Dried Cinnamon Bark (肉桂), also known as Rou Gui, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries with other herbs to create health-boosting remedies.
With the majority of the potential benefits originating from the bark of the tree, this herb is a prized asset in the Eastern world.
So, without further ado here's an overview of Dried Cinnamon Bark and how they could be a great addition to your everyday routine...
What is Dried Cinnamon Bark?
Cinnamon is a powerful spice that has been used for medicinal purposes worldwide for thousands of years.
With a distinctly sweet warming taste, it is one of the easiest herbs to use in a wide range of culinary recipes.
The first uses of Cinnamon date back to Ancient Egypt, whereby it was a rare and valuable ingredient which was perceived as a gift fit enough for the kings/pharaohs.
As a naturally high source of antioxidants, the sticks of the bark can be ground down into a powder for use in supplements, cooking and/or seasoning.
What are the potential health benefits?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dried Cinnamon Bark is used for the treatment of kidney yang deficiency (leading to lower back pain), knee weakness, bladder infections, shortness of breath, asthma, edema, ringing in the ears, reduced appetite and skin infections.
Being traditional used to treat a variety of ailments, consuming this herb with a Western perspective may potentially assist with the following:
- Protect heart health
- Balance blood sugar levels
- Promote brain function
- Help fight infections and viruses
- Improve skin health
- Fight allergies
- Act as a natural food preservative and natural sweetener
- Contain anti-inflammatory properties
How can I use Dried Cinnamon Bark?
From a delightful herbal tea to a fundamental piece of a vibrant culinary creation, here are some fantastic quick ways to use Dried Cinnamon Bark in your everyday routine...
Herbal Tea
Perfect to drink just before bed to soothe your soul, this tea combines sweet aromatic herbs to send you into a snoozy slumber.
Here's how you create this sip of heaven...
What You'll Need (1 serving)
- 3 cinnamon bark sticks
- Boiled water
- 1 black teabags
- 1 tsp honey
Method
- Boil the kettle and pour into a cup
- Infuse one black teabag into the cup, then add 3 cinnamon bark sticks and stir gently to allow the mixture to steep
- After 1 minute, add the 1 tsp of honey to the tea and continue to stir for a further 30 seconds
- Steep for a further 2 minutes, remove the black teabag then serve and enjoy!
Smoothies
Nope, we're not insinuating a Cinnamon challenge inspired smoothie! Sprinkling a dash of ground powder into your recipe is a great way to elevate the flavours...
What You'll Need (2 servings)
- 500ml of almond milk (substitute if required)
- 2 tbsps grounded flaxseed
- Pinch of ground cinnamon x2
- 2 small handfuls of big jujube dates (remove stone)
- 2 small ripe bananas
- 2 handfuls of spinach
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 handfuls of black sesame seeds
Method
- Ground down the cinnamon stick under powdered
- Pour your choice of milk, ground flaxseed and ground cinnamon into a blender
- Add the non-stoned jujube date, spinach, banana and butter into the blender and mix until smooth
- Pour the mixture into a glass, then add the black sesame seeds on top
- Serve and enjoy!
Cakes
Any excuse to get cake on the agenda. Combining both the Dried Cinnamon Bark sticks and powder, get the best of both worlds in this delightful dessert option.
Click here for the full recipe
Smoothie Bowls
Adding a little kick to a bowl packed with vibrant colours and flavours, here's how to whip up this combination of herbal goodness, perfect for breakfast...
What You'll Need (1 serving)
- 200ml Greek yoghurt
- 1 large banana
- Handful of baby carrots
- 4 big jujube dates (de-stoned)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Small handful of walnuts
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut
- Dash of carrot juice
Method
- Grind down the Dried Cinnamon Bark into a powder
- Place the baby carrots, dash of carrot juice and Greek yoghurt into the blender and mix together
- Add the banana, pinch of ground cinnamon, 2 big de-stoned jujube dates, vanilla extract to the mixture and blend again once more
- Transfer to a bowl, then add a handful of walnuts, shredded coconut, remaining grounded cinnamon and the last 2 big de-stoned jujube dates on top
- Serve and enjoy!
How can I get hold of Dried Cinnamon Bark?
This herb is available in the following quantities:
Dried Cinnamon Bark 肉桂 (Rou Gui) | (50g)
Dried Cinnamon Bark 肉桂 (Rou Gui) | (500g)
Summary
Now that you've got some great ways to incorporate this versatile herb into your daily routine, show off your cinnamon knowledge with your friends and family!
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For any further queries regarding our authentic culinary herbs or any of our products, please email info@vitaherbalnutrition.com and we'll be happy to help.