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Flavor: Acrid, Warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Governs upper qi, cough with reverse flow, stagnant qi, bi-syndrome of the throat (sore throat/dysphagia),吐吸 (abnormal breathing pattern where inhalation is difficult and exhalation is easy), benefits joints, tonifies the middle and supplements qi. Long-term use can enhance spiritual clarity, lighten the body, and prevent aging.

"Mǔ" represents Yang. Mǔguì (Cinnamon Twig/Bark) is what we now call Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), Guipi (Cinnamon Bark), and Jungen. Jungui is what we now call Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) and Nonggui. However, the mechanism of growth and generation lies in the branches and trunk; therefore, all prescriptions by Zhang Zhongjing use Guizhi, which is Mǔguì. Contemporary physicians believe that Guizhi is used for releasing the exterior (dispersing pathogenic factors from the surface) and, due to taboos, dare not use it. Instead, they use Rougui, but insist on seeking perfection in its preparation. These are merely clever excuses to shift blame when treatments fail to cure.

Zhang Yin'an stated: Cinnamon trees do not shed their leaves in winter. Its flavor is acrid and warm, and its color is purple-red, representing Wood-Fire generated within Water. When Lung and Kidney Qi do not interact, symptoms of upper qi and cough with reverse flow occur. Cinnamon stimulates the life-giving Yang Qi within Water, sending it upward to the Lung, thereby calming upper qi and eliminating cough. Stagnant qi and throat bi-syndrome arise because Sanjiao (Triple Burner) Qi fails to circulate in the muscle interstices, leading to stagnation and throat obstruction. Cinnamon possesses the Wood Qi of Shaoyang (Lesser Yang), unblocking and benefiting the Sanjiao; thus, stagnant qi clears, and throat bi-syndrome can be treated. "Tu Xi" refers to a condition where inhalation fails to root and instead results in exhalation. Cinnamon can guide lower Qi to connect with upper Qi, allowing inhaled Qi to reach the Dantian before entering, thus treating Tu Xi. The joints—two elbows, two axillae, two thighs, and two popliteal fossae—are chambers of mechanical movement. The 365 joints throughout the body are pathways for the circulation of Shen Qi (Spiritual Qi). Cinnamon assists the Qi of Jun Huo (Ministerial Fire/Heart Fire), enabling the Shen Qi of the Heart Master to enter and exit the joints and circulate through them, thereby benefiting joint mobility. Tonifying the middle and supplementing Qi means nourishing the Middle Jiao to benefit the Qi above and below. Long-term use leads to abundant Yang Qi and brightness, thus enhancing spiritual clarity. The Sanjiao integrates Yuan Zhen (Primal True Qi) in the muscle interstices, resulting in a light body and prevention of aging.

Xu Zhongke stated: Recently, Shengqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill) and Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Significant Decoction for Great Tonification) both use Rougui. This is likely because the warming properties are mixed with yin-nourishing herbs, causing no harm. As for Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), since it is the primary formula for treating Shanghan (Cold Damage), and given the saying that Guizhi should be avoided in spring and summer, later practitioners only use it for syndromes characterized by sweating, fever, and aversion to cold, avoiding it for other conditions. In spring and summer, they strictly adhere to this taboo. They do not realize that ancients used Guizhi to promote the free flow of blood and Qi, acting as a guide for other herbs. Even Shengqi Wan historically used Guizhi, with an intention beyond merely warming the lower jiao. For instance, in the *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), ten formulas address deficiency consumption, seven of which use Guizhi. Guizhi Tang is used to calm the fetus during pregnancy; Guiling Wan treats specific symptoms; for postpartum wind-stroke with facial redness, Guizhi, Fuzi (Aconite Root), and Zhuye (Bamboo Leaf) are used together; for postpartum restlessness and vomiting during lactation, Guizhi is added to Zhupi Da Wan (Large Bamboo Peel Pill) to treat heat-induced irritability. Additionally, in supplementary formulas, Danggui (Angelica Sinensis) is added to Jianzhong Tang (Middle-Joint Building Decoction) for internal nourishment. Thus, is Guizhi not a universally applicable herb? Rougui, however, has a hot nature that directs downward and should only be used for deficiency-cold in the lower jiao, yet people mistakenly consider it universal, leading to frequent errors in its use. Since I devoted myself to studying the *Jingui Yaolue*, I have found that using Guizhi yields miraculous and unpredictable effects. I briefly list these to dispel contemporary confusion.

Chen Xiuyuan stated: The *Jingui Yaolue* mentions that shortness of breath due to slight fluid retention should be resolved via urination, treated with Guiling Gan Zhu Tang (Poria, Paeonia, Licorice, and Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction); Shengqi Wan also treats this. Yu Jiayan annotated: Shortness of breath upon exhalation should be treated with Guiling Gan Zhu Tang to transform Taiyang Qi; shortness of breath upon inhalation should be treated with Shengqi Wan to grasp Shaoyin Qi. Both formulas rely on the power of Guizhi, which city physicians fail to understand. Although Guizhi is a superior-grade herb, it currently suffers from neglect, and those who skillfully use it share this same plight. In the year Guihai, the daughter-in-law of Sima Gong, having been a widow for several years, preferred quietness, sitting alone behind closed doors all day, developed a cough. She took herbs such as Shengdi (Rehmannia Root), Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), and Baihe (Lily Bulb) for over a year without effect. Upon my consultation, her pulse was fine, small, wiry, and tight, indicating widespread yin-cold and surging water qi. I diagnosed it as cough due to fluid retention. If not urgently treated, edema would develop within half a month, at which point even Bian Que could not help! My words may have seemed too harsh, and after one consultation, she ceased consulting me. Subsequently, the edema worsened significantly. Physicians used Binglang (Areca Seed), Qianniu (Morning Glory Seed), Tinglizi (Descurainia Seed), Houpo (Magnolia Bark), Dafupi (Betel Nut Rind), Luobozhong (Radish Seed) as main ingredients, adding Jiaobaizhu (Charred Atractylodes), Shuditan (Charred Prepared Rehmannia), Rougui, Fuzi, Fuling (Poria), Cheqianzi (Plantago Seed), Niuxi (Achyranthes Root), Danggui, Shaoyao (Peony Root), Haijinsha (Lygodium Spores), Zexie (Alisma), Mutong (Akebia Stem), Chixiaodou (Adzuki Bean), Shangling (Phytolacca Root), Zhuling (Polyporus), and Zhike (Bitter Orange) in varying combinations. After two months of medication, the edema subsided completely, but the patient became emaciated. She experienced sinking qi and swollen feet in the afternoon, which resolved by morning. She vomited upon seeing food, had spontaneous cold sweats, felt irritable and restless during Zi and Wu hours (11 PM-1 AM and 11 AM-1 PM), and fainted upon coughing. Physicians considered the reduction of edema as efficacy, while the patient felt her Qi dissipating and unable to sustain herself. A few days later, she suffered profuse sweating, vomiting, and gasping for breath. I was called again to consult. Her pulse was like blowing on goose down, her fingernails were dark, and her four limbs were cold. Previously, I had spoken frankly about the error, leading to the current incurable state; I cannot escape responsibility. However, regarding your illness one month ago, I prescribed three doses which cured you completely. For three years since, you have continued taking the old prescription, and your spirit has become even stronger. Have you forgotten? You came twice following orders but refused to see me. Now the condition is untreatable. What instructions do you have?" His son replied, "I only ask for slight relief of the asthma." This outcome was not due to human effort. Reluctantly, I used a small dose of Guiling Gan Zhu Tang from the *Jingui Yaolue* (Fuling 2 qian, Baizhu, Guizhi, and Zhi Gancao each 1 qian). The next day, I was consulted again, but knowing my limited ability to help further, I firmly declined and advised seeking another physician. She died the following day. Soon after, I heard physicians privately discussing that Guiling Gan Zhu Tang is a formula for releasing the exterior and was inappropriate for the previous condition. Is Guiling Gan Zhu Tang really an exterior-releasing formula! It is solely because the single herb Guizhi in the decoction has long been slandered. My use of Guizhi naturally invites slander. Alas! When will Guizhi, wronged by those who do not understand it, finally have its functions fully realized!

Since the Tang and Song dynasties, few have clarified the true nature and application of Guizhi. My uncle quoted Zhang Yin'an's annotations, which are precise in every word. He also quoted Xu Zhongke's discussion, which thoroughly expounds the subject. I append recent case records, narrated almost with tears of grief. His heart for saving lives knows no bounds, overflowing beyond the written words. I know that the merits of Guizhi will henceforth be greatly manifested! Note: Under the branch of Guizhi in Zhang Zhongjing's books, there are the characters "remove skin." In Ye Tianshi's *Yilin Zhinan* (Guide to the Medical Forest), formulas often use Guizhi powder, which seems ridiculous. The Guizhi used by Zhang Zhongjing referred only to the tender tips of the branches, uniform inside and out. If there were bark or woody parts, they were removed; it did not mean removing the skin from the twig itself. Most books do not mention this, so I specifically add this clarification. (Annotated by disciples/nephews Feng Teng and Ming Qi.)