Cassia and cinnamon, despite their nearly identical names, have substantial differences. Cassia, a common Chinese medicinal herb, plays various roles in health and wellness, aiding in memory enhancement and improving learning abilities. Let’s delve into its health benefits.
How Cassia Differs from Cinnamon:
- Plant Source:
- Cassia comes from the dried bark of the cassia plant, including varieties such as Chinese cinnamon, Indonesian cinnamon, and Saigon cinnamon in China.
- Cinnamon, on the other hand, is derived from trees in the laurel family, with over ten different varieties found in China.
- Appearance:
- Cassia has a reddish-brown hue with thick flesh, presenting an overall refined appearance. Cassia sticks are generally uniform in length, ranging from 8 to 15 centimeters.
- Cinnamon is broader and longer, with some pieces being block-shaped and others appearing in a tubular form. The color ranges from grayish-brown to blackish-brown.
- Flavor and Fragrance:
- Cassia emits a strong and rich fragrance, with a scent that is both mellow and spicy. Its taste is sweet and pungent.
- Cinnamon, when thicker, releases a more intense aroma. However, its scent is sharper, and the taste is spicier.
- Health Benefits:
- Cassia is known for its ability to warm meridians, assist in boosting yang energy, and alleviate cold-related pain. It is suitable for treating conditions such as amenorrhea, uterine coldness, dysmenorrhea, and male impotence.
- Cinnamon possesses properties that warm the middle, relieve pain, and astringe to stop diarrhea. It is used to treat conditions like cold stomach pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Generally, cinnamon is more commonly used as a spice and less in medicinal applications.
Health Benefits of Cassia:
- Aids Weight Reduction:
- Cassia contains cinnamaldehyde, which induces the burning of fat cells, reducing energy storage and helping control weight.
- Dispels Internal Cold:
- From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, cassia’s warmth can enter the liver, spleen, heart, and kidney meridians, promoting kidney warming, and yang energy assistance. It also possesses properties to dispel cold, relieve pain, and return fire to its source. This makes it applicable for treating conditions caused by spleen and stomach deficiency in women, such as uterine coldness, stomach pain, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- Lowers Blood Lipids:
- As a traditional Chinese medicine, cassia has the effect of boosting yang and warming meridians. Research suggests that cassia can regulate disorders of blood lipid metabolism, reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. However, due to its spicy-hot nature, cassia should be used under the guidance of a doctor, especially for individuals with metabolic syndrome or lipid-related diseases.
Note:
- Cassia contains numerous beneficial compounds, particularly polyphenols that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, contributing to overall health. However, individuals with conditions such as sore throat, pelvic inflammatory disease, those in pregnancy, excessive menstrual bleeding, yin deficiency, and excess heat conditions should avoid cassia.
Warm Reminder:
- Cassia, with its rich content of beneficial substances, is a valuable herb. However, it should be used cautiously, especially under specific health conditions. Always seek professional guidance for its appropriate use.