Cinnamomum tamala, Indian bay leaf, also known as tejpat, Malabar leaf, Indian bark, Indian cassia, or malabathrum is a tree within the Lauraceae family which is native to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. It can grow up to 20 m (66 ft) tall It has aromatic leaves which are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is thought to have been one of the major sources of the medicinal plant leaves known in classic and medieval times as malabathrum (or malobathrum).The leaves, known as tējapattā or tejpatta (तेजपत्ता) in Hindi, Tejpat in Assamese and tamalpatra (तमालपत्र) in Marathi and in original Sanskrit, are used extensively in the cuisines of India, Nepal, and Bhutan, particularly in the Moghul cuisine of North India and Nepal and in Tsheringma herbal tea in Bhutan. It is called Biryani Aaku or Bagharakku in Telugu. They are often labeled as "Indian bay leaves," or just "bay leaf", causing confusion with the leaf from the bay laurel, a tree of Mediterranean origin in a different genus, and the appearance and aroma of the two are quite different. This may lead to confusion when following Indian or Pakistani recipes. Bay laurel leaves are shorter and light to medium green in color, with one large vein down the length of the leaf, while tejpat are about twice as long and wider, usually olive green in color, and with three veins down the length of the leaf. True tejpat leaves impart a strong cassia- or cinnamon-like aroma to dishes, while the bay laurel leaf's aroma is more reminiscent of pine and lemon. Indian grocery stores usually carry true tejpat leaves. Some grocers may only offer Turkish bay leaves, clarification needed] in regions where true tejpat is unavailable.Cinnamon was first used by Indies and Arabians as a spice, tea, and then prescribed as a cure for respiratory disorders including flu, sinus, asthma and chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane. It possesses anti-spasmodic, antifungal, antibacterial and carminative agents. It is useful in treating gastritis, chronic fatigue, poor circulation, rheumatism, diarrhea, menstrual problems, and leucorrhea. Cinnamon contains an essential oil extracted from the leaves or bark which consists of eugenol. It also contains moisture, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates and ash, calcium, phosphorous, iron, sodium, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C and A.Cinnamon and black pepper powder in a form of decoction along with honey, are said to be good in treating influenza, sore throat, and malarial symptoms. Seasonally, Cinnamon prevents Influenza if used regularly. Cinnamon decoction is gargled as a mouth freshener, and taken internally for nausea and vomiting. Taking Cinnamon with honey at bed time, improves complexion, checks nervous tension, and acts a memory enhancer. A paste of Cinnamon powder is applied on the fore head to check the headache caused by the exposure to cold air, and if done with lime juice, it is able to deal with pimples. A combination of Cinnamon can be used in treating spasmodic afflictions, asthma, excessive bleeding during menstruation, gonorrhea etc. Cinnamon is also used as a spice and tea due to its aromatic smell.

• published: 19 May 2013
• views: 10293