Chinese Cinnamon

(Chinese Cinnamon)
Sanskrit: तज Botanical: Cassia cinnamon; Cinnamomum cassia Blume

Taja is Chinese cinnamon or cassia bark obtained from Cinnamomum cassia. It is thicker and coarser than true cinnamon (Dalchini). The bark is used as a spice and has similar but stronger flavor than Ceylon cinnamon. In Ayurveda, it is used for digestive complaints and as a flavoring agent in formulations.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
0.6% (Lignin (8.3%), Bassorin, Tannin, Starch, Cinnamaldehyde)
Also Known As
English: Chinese Cinnamon, Chinese Cassia
Sanskrit: तज, उत्कट, दारुसिता, चोचा
Hindi: तज, दालचीनी (मोटी)

What is Chinese Cinnamon (Taja / तज)?

Taja is Chinese cinnamon or cassia bark obtained from Cinnamomum cassia. It is thicker and coarser than true cinnamon (Dalchini). The bark is used as a spice and has similar but stronger flavor than Ceylon cinnamon. In Ayurveda, it is used for digestive complaints and as a flavoring agent in formulations.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Dipana (appetizer)
  • Pachana (digestive)
  • Hridya (cardiotonic)
  • Mukhashodhaka (oral cleanser)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.