Cinnamomum tamala: A valuable tree from Himalayas

Abstract

Cinnamomum tamalaknown as tejpat / bay leaves in trade, found in Himalayan region, is a promising med i- cinal plant species. Its leaves are widely used as spice throughout the world since ancient tim es. It is used in Indian sy s- tem of traditional medicines in various Ayurvedic formulations. Leaves and bark have aromatic, astringent, stimulant and carminative qualities and used in rheuma tism, colic, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The essential oil of th e leaves called tejpat oil is medicinally used as carminative, anti -flatulent, diuretic, and in cardiac disorders. It is also used in pharm a- ceutical preparations because of its hypoglycemic, stimulant and carminative properties. Owing to its high medicinal value and being an important ingredient of the spices, the demand of C. tamala is increasing day by day. Therefore, sp e- cies has been recommended for in-situ as well as ex-situ conservation with devising appropriate management plans.