Tamala cinnamon (scientific name : Cinnamomum tamala ) is a small green tree of the Lauraceae family found from the Himalayan foothills to southern China. In India, the dried leaves are widely used in cooking as a spice (tej patta/Indian bay leaf), and the bark is also used as a cinnamon substitute. Rich in aromatic compounds, it has also been valued in traditional medicine as an ingredient to support digestion and circulation.
It has been traditionally recorded that it has been used for a wide range of purposes, including anti-infection, disinfection, pain relief, astringency, carminative (relief of gas and bloating), stomachic, emmenagogue, and relaxation. In recent research, mainly at the basic research level, the physiological activities of essential oil components (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes), such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, have been reported.
In terms of ingredients, aromatic components such as linalool , 1,8-cineole , α-pinene , β-pinene , limonene , β-caryophyllene , and p-cymene (para-cymene) have been reported. These ingredients suggest that they may contribute to supporting respiration, digestion, and relaxation, as well as aiding hygiene and defense functions.
Characteristics of Tamara Nikkei
- Scientific name: Cinnamomum tamala
- Classification: Lauraceae
- Japanese name: Tamara Nikkei
- Distribution: Himalayan foothills to southern China
- Growth habit: Evergreen small tree
- Uses: Leaves (dried as a spice), bark (as a cinnamon substitute)
- Also known as: Tej Patta (Indian bay leaf)
Main ingredients (reported examples)
- Monoterpene alcohol: Linalool
- Oxygenated monoterpene: 1,8-cineole
- Monoterpenes: α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene
- Sesquiterpene: β-caryophyllene
- Aromatic compounds: p-cymene (para-cymene)
- Others: polyphenols, tannins, organic acids, etc.
Expected effects
- Anti-infection and hygiene support effects: It has been suggested that it has the ability to inhibit the growth of some microorganisms, suggesting its potential to contribute to health management and hygiene support.
- Antibacterial and disinfectant support: The properties of the aromatic components suggest that they may contribute to maintaining environmental hygiene.
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic support effects: It has been suggested that it may contribute to the relief of inflammatory stress and the alleviation of pain discomfort.
- Astringent and conditioning properties: It has been suggested that it may contribute to firming and conditioning skin and mucous membranes.
- Carminative and abdominal conditioning support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to the relief of abdominal discomfort such as gas and bloating.
- Digestive and stomach support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining gastrointestinal function and post-meal comfort.
- Supports menstrual cycle and female balance: It has been suggested that it may contribute to stabilizing menstrual rhythms and caring for physical condition fluctuations specific to women.
- Relaxation and mood support effects: It has been suggested that the aromatic components may contribute to relaxation and maintaining stress balance.
