Evidence supporting the use of: Cassia bark
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Cassia bark (Cinnamomum cassia), also known as Chinese cinnamon, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for various health conditions, including insomnia. In TCM, cassia bark (known as "Rou Gui") is considered warming and is often used to tonify kidney yang, disperse cold, and promote circulation. Insomnia in TCM is sometimes attributed to deficiencies or imbalances in kidney or heart yang energy, and cassia bark is believed to help restore balance and promote restful sleep as part of complex herbal formulas.
However, there is very limited scientific evidence to directly support the use of cassia bark for treating insomnia. Most of the available research focuses on cassia's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects. While some laboratory studies suggest that certain cinnamon species may have mild sedative or anxiolytic properties in animal models, these findings are not robust, and usually involve species other than Cinnamomum cassia or use isolated compounds rather than the whole bark.
In summary, the use of cassia bark for insomnia is primarily justified by traditional practice rather than modern scientific validation. It is most commonly used as a component of multi-herb formulas in TCM rather than as a standalone treatment. Those considering its use should consult with a qualified healthcare provider, especially due to potential interactions and side effects associated with its high coumarin content.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
Other health conditions supported by cassia bark
Acid IndigestionAppetite (deficient)
Appetite (excessive)
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gastritis
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Sugar Cravings
Urinary Tract Infections