It is an
important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of various ailments.
The botanical name for Tejapatra is Cinnamomum Tamala which belongs to the
Lauraceae family. It is widely used in cuisines all over the world as a flavoring
agent.
English
– Tejpat
English
– Indian bay leaf
Assamese
– Dopatti
Bengali
– Tejapat
Gujarathi
– Tamal Patra
Kannada
– Patra
Marathi
– Tamalapatra
Malayalam
– Pacilla
Punjabi
– Tejpatra
Oriya
– Tejpatra
Tamil
– Talisapartri
Telugu
– Akupatri
Tulu
– lijin
Burmese
– Thichabo
Danish
– Indish Laubaerblad
Esperanto
– Hinda Cinnamomo
German
– Indisches Lorburblatt
Hungarian
– Indiai baberlevel
Japanese
– Tamara-nikkei
Bay leaf tree is originated from the
region of Mediterranean and it is found in a wide world. It is also found in
tropical and subtropical Himalayas, the Nilgris and Khasi hills and it is also
found at the foot of the Sikkim Himalayas
It is a small tree that grows at the
height of 20-30 feet and it has thin, tough, and rough bark. The branches of
this tree are evergreen round and it bears leaves throughout the year. The
leaves are 4-7 inches long and it has a strong odor. The fruit is round and it
is purple. Usually, the flower appears in January and the fruit appears from
May to August.
Parts
used: Leaf. Bark and Oil
Taste:
Pungent, Bitter, and Sweet
Potency:
Hot
On
chemical compound analysis of Tejapatra, it includes
Bark: Cinnamaldehyde
Leaves: Linalool, Cinnamaldehyde, alpha-and beta-piene, p-cymene and
limonene, monoterpenoids
Linalool
contain
ACTIONS:
The
dose of the drug used according to the physician
Bark powder: 1-3g
Leaf powder: 1-3g
Oil: 2 to 5 drops
Kindly
avoid bay leaf 2 weeks before and after if you are planning for surgery because
the bay leaf interferes with the blood sugar level.
At
higher doses use of tejpatta can cause irritation
The use of tejpatta may lower blood
glucose levels in the blood. So, monitoring of blood sugar is required in
patients who are taking the anti-diabetic drug
Do
not use this herb if you are allergic to the chemical constituents of Tejpatta
Less
information is available regarding the use of this drug during pregnancy and
breastfeeding. Kindly consult with the doctor.
Diabetes:
Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, diabetes is known as
Madhumeha. It occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosh and impaired
digestion. Impaired digestion leads to the accumulation of toxins in the
pancreatic cells and affects insulin function. The use of tejpatta control
diabetes by maintaining the function of insulin normally by balancing the
Vata-Kapha and improves impaired digestion by reducing the accumulation of
toxin which is responsible for impaired digestion.
Take the
required amount of tejpatta powder as per the dose and duration advised by the
doctor. Consume it with water after your meals to control your blood sugar
level
Modern view: Due to its anti-oxidant and
anti-inflammatory activity the use of tejpatta increase the secretion of
insulin by preventing the pancreatic beta cells damage
Cold:
Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, cold occurs due to
the imbalance of Kapha. The use of tejpatta treats cough and cold by clearing
the air passages and by releasing mucus.
Take the
required amount of tejpatta powder and consume it with water or honey to treat the
common cold.
Asthma:
According
to Ayurveda asthma is called Swas Roga, which occurs due to the imbalance of
Kapha and Vata in the lungs which results in obstruction in the passages in the
respiratory. The use of tejpatta treats asthma by balancing the imbalance of
Vata and Kapha doshas this helps to reduce the blockage in the respiratory
passage by removing the excess mucus in the lungs.
Take the
required amount of tejpatta powder and consume it with water or honey to treat
asthma.
Flatulence:
Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, flatulence occurs due
to the imbalance of Vata and Pitta doshas. This decrease in Pitta doshas result
in poor digestive fire and impair digestion this leads to the formation of gas.
The use of tejpatta helps to improve digestion by balancing Vata and Pitta
doshas and prevent the formation of gas by its Deepan (appetizer) activity.
Take the
required amount of bay leaf and use it while you are cooking which prevents the
formation of gas in your body.
Modern view: Due to its carminative and anti-flatulent effect is used to control
the disorder of gastric
High cholesterol:
Traditional use: According to Ayurveda, high cholesterol occurs
due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). This impaired digestion
occurs due to the accumulation of toxins in the body which leads to the accumulation
of cholesterol and causes obstruction in blood vessels. The use of bay leaf
helps to improve the improper digestion by its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan
(digestive) produces which remove the accumulation of bad cholesterol and main
normal cholesterol level
Modern view: Due to anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory property it helps to lower
the blood and bad cholesterol and triglycerides. The use of tejpatta also helps
to increase the good cholesterol in your body
Worm infestations:
Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, it is
called Kirmi. Usually, kirmi starts to grow if you have a weak digestive fire.
The use of senna helps to kill the kirmi by improving the impaired digestion
and it also clears the worms from the intestines by its hot potency
Modern
view: Due to its anti-parasitic effect it
helps to inhibit the growth of the parasite in the intestine
Depression:
According
to Ayurveda, all the movements of the body and nervous system are balanced by
Vata. The depression occurs due to the imbalance of Vata. The use of bay leaf
helps to control depression by calming the nervous system
Skin disorders:
Traditional view: The use of bay leaf helps to control the
skin disease like eczema when it is applied to an affected area by its healing
effect and it also helps to heal the wound quickly
Take the
required amount of tejpatta oil and mix it with coconut oil. Apply this oil to
an affected area before you are taking bath. Use this remedy to get rid of skin
diseases
The Tejpatta comes in various formulations includes
Tejpatta powder:
Take the
required amount of tejpatta powder as per the dose and duration advised by the
doctor. Consume it with water after your meals to control your blood sugar
level
Tejpatta toothpaste:
Take the
required amount of bay leaf powder and make a paste by adding honey. Apply this
paste to the teeth and gums. Wash your mouth with water. Use this remedy to
treat inflamed gums
Tejpatta oil:
Take the
required amount of tejpatta oil and mix it with coconut oil. Apply this oil to
an affected area before you are taking bath. Use this remedy to get rid of skin
diseases
Is Tejpatta powder
available in the market?
Yes,
it is available in the market and it can be brought from online websites or
ayurvedic medical stores.
How to store Tejpatta
oil?
It
should be stored in an airtight container and keep the medicines away from the
heat and light and Do not keep the medicines reaching out
to children
Can you chew Bay leaves?
It should be removed before eating because it
is hard to digest and also has sharp edges which get stuck in the throat.
