Library

[Harm] Same as the preceding entry (Guizhi).
[Benefits] Sweet and pungent in flavor, warm in nature. Enters the Lung and Bladder meridians. Warms the meridians and unblocks the vessels; induces sweating to release the muscle layer. It can induce sweating when there is no sweat, and stop sweating when there is sweat. It also treats gout of the hands and feet [Shouzhuo Tongfeng], wind affecting the hypochondrium [Xiefeng]. As a guiding herb for the arms, it is listed under herbs that warm the Liver. Using Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) to induce sweating works by harmonizing Ying (Nutritive Qi), so that Wei (Defensive Qi) becomes harmonious naturally, leaving no room for Wind pathogenic factors, thus resolving through spontaneous sweating. Therefore, it has remarkable efficacy in treating coughs caused by Wind-Cold, not because Cinnamon itself induces sweating directly. When excessive sweating occurs, Guizhi is used to harmonize Ying and Wei, allowing the pathogen to resolve through sweating, after which the sweating stops naturally; this differs from Mahuang (Ephedra) which opens the interstices [Couli] to forcibly induce sweating. Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) acts on the Lower Jiao [Lower Burner]; Guixin (Cinnamon Heart) acts on the Middle Jiao [Middle Burner]; Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) acts on the Upper Jiao [Upper Burner].
[Processing] The part of the cinnamon tree with the thinnest aroma is called Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), also known as Guimu. It may be used after honey-frying.

[Harm] Yang Jue [Yang Collapse/Reversal] presents with symptoms resembling Yin patterns. Although the hands and feet are cold, the mouth is often thirsty and desires drinking water. There is constipation of both stool and urine. Even if urination is patent, it is red, painful, scanty, and short. This is "extreme heat resembling water." As stated in the *Neijing* [Inner Canon]: "All cases of locked jaws, trembling, and shivering, appearing as if losing spiritual control, belong to Fire." Such conditions are contraindicated for use with warming herbs like Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), and Ganjiang (Dried Ginger). Vomiting, coughing, and rebellious Qi ascending should not be treated with this herb unless caused by external Wind-Cold pathogens or cold phlegm and retained fluids. Abdominal pain due to Blood deficiency with internal heat is contraindicated. For Xiao Chang Shan Qi [Small Intestinal Hernia], it is not suitable unless caused by sudden exposure to Cold pathogens and only during the initial one or two episodes. Huoluan Zhuanjin [Cholera with Muscle Cramps] caused by Spleen and Stomach weakness and summer-heat invasion, rather than Cold-Dampness and raw/cold food invading the intestines and stomach, is contraindicated. All Yin deficiency syndromes and individuals with heat but no cold in the Zang-Fu organs are strictly prohibited from using it. It damages Qi and stirs up Fire, causing blurred vision and triggering sores. It should not be used unless there is Cold stagnation with Dampness. Even in cases of Cold-Dampness, the dosage should be carefully reduced and used sparingly.
[Benefits] Pungent and bitter in flavor, extremely hot in nature. Disperses the Liver and dries the Spleen. Warms the Middle and directs Qi downward. Expels Dampness and relieves depression. Removes phlegm and kills parasites. Drives out Cold. Mainly treats Jueyin headaches [Jueyin Tengtong], vomiting with rebellious Qi and acid regurgitation [Ni'ao Tun Suan], fullness and obstruction [Piman Yige], food stagnation [Shiji], dysentery [Xie Li], blood bi [Xue Bi], Yin hernia [Yin Shan], Ben Tun [Running Piglet syndrome], and Jia masses [Abdominal Masses]. Treats Cold attacking the heart causing pain [Gong Xin Tong], Hong Kong Foot [Honggangjiao - likely referring to severe gout or edema of the lower limbs], and edema. It addresses disorders of the Chong Mai [Penetrating Vessel], characterized by rebellious Qi and interior urgency. It is also a fierce general for warming the Bladder. It is incompatible with Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza Root) and Xiaoshi (Niter/Sodium Nitrate). It fears Zhi Shiyun (Fluorite). Liaoshí (Polygonum Bistorta Seed) serves as its assistant herb.
[Processing] Harvest the fruits on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. Those that are split open and aged are superior. Dry them in the shade. Before roasting, soak them in boiling water seven times to remove the bitter and acrid juices. To treat hernias, stir-fry with salt water. To treat blood disorders, stir-fry with vinegar. To stop vomiting, stir-fry with ginger juice. To soothe the Liver and Stomach, stir-fry with decoctions of Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix).