Cinnamon

Cinnamon (Dalchini):-

Botanical Names:- 

i. Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon or Dalchini)

ii. Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor)

iii. Cinnamomum tamala (Tejpat or Indian Cassia)

Family:- Lauraceae

Economic Importance:-

> The drug cinnamon, which is used in diarrhoea, nausia and vomiting, is obtained from the dried inner bark of C. zeylanicum, i.e. Dalchini.

> Dalchini in India is mainly grown in Kerala. It is extensively used as a spice and condiment.

> Oil obtained from the bark is used as a stomachic and carminative. It removes the gastric disorders and destroys some fungi and germs.

> Camphor is obtained by distillation of the wood and leaves of C. camphora. Safrole, a highly valued constituent used in preparation of expensive perfumes, is also obtained from this species.

> Camphor is used internally in diarrhoea and as cardiac stimulant, and externally for local application for inflammations and rheumatic pains.

> Tejpat is obtained from the leaves of C. tamala (Fig. 83). It is used as a spice and also in diarrhoea and colic disorders.