Guì Zhī (桂枝) — Cinnamon Twig
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Guì Zhī (桂枝) — Cinnamomum cassia — is known in English as Cinnamon twig. It belongs to the category of Herbs that release the Exterior (warm, acrid) in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Guì Zhī as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Guì Zhī |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 桂枝 |
| Latin name | Cinnamomum cassia |
| English name | Cinnamon twig |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid, sweet |
| Channels entered | Heart, Lung, Bladder |
| Category | Herbs that release the Exterior (warm, acrid) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Releases the Exterior and adjusts the Ying and Wei levels
- Warms the channels and disperses Cold
- Warms and unblocks the Yang Qi
- Resolves Blood stasis in gynaecological conditions
- Warms and transforms Phlegm and water accumulation
Indications
- Wind-Cold exterior invasion with sweating and fever
- Cold obstructing the channels — painful obstruction (Bi syndrome) with joint pain worsened by cold
- Cold stagnation in the uterus — dysmenorrhoea, fibroids and irregular menstruation
- Heart Yang deficiency with palpitations and oedema
- Cold-Phlegm in the chest with chest pain and palpitations
- Raynaud’s disease and cold extremities from Yang and Blood deficiency
4. Key formulas containing Guì Zhī
Guì Zhī is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Cinnamomum cassia (Gui Zhi) is one of the most widely used warming herbs in TCM. Key bioactive constituents include cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, coumarin and essential oils. Research confirms anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and vasodilatory effects. Cinnamaldehyde has documented inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation and smooth muscle relaxation, consistent with its use in dysmenorrhoea and cardiovascular conditions. The formula Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, which contains Gui Zhi, is one of the most studied formulas in the world for uterine fibroids, with meta-analyses confirming fibroid volume reduction and symptom improvement.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Avoid in Yin deficiency with Empty Heat, febrile diseases from Wind-Heat, and in patients with haemorrhagic conditions. Use with caution in pregnancy (as a standalone), though it is safe within the formula Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan under professional guidance.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Guì Zhī as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Raynaud's disease, Fibroids, Endometriosis, Irregular menstrual cycle. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
