Gui Zhi vs Japanese Cinnamon

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Gui Zhi

Cinnamomum cassia

Cardiovascular

Cinnamomum japonicum

Cardiovascular

Gui Zhi

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Japanese Cinnamon

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

The young twigs of cassia used in TCM to warm the exterior, unblock the collaterals, and harmonize Ying and Wei.

Japanese native cinnamon species used in Kampo medicine for warming, circulation, and pain conditions.

Active Compounds

cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, procyanidins, coumarin

cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, linalool, beta-caryophyllene

Traditional Uses

exterior cold conditions, poor circulation, muscle pain, palpitations

warming herb in Kampo medicine, treatment of cold arthritis and pain, circulation stimulant

Modern Uses

vasodilating, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic

warming, antispasmodic, antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

3-9g daily

3-9g dried bark or 1-4g cinnamon powder

Contraindications

Yin deficiency with heat, bleeding conditions, pregnancy

pregnancy - high doses, hot conditions - excess heat worsens

Side Effects

excessive sweating, warming effects

GI irritation at high doses

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E