gwai3 zi1桂枝
Jyutpinggwai3 zi1
Yalegwai jī
Definition
Cassia twig; a Chinese medicinal herb made from the young twigs of the cinnamon tree.
neutralhealth
How it's used
Used primarily in the context of traditional Chinese medicine, this term refers specifically to the thin twigs of the cinnamon tree. It is a staple in many classic herbal formulas, particularly those aimed at warming the body or promoting circulation. Unlike the bark, which is commonly used as a spice in cooking, the twigs are almost exclusively handled by practitioners.
Measure word
loeng2両léungExamples
The doctor says this prescription needs some Cinnamomi Ramulus added.
Do you know what the medicinal effects of Cinnamomi Ramulus are?
Related words
Common phrases
Cinnamomi Ramulus decoction
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 肉桂, which is the bark of the same tree used for culinary purposes. Using the wrong part of the plant in a medicinal decoction can lead to different therapeutic outcomes or safety concerns.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.



