Japanese Cinnamon vs Gui Zhi

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Japanese Cinnamon

Cinnamomum japonicum

Cardiovascular

Cinnamomum cassia

Cardiovascular

Japanese Cinnamon

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Gui Zhi

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

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

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

Active Compounds

cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, linalool, beta-caryophyllene

cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, procyanidins, coumarin

Traditional Uses

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

exterior cold conditions, poor circulation, muscle pain, palpitations

Modern Uses

warming, antispasmodic, antimicrobial

vasodilating, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic

Adult Dosage

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

3-9g daily

Contraindications

pregnancy - high doses, hot conditions - excess heat worsens

Yin deficiency with heat, bleeding conditions, pregnancy

Side Effects

GI irritation at high doses

excessive sweating, warming effects

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E