What is Cinnamon?

Common Names: Rou Gui, Ceylon vs. Cassia

Body System Affinity

Digestive System, Cardiovascular System/Blood, Triple Warmer (TCM), Metabolism, Blood Sugar, Uterus, Immune System, Liver, Kidneys

Herbal Actions

Carminative, Astringent, Aromatic Digestive, Diaphoretic, Warming Digestive, Anti-Spasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Uterine Stimulant, Hypotensive. Hypoglycemic, Circulatory Stimulant, Vasodilator (primarily peripheral), Mild Anodyne, Mucolytic, Aphrodisiac, Hemostatic/Styptic, Corrigent

Energetics

Warm/Hot, Drying or Moistening (Mixed!)
*indicated in conditions of cold, wind, tension, excess damp, and deficient yang
*this herb is considered both drying and demulcent simultaneously, depending on the preparation

Cinnamon has been in use by humans since at least 2000 B.C., with a fascinating and rich history. China, India, Iran, and Sri Lanka have worked with this inner bark in medicine traditions the longest, but due to the spice trade, they have spread all around the world and become a staple in medicine, magic, ritual, and culinary practices (though not without the violent colonization that accompanied the trade).
The Egyptians worked with Cinnamon during the embalming process. It was desirable for preserving bodies but also foods, since it contains high amounts of phenols which inhibit bacterial growth. The Old Testament mentions cinnamon as an ingredient in anointing oils, alongside myrrh, aromatic cane, and other holy plants.

Arab traders introduced it to Europe and it became a status symbol of the wealthy because it was rare and limited at the time. It is utilized in many folk magic traditions in spells to attract abundance, success, and wealth, most likely due to these earlier roots. Cinnamon is now grown all over the world in tropical regions.
Cinnamon is used in formulas to raise the Yang of the body, and has the strongest affinity for the spleen, heart, liver, and kidney meridians according to TCM. It benefits conditions of excess cold, wind, and damp stagnation in the body.

We love Cinnamon because they are a familiar household fundamental that can be utilized in infinite ways, making them a sort of panacea. Dealing with a fungal infection on your feet? Brew a strong concoction of Cinnamon and soak in a foot bath (bonus with the addition of tea tree and other herbal antifungals). Dealing with digestive upset, bloating, and flatulence? Brew cinnamon in a tea with other aromatic carminatives and spices, and use diluted cinnamon oil to massage the belly in a clockwise motion. Struggling with menstrual cramping and stagnation? Add cinnamon to a brew with other warming circulatory stimulants, emmenagogues, and antispasmodics. The possibilities are truly endless. We also love cinnamon because they act as a corrigent in formulas, or flavoring agent that helps get the medicine down. As my herbalist teachers have always wisely stated, the best and most effective formulas are the ones the people can actually get down and take consistently.