What is the difference between cinnamon and cassia twigs?
In traditional Chinese medicine and daily diet, cinnamon and cassia twig are two common medicinal materials and condiments. Although they are derived from the same plant, they have significant differences in efficacy, use and form. This article will compare the differences between the two in detail, and attach structured data for readers to quickly understand.
1. Differences in origin and form
Both cinnamon and cassia twigs come from the Cinnamomum cassia tree (Cinnamomum cassia), a plant in the Lauraceae family, but they are taken from different parts:
| Comparative item | cinnamon | Guizhi |
|---|---|---|
| Parts to be taken | Bark (the outer layer dries and curls into a tube) | Twigs (twigs with or without leaves) |
| Appearance features | Reddish brown, thick, rich aroma | Slender, light brown, hard texture |
2. Comparison of efficacy and uses
The two have different application focuses in traditional Chinese medicine theory:
| Comparative item | cinnamon | Guizhi |
|---|---|---|
| Meridian tropism of nature and flavor | Pungent, sweet, severe heat; returns to kidney, spleen and heart meridians | Pungent, sweet, warm; returns to the heart, lung, and bladder meridians |
| Main functions | Warm and nourish kidney yang, dispel cold and relieve pain, activate blood circulation and stimulate menstruation | Sweating relieves the surface, warms the meridians, and helps yang transform qi |
| Common uses | Treatment of cold pain in waist and knees, cold in uterus, infertility, vomiting and diarrhea due to deficiency and cold | Treats colds, palpitations, edema, and joint pain |
3. Modern research and dietary recommendations
Modern research shows that both contain volatile oils (such as cinnamic aldehyde), but in different proportions:
| Ingredients | Cinnamon content | Guizhi content |
|---|---|---|
| Cinnamaldehyde | 70%-90% | 50%-70% |
| other ingredients | Eugenol, cinnamic acid | Quercetin, coumarin |
Serving suggestions:
1.cinnamonMore suitable for stewing meat, baking or making tea, the daily dosage is recommended not to exceed 4 grams;
2.GuizhiIt is mostly used in decoctions or soups, and can be used in combination with ginger when you have a cold;
3. People with yin deficiency and excessive fire should use both with caution, and pregnant women should follow medical advice.
4. Purchase and storage skills
| Project | cinnamon | Guizhi |
|---|---|---|
| Premium standards | Thick skin, oily enough, strong aroma | The branches are uniform and the cross-section is red and white. |
| Storage method | Sealed to avoid light, moisture and insects | Keep cool and dry to avoid mildew |
| shelf life | 2-3 years | 1-2 years |
Summary:Although cinnamon and cassia twig have the same origin, theyCinnamon brings warmth and dispels cold,Guizhi is good at relieving the symptoms and clearing the yang. When using, you should choose according to your physical constitution and symptoms, and consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner if necessary. In daily application, cinnamon is more used for dietary therapy, while cassia twig is mainly used for medicinal purposes.
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