Why Cinnamon Shows Up in TCM Formulas for Colds

Cinnamon shows up in almost every conversation about colds, and for once the reputation isn't just folklore. Here is where it fits, and where it doesn't.

In pattern terms, this is about wind-cold with chills and no sweat. Cinnamon (Rou Gui, 肉桂) is hot in nature and enters the kidney, spleen, heart, liver meridians, which is the classical reason it suits that picture.

Classically, it warms the blood and encourages circulation in cold-type pain. A practitioner matching your tongue and pulse to that pattern is exactly the situation it was chosen for.

The evidence for Cinnamon

A few trials have looked at this directly. Research doesn’t clearly support using cinnamon for any health condition. It’s unclear whether cinnamon supplementation is helpful for diabetes or weight loss.

How people take it for colds

Add a small stick to tea, porridge or stewed fruit, or simmer briefly in decoctions (1 to 5 grams, added near the end).

Acupressure runs alongside the herbs in most treatment plans. The points most often paired with this pattern are fengchi, zusanli, and pressing them firmly for a minute at a time is easy to learn.

For the fuller picture, including the other patterns behind colds, see the Early Colds and Immunity guide.

Cautions

A few cautions from the research literature: ceylon cinnamon may contain a trace amount of coumarin.

Consistency beats dose. A modest amount taken regularly usually does more than a heroic amount taken twice.