Contains coumarin. Don't combine with blood thinners
- Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication
Where it comes from
Cassia bark is the original cinnamon of Chinese medicine. Different from the Ceylon cinnamon common in Western kitchens. It comes from Cinnamomum cassia, native to southern China, and has been traded along the Silk Road for over 2,000 years. In TCM, it's considered one of the most important yang-warming herbs and appears in foundational formulas like Guì Fù Dì Huáng Wán. Fourteen clinical trials explore its effects on blood sugar, circulation, and metabolic health.