Evidence supporting the use of: Cassia bark
For the health condition: Cough (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cassia bark (Cinnamomum cassia), commonly referred to as Chinese cinnamon, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In these traditions, cassia bark is often included in herbal formulas aimed at relieving coughs and other respiratory complaints. TCM often attributes its effectiveness to its warming properties, which are believed to help “disperse cold” and promote the flow of qi (vital energy), thus alleviating cough and related symptoms such as phlegm and chest discomfort.
Despite its traditional reputation, there is limited scientific research directly evaluating cassia bark’s efficacy for cough relief. Some laboratory studies have indicated that cassia contains compounds (such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol) with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically help with respiratory infections and associated cough. However, clinical trials specifically investigating cassia bark for cough are lacking, and most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional practices rather than modern scientific validation. Therefore, while the traditional use is well-documented and plausible mechanisms exist, robust clinical evidence is minimal, resulting in a relatively low evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Cough (general)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
carrot
cassia bark
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
oregano
parsley
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
pumpkin
raspberry
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
Indian bael
neem tree
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
fumaria parviflora
prickly ash
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
root tuber
silk tree
juniper berries
amber
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
peach
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
Alcohol
Aralia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Agarwood
Asam gelugor
Arrowroot
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Allyl Sulfide
Aspen
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Aniseed myrtle
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Blepharis
Bayleaf
Blackbrush
Big Quaking Grass
Bougainvillea
Bael
Butternut
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Borage
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Chenopodium
Cistus
Common madia
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Chekiang Fritillary
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Culvers Root
Currant
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Desmodium
Dichrostachys glomerata
Empresstree
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Embelia
Fig
Garlic
Galangal
Himalayan Salt
Lily
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sumac
Zucchini
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