Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) | TCM Uses, Warming Benefits & How to Use It
Discover the power of Rou Gui (Chinese Cinnamon Bark) for low energy, poor circulation, and Yang deficiency. Learn how to use it and shop GMP-tested products.
Why Rou Gui May Be the Spark You’re MissingDo you wake up tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Feel chilled to the bone—no matter the weather? Or wrestle with sluggish digestion, brain fog, and low drive that no amount of coffee seems to fix?
If so, your internal fire—your Yang energy—may be running low. And Rou Gui (Chinese Cinnamon Bark) might be exactly what your body is begging for.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Rou Gui is revered for its rare ability to reignite the body’s dwindling Yang, the vital warmth and active force that drives everything from circulation to metabolism, reproductive strength to mental clarity. When Yang is weak, everything slows down—digestion, movement, mood, and even your immune response.
But Rou Gui isn’t your average cinnamon. This powerful inner bark of Cinnamomum cassia goes far beyond flavor. It delivers deep-penetrating warmth that nourishes the Kidney and Spleen, dispels internal cold, and restores energetic flow through the body’s channels. Think: warmer hands and feet, stronger digestion, and renewed vitality—especially if you're prone to cold limbs, fatigue, low libido, or frequent urination at night.
Modern research has validated what ancient physicians have long known: Rou Gui’s warming oils—like cinnamaldehyde—help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and even support healthy blood sugar and insulin function. It’s been shown to assist in metabolic health, making it especially helpful for those dealing with sluggish metabolism or blood sugar fluctuations.
In short, Rou Gui brings the heat—not in a spicy, superficial way, but in a deep, nourishing, life-giving way. It’s an herb for those who feel like they’ve been running on empty.
Ready to relight the fire? Rou Gui could be your herbal match.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| TCM Name | Rou Gui (肉桂) |
| Botanical Name | Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia Cinnamon Bark) |
| Part Used | Inner bark |
| Taste / Temperature | Sweet, Pungent / Hot |
| TCM Category | Warm the Interior, Tonify Yang, Unblock Channels |
| Meridians Entered | Kidney, Spleen, Heart, Liver |
| Key Actions | Warms Kidney/Spleen, moves blood, supports digestion |
| Common Form | Decoction, powdered extract, whole bark, teapill |
Rou Gui is a revered warming herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), used for centuries to drive cold out of the body, nourish Yang, and support circulation—especially in cases of cold limbs, low libido, fatigue, abdominal pain, or diarrhea due to cold.
Not to be confused with common kitchen cinnamon, Rou Gui (Cinnamomum cassia) is stronger, thicker, and used specifically in medicine for internal cold patterns and Yang deficiency.
When people hear “cinnamon,” they often think of the sweet powder in their kitchen cabinet. But in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Rou Gui (Cinnamomum cassia) is far more than a spice—it's a powerful warming herb with distinct medicinal actions.
Here’s how different types of cinnamon compare:
| Type | Botanical Name | Common Use | Medicinal Strength | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rou Gui | Cinnamomum cassia (thick bark) | TCM formulas, herbal decoctions | Very high | Thick bark; deeply warming; enters Kidney, Spleen, Heart; tonifies Yang |
| Cassia Cinnamon | Cinnamomum cassia (thin bark) | Grocery store spice | Low to moderate | Similar species to Rou Gui but milder and used primarily for flavor |
| Ceylon Cinnamon | Cinnamomum verum (a.k.a. "true cinnamon") | Culinary & mild herbal use | Mild | Thinner, papery bark; less pungent; often preferred for long-term culinary use due to low coumarin content |
| Saigon Cinnamon | Cinnamomum loureiroi | Culinary use (baking) | Moderate | Strong flavor; often used in sweets or high-end culinary products; not traditionally used in TCM |
Much stronger than grocery-store cinnamon
Targets internal cold, fatigue, and Yang deficiency
Used in classic TCM formulas like Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan and You Gui Wan
Rich in cinnamaldehyde, which supports circulation and blood sugar regulation
Warms and tonifies the Kidney and Spleen Yang
Disperses cold from the channels to ease pain (esp. low back/knees)
Guides fire back to its source—used in formulas to anchor fire and secure the root
Combines with Qi tonics (like Ren Shen) for fatigue and digestive sluggishness
| Form | Dosage Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered Extract | 500–1000 mg (1–2x/day) | Fast-acting Yang support |
| Decoction (Whole Bark) | 1.5–4.5g daily | Deep internal warming in formula-based use |
| Capsules | Follow label | Consistent dosing, travel-friendly |
| Teapill (e.g., Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan) | Follow formula dosing | Kidney Yang deficiency with fatigue, back pain |
Featured Recipe: Qi & Yang Power TeaA warming tonic to revive energy, improve circulation, and support digestion. Perfect for chilly mornings, afternoon slumps, or anyone feeling cold, tired, or “off.”
2g Rou Gui (Chinese Cinnamon Bark) – Warms the Kidney + Spleen, revives Yang energy
5g Dang Shen (Codonopsis Root) – Gently builds Qi, supports energy + digestion
6g Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries) – Nourishes blood, brightens eyes, and adds natural sweetness
Add all herbs to a small saucepan with 2 cups of water.
Simmer gently (don’t boil hard) for 20–25 minutes, lid on.
Strain and sip warm. Can re-steep once more with fresh water.
Cold hands or feet
Fatigue or sluggish digestion
Low drive or winter blues
Post-illness energy recovery
Add a few slices of fresh ginger for an extra warming boost, or drink before meals to stimulate appetite and digestive Qi.
| Feature / Benefit | Rou Gui (Cinnamomum cassia, thick bark) | Cassia Cinnamon (grocery store) | Ceylon Cinnamon (C. verum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Medicinal herb in TCM formulas | Culinary spice | Culinary use, mild herbal tonics |
| TCM Theory | Warms the Kidney, Spleen & Heart; restores Yang; unblocks cold stagnation | Enters Heart & Lung, mildly warms | Enters Spleen & Stomach; warms digestion gently |
| Why It Works (Science) | High in cinnamaldehyde → boosts circulation, warms extremities, reduces inflammation | Moderate cinnamaldehyde, low oil concentration | Lower cinnamaldehyde, low coumarin → gentle antioxidant |
| Actions in TCM | Warms interior, redirects rebellious Qi downward, alleviates pain, stimulates fire at source | Warms middle, mildly supports Qi flow | Gently warms MJ, moves damp without drying too much |
| Best For | Cold hands/feet, low libido, fatigue, Yang deficiency, deep chills | Mild coldness, baking, flavoring | Sensitive stomachs, chronic digestive cold, long-term use |
| Scientific Focus | Increases thermogenesis, enhances blood flow, anti-inflammatory, supports glucose regulation | Moderate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, minor glucose benefits | Mild antioxidant, very low medicinal activity |
| Form | Slices, decoction, powder, extract (10:1) | Ground spice | Ground, sticks, tea blends |
| Cost | Moderate | Low | Moderate to high |
| Safety | Not for pregnancy or Yin-deficient heat | Avoid large doses long-term due to coumarin | Generally very safe in culinary amounts |
Rou Gui is not interchangeable with culinary cinnamon. Its deep penetration and warming power target Yang collapse, which is not treatable with kitchen spices.
Western users often mistake cinnamon’s "sweet warmth" for Rou Gui’s "Yang-invigorating fire." The difference is functional vs. flavorful.
| If You… | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Have cold hands/feet year-round | Warms channels and boosts circulation |
| Wake up tired despite good sleep | Nourishes Kidney Yang and Qi |
| Experience bloating and loose stool | Strengthens digestion via Spleen Yang |
| Deal with low libido or fatigue | Stimulates Kidney function and desire |
Q: Is Rou Gui the same as cinnamon powder at the store?
A: No. Most grocery cinnamon is Cassia or Ceylon types, but TCM uses specific grades of Cinnamomum cassia bark with medicinal strength.
Q: Can I take Rou Gui every day?
A: Yes, but ideally in a formula or under practitioner guidance if using long-term, especially for warming purposes.
Q: Can Rou Gui help with blood sugar?
A: Studies show cinnamon compounds may support healthy insulin response and glucose metabolism.
Q: Is it safe with medications?
A: Consult your provider if taking blood thinners or glucose-lowering drugs.
Avoid in excess if you have Yin deficiency with heat signs (night sweats, red tongue)
Not for pregnancy in high doses
May interact with blood pressure or diabetes medications
Lab-Tested • GMP-Certified • Potent Extracts & Whole Bark
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Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) in Chinese Medicine
Used to warm the kidneys, improve circulation, and tonify Yang energy, Rou Gui is a core herb for cold patterns, fatigue, and digestive weakness. Backed by science for blood sugar support and inflammation.
Contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound shown to improve circulation, modulate blood sugar, and reduce inflammation
Helps glucose transport and insulin sensitivity
→ PubMed: Cinnamon extract effects on metabolism
Blood Sugar & Insulin Sensitivity
Dai et al., Beijing/Dalian RCT: 500 mg/day cinnamon extract → significant decreases in fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA‑IR, total & LDL cholesterol Health+5PubMed+5Lippincott Journals+5.
Scoping review: Daily C. cassia (1–6 g/day) for 40 days → improved fasting glucose, LDL, triglycerides, and HbA1c in T2D populations PMC+15Lippincott Journals+15RSC Publishing+15.
Vascular & Circulatory Benefits
Cinnamaldehyde induces vasodilation via endothelium‑independent Ca²⁺ mechanisms, improving blood flow Oxford Academic+9Wikipedia+9EatingWell+9PMC+1PMC+1.
2‑Methoxycinnamaldehyde protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and reduces VCAM‑1 expression in endothelial cells PMC+15PubMed+15PMC+15.
Thermogenesis & Cold Tolerance
C. cassia extract enhances non‑shivering thermogenesis, lipolysis, and brown adipose tissue activation—increasing energy expenditure in cold environments Wikipedia+4PubMed+4Wikipedia+4.
Antioxidant & Cardiovascular Protection
Cinnamaldehyde/acid activate Nrf2/HO‑1 pathways in endothelial cells, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation Health+1EatingWell+1PMC+1PMC+1.
Systematic analysis reveals cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid confer cardiovascular protection and anti-atherosclerotic effects PMC+2PMC+2PubMed+2.
Clinical Evidence in Diabetes
Randomized trials show mixed results: some report significant fasting glucose/HbA1c reduction, others do not Lippincott Journals+3PMC+3Canadian Science Publishing+3.
Nonetheless, larger or longer trials (≥3g/day, ≥40 days) tend to show more consistent benefits Lippincott Journals.
Anti‑Inflammatory Activity
“Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Cinnamomum cassia Constituents In Vitro” – shows cinnamaldehyde and related compounds reduce inflammation via NF-κB inhibition PMC+12PMC+12PubMed+12.
Ready to feel warm from the inside out? Reignite your energy and circulation with Rou Gui Cinnamon Bark today.
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