Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cassia bark (Cinnamomum cassia), commonly known as Chinese cinnamon, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In these systems, cassia bark is believed to possess "warming" properties and is commonly used to help manage symptoms associated with viral infections, such as colds and influenza. Traditional uses include incorporating cassia into herbal formulas aimed at expelling "wind-cold" and promoting overall immune health.

While there are in vitro (test tube) studies showing that cassia bark extracts and its main constituent, cinnamaldehyde, possess antimicrobial and some antiviral activity, especially against certain viruses like influenza, these effects have not been consistently demonstrated in high-quality human clinical trials. Most of the evidence remains preclinical or anecdotal, and there is a lack of robust, peer-reviewed studies confirming its efficacy in treating or preventing viral infections in humans.

Therefore, the use of cassia bark for viral infections is primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific evidence. Its popularity in herbal medicine persists, but it should not replace evidence-based antiviral treatments. As with any herbal remedy, safety and potential interactions should be considered, especially in patients with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.

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