Karuvapatta is a bit of a regional name twist! In Kerala and some parts of South India, the term “Karuvapatta” often points to cinnamon. But here’s the tricky part—what you came across is a classic confusion: while one shopkeeper showed you cinnamon sticks, and the other showed you bay leaves, it’s cause sometimes in local dialects, “karuvapatta” can refer to either. But generally, when people talk about “karuvapatta,” they mean cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), so the spice shop leading you to cinnamon sticks was right in that context.
The difference between the bark and the leaf is significant, tho! Cinnamon as we use it in cooking is actually the inner bark and has a distinct sweet and warm flavor. The leaves, sometimes called “cinnamon leaves,” are more like a cross between true cinnamon and bay leaves in flavor, used fresh or dried in cooking but not as aromatic as the bark.
Cinnamon, including this “karuvapatta,” used widely in Ayurveda, offers various health benefits. You’re right about the digestion and blood sugar control properties. The bark (which is powdered into what we typically know as cinnamon) is usually what’s most researched for health benefits like blood sugar regulation. Using it for diabetes—well, in Ayurveda, the suggestion often includes using it as a powder. You might mix it with a small amount of honey, or sprinkle it generously over your meals. Drinking as tea by boiling it in water is also a popular way.
As for side effects, moderation is indeed key. Cinnamaldehyde, the active compound, can be a little harsh in excessive amounts… especially for the liver, so you’d want to keep it to maybe a teaspoon a day.
In your case, if managing blood sugar is your aim, make cinnamon powder or bark your primary culinary choice. Instead of looking for leaves which can be misleading (and cause the karuvapatta confusion), stick to the bark; that’s what usually carries the potent benefits. But of course, always remember to check with your health provider before making significant health changes, especially cause of that family history you mentioned!
