Gui Zhi

Latin name: Cinnamomi Cassiae Ramulus

Gui Zhi Also Known As: Cinnamon Twig, Ague Tree, Cinnamon Wood, Common Sassafras, Kuntze Saloop, Sassafrax, Saxifrax. Sassafras ablidum, synonyms Sassafras officinale, Sassafras varifolium. Family: Lauraceae.

Properties: PUNGENT, SWEET - WARM

Dosage: 3-9g.

Meridians/Channels: HEART, LUNG, BLADDER

• pertains to Ying and Wei Qi levels - exterior cold with deficiency
• warms channels, disperse cold - wind-cold, painful joints, dysmenorrhea
• unblocks Yang Qi in chest - palpitations

Also Used For: Orally, Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) is used for urinary tract disorders, mucous membrane inflammation, syphilis, and as a tonic and "blood purifier". Topically, Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) is used to treat skin eruptions, rheumatism, eye inflammation, sprains, swelling, and for relief of insect bites or stings. Sassafras oil is also used topically as an antiseptic and pediculicide. Folk medicine, Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) is used for bronchitis, geriatric high blood pressure, gout, arthritis, skin problems, kidney disorders, and cancers. In beverages and candy, a safrole-free bark extract has limited use as a flavoring agent.