Cinnamon Bark: The Body-Warming Herb

Hello, I am Dr. Hyocheong Chae, director of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Dongcheon-dong, a place where kindness dwells.

Yukgye (肉桂) as described in Donguibogam: “性質熱，味甘辛，微毒。 溫中，通血脈， 調肝肺氣。 治霍亂，筋肉拘急。 補腎，入下焦藥.” “Its nature is hot, its taste is sweet and pungent, and it is slightly toxic. It warms the interior, promotes blood circulation, and regulates liver and lung qi. It treats muscle cramps due to cholera (霍亂).

It tonifies the kidneys and is added to medicines that treat the intestines and the lower jiao.” Yukgye, as introduced in Donguibogam, is more than just a simple medicinal herb; it is an aid to overall body health, warming the interior and promoting the circulation of qi and blood. Effective for digestive disorders, blood circulation problems, muscle cramps, and kidney strengthening, Yukgye is still one of the most valued herbal medicine ingredients in Korean medicine today.

In Korean medicine, Sangyeolhahan (上熱下寒, hot above, cold below) is considered an unhealthy state, and when the lower abdomen is cold, Yukgye (肉桂) is used to warm it. For infertility (難妊) patients whose uterus or lower abdomen is not warm, Yukgye transfers the hot energy from the upper body to the lower abdomen, warming it. This is called Inhwaguiwon (引火歸元, guiding fire back to its origin).

Key Benefits of Yukgye • Warms the interior (溫中): Eliminates coldness in the body and promotes digestive health. • Promotes blood circulation (通血脈): Improves blood circulation and clears blocked blood vessels. • Harmonizes liver and lung qi (調肝肺氣): Balances the qi of the liver and lungs to facilitate smooth energy flow throughout the body.

• Alleviates muscle cramps: Relieves muscle stiffness or twisting due to cholera (霍亂, acute abdominal pain and vomiting). • Strengthens kidney function and protects the lower jiao (補腎, 入下焦藥): Tonifies kidney function and warms the lower jiao (下焦, the area below the navel) to support reproductive and urinary health.

Yukgye and cinnamon are essentially medicinal ingredients derived from the same plant, but they differ in terminology and the parts used. Simply put, Yukgye is the name used in Korean medicine, while cinnamon is the commonly known name. However, the two can be slightly different varieties, and are sometimes distinguished by their origin or the part used.

Benefits of Gyeji and Yukgye Both Gyeji and Yukgye have the effect of warming the body. However, there are differences in their areas of action. Yukgye (肉桂) -The bark from the base of the cinnamon tree trunk.

-Primarily used as an herbal medicine ingredient, with a hot nature and strong taste. -Strengthens the stomach and intestines, aids indigestion, menstrual pain, promotes blood circulation, has anti-cancer effects, etc. It acts on the lower abdomen and deep interior, warming the body’s core. It is an ‘onriyak’ (warming and invigorating medicine), which helps to replenish energy.

For example, it is used in tonics like Sipjeondaebotang. Yukgye plays a crucial role in warming the cold energy in the lower abdomen, making it an essential ingredient for infertility treatment. Gyeji (桂枝) -The bark (inner bark) and young twigs of the cinnamon tree. -Soft and warm. -Promotes sweating, circulation, regulates body fluid metabolism, treats colds, fever, etc. It acts on the upper body and superficial layers to promote blood circulation.

It is particularly effective for people with cold hands and feet and has the effect of expelling cold. Gyeji is classified as a ‘shinonhaepyo-yak’ (pungent-warm exterior-releasing medicine), which gently induces sweating and warms the body. Cinnamon -Definition: The bark of the cinnamon tree, a name that includes Yukgye and Gyeji.

-Primarily used in the West, as a spice. used. -Promotes digestion, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects. Cinnamon is also frequently used in everyday food and beverages. For example, cinnamon rolls and cinnamon tea are important ingredients that enhance flavor.

Furthermore, it is often used in health drinks and desserts due to its effects of aiding digestion and warming the body. In winter, cinnamon is also added to healthy teas like mulled wine (vin chaud).

Dongcheon-dong Korean Medicine Clinic Sunyujae pursues evidence-based integrated medicine.

This post was written directly by the medical staff of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to provide medical information, in compliance with Article 56(2) and Article 57(3) of the Medical Service Act. The duration and outcome of treatment may vary from person to person, so please consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment.