The Indian bay leaf is scientifically called Cinnamomum tamala and is usually  greenish in colour. Indian and Pakistani cuisines use bay leaves in the making of biriyani for an aromatic flavour. It is one among the ingredients used to make garam masala. Apart from Indian cuisines, bay leaf is used in many Mediterranean and American dishes. These leaves when crushed yield more flavour. It also posses many anti-fungal and anti-banterial properties.