What are the functions and effects of Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi)?

Feb 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Generally, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) is the dried young branch of the plant Cinnamomum cassia of the Lauraceae family. The effects and functions of Guizhi include warming and promoting blood circulation, dispersing cold to relieve pain, replenishing Yang energy, harmonizing Ying and Wei defenses, and inducing perspiration to relieve muscle tension. When using Guizhi, one should follow the advice and guidance of a physician to ensure safe and effective medication. Because Guizhi is acrid and warm in nature and may easily injure Yin fluids, it should be used cautiously by individuals with Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat.

Generally, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) is the dried young branch of the plant Cinnamomum cassia from the Lauraceae family. The therapeutic effects and functions of Guizhi include warming and promoting blood circulation, dispersing cold to relieve pain, enhancing yang energy, harmonizing Ying and Wei energies, and inducing perspiration to relax the muscles. Details are as follows:

1. Warming and Promoting Blood Circulation

Guizhi can dilate blood vessels and promote blood circulation, especially suitable for symptoms such as pain and numbness caused by cold congealing the blood and blocked meridians. It shows significant effectiveness in improving microcirculation and alleviating various pains caused by poor blood flow.

2. Dispersing Cold and Relieving Pain

Guizhi is pungent and warm in nature and can dispel wind-cold, effectively relieving cold-type pains such as rheumatic pain, joint pain, and dysmenorrhea. It significantly helps alleviate symptoms of bodily pain and stiffness caused by invasion of cold pathogens.

3. Enhancing Yang Energy

Guizhi is sweet and warm in nature and can warm and enhance yang energy, significantly improving symptoms such as cold intolerance, cold limbs, pale complexion, fatigue, and lack of energy caused by yang deficiency. It helps boost the body's yang energy and enhances physical strength and resistance.

4. Harmonizing Ying and Wei Energies

Guizhi can regulate the generation and circulation of qi and blood, thereby harmonizing Ying and Wei energies. It helps regulate symptoms such as spontaneous sweating and night sweats caused by disharmony of Ying and Wei. It contributes to balancing the body's yin-yang and blood energies and improving various symptoms caused by disharmony of qi and blood.

5. Inducing Perspiration and Relaxing the Muscles

Guizhi promotes perspiration and helps expel pathogenic factors on the body surface, making it suitable for treating exterior deficiency syndromes caused by exogenous wind-cold. It helps accelerate the elimination of toxins from the body and promotes recovery.

When using Guizhi, it is important to follow medical advice and guidance to ensure safe and effective medication. As Guizhi is pungent and warm in nature and may easily impair yin fluids, individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat should use it cautiously. Additionally, the dosage of Guizhi should not be excessive, as overdose may lead to toxic reactions.

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In general, gynecological conditions involving the growth of polyps may present symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge, uterine bleeding, prolonged menstruation, intermenstrual bleeding, and abdominal pain. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and, under the guidance of a qualified physician, use medications such as Compound Hippophae Fruit Oil Suppository, Golden Cockerel Capsules, and Cinnamon Twig and Poria Mass (Guizhi Fuling Wan) for treatment. Additionally, appropriate physical exercise should be performed during the treatment period.