Cassia, Rochester Bestiary, c.1230
Cassia is a spice that is very similar to Cinnamon, and is sometimes known as Chinese Cassia or Chinese Cinnamon. Both spices are produced from the bark of trees that are members of the laurel family, and are harvested in the same manner, but Cassia has a stronger less delicate flavour.
The botanical name of Cassia is Cinnamomum aromaticum or Cinnamomum Cassia, and this was a latin word translated from the Hebrew verb qūatsa, which means "to strip off bark". To produce cassia, the tree's bark is harvested, dried and fermented, then its outer layer is removed. As it dries, the inner bark curls into thin strips, or quills. At this stage, the difference between cassia and cinnamon are clearly visible because whereas cinnamon curls in a telescopic spiral, cassia curls inwards from both sides like a scroll.
Cassia has been used in traditional medicine for stimulating the circulatory system, improving digestion, relieving spasms and vomiting. Cassia is believed to have a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity, antibacterial and antiviral, cardiovascular protective, cytoprotective, neuroprotective, immunoregulatory effects. The earliest recorded use of Cassia for medicinal purposes was in China, from 25-220 CE.
Cassia cinnamon was brought to Egypt around 500 B.C. where it became a valued additive to their embalming mixtures. Cassia oil was also popularly used as anointing oil during Biblical times. Cassia has aromatic properties quite similar to cinnamon. Cassia is also mentioned in the bible:
The Lord spoke to Moses, 23 “Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, two hundred fifty, and two hundred fifty of aromatic cane, 24 and five hundred of cassia—measured by the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil, 25 and you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.
(Exodus 30:22-25)
Vedan and Javan from Uzal entered into trade for your wares; wrought iron, cassia, and sweet cane were bartered for your merchandise.
(Ezekiel 27:19)
Transcription
Translation
vulnera. et omnia principalia membra confortat.
O pilationem aperit. grossos humores et ventositatem dis-
soluit. Infirmitatibus mulierum succurrit.
Cassia is very hot and dry. It strengthens the stomach, liver, wounds, and all the main organs. O opens up the pilling, dissolves thick fluids and flatulence. He helps the infirmities of women.