Cinnamon Leaf
Profile
| Latin Name | Cinnamomum zeylanicum |
| Chinese Name | Gui Zhi |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Note | Medium |
| Aroma | <Moderate> Spicy, sharp |
| Color | Brown |
| Parts Distilled | Leaves |
| Regions | Africa, Burma, Comoro Islands, India, Jamaica, Madagascar, Sri Lanka |
| Taste | Spicy, Sweet |
| Nature | Warming |
| Affinity | BL, HT, LU |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Eugenol (~80-95%) |
| Skin Type | NI A; lice, scabies; can irritate mucous membranes |
| Dosage | 4% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Release the exterior and promote sweat for Wind-Cold.
- Invigorates blood for menstrual cramps, stimulates childbirth (gentler than Rou Gui)
- Warms the interior to promote digestion and transform damp-cold diarrhea and bi-obstruction.
Indications
- Wind-Cold (BL-12, BL-13, GV-14, LI-4, LU-7, ST-36)
- Cold in the Middle Heater (CV-12, ST-36, BL-21, TH-4, SP-1)
Topical Applications
- Add to liniments to create a warming and penetrating blend.
Specific Protocols
- Apply to BL-62 to open Yang Qiao Mai.
- 4% dilution of Cinnamon Leaf (40%), Frankincense (30%), and Benzoin (30%) for bi-obstruction due to qi and blood stasis.
Actions
- Carminative (prevents or relieves flatulence),
- Emmenagogue (a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow),
- Circulatory stimulant
Contraindications & Cautions
- Heat & empty heat
- Not used during pregnancy, can stimulate childbirth by invigorating blood
- Not for pre-pubescent children
Notes
- Affinity for the Du Mai and the Yang Qiao Mai
- Activates taking a stand, putting your own foot forward on your own path
- Promotes connection between the Low and mid brain, the move from the primitive function into choice, Du Mai affinity
- Brings blood out to the surface
- Promotes connection internally
- Can be irritating to the skin
From Class
- Cinnamon leaf: Oil that resonates with SJ-4 Yangchi; apply a drop on the point. (Yuen)