Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Cassia Twig)

Herb 6 of 16 in Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior

Channels:

HT, LU, BL

Properties:

Spicy, Sweet, Warm

Latin:

Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae

Chinese:

桂枝

Tone Marks:

guì zhī

Chinese Herb Actions

• Adjusts the Ying and Wei Levels
  For Wind-Cold from deficiency when sweating does not relieve the condition.
• Warms the Channels and Collaterals
  For Wind-Cold damp bi pain, arthritic complaints, especially in the shoulders. For cold obstructing the flow of Blood in dysmenorrhea and other gynecological conditions.
• Unblocks the Yang Qi of the Chest
  For chest pain, palpitations, edema, dysuria, and abdominal fullness.
• Promotes Blood Circulation
  For amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, angina pectoris, and abdominal masses.

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Caution in patients with fever, heat from deficiency, heat in the blood, pregnancy, and heavy menstruation.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

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Chinese Herb Dosage

• 3-9 grams for externally contracted wind-cold.
• 9-15 grams for Bi pain.
• Part used: twig or ramulus.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (Bupleurum Plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Sedate and Calm the Spirit
• Dang Gui Si Ni Tang (Tangkuei Decoction for Frigid Extremities)
  Category: Formulas that Warm the Channels and Disperse Cold
• Ge Gen Tang (Kudzu Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Release Exterior Disorders with Head and Neck Symptoms
• Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill)
  Category: Formulas that Warm the Menses and Dispel Blood Stasis
• Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction Plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell)
  Category: Formulas that Stabilize the Kidneys
• Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang (Cinnamon Twig, Peony, and Anemarrhena Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Dispel Wind-Dampness
• Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Release Exterior Cold
• Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet)
  Category: Formulas that Warm and Tonify the Yang
• Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and Licorice Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Warm and Transform Cold-Phlegm
• Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Release Exterior Cold
• Tao He Cheng Qi Tang (Peach Pit Decoction to Order the Qi)
  Category: Formulas that Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis
• Wen Jing Tang (Warm the Menses Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Warm the Menses and Dispel Blood Stasis
• Wu Ling San (Five Ingredient Powder with Poria)
  Category: Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness
• Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pill)
  Category: Formulas that Expel Parasites
• Xiao Jian Zhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Warm the Middle and Dispel Cold
• Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Release Exterior Cold
• Zai Zao San (Renewal Powder)
  Category: Formulas that Release Exterior Disorders with Interior Deficiency
• Zhi Gan Cao Tang (Honey Fried Licorice Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Tonify the Qi and Blood