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Tejpatta

Tejpatta
Tejpatta, also known as Indian Bay Leaf, is used to impart a characteristic flavor in various cuisines. It gives a warm, peppery, clove-cinnamon like flavor to food.
Tejpatta is beneficial for diabetes as it helps to manage blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin secretion due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. It is also good for heart health as it helps to lower the bad cholesterol and manages blood pressure by removing excessive sodium due to its diuretic property. Tejpatta might also help prevent stomach ulcers by reducing the free radical damage caused to stomach cells as it is rich in antioxidants and has gastroprotective properties. Adding Tejpatta leaves to food helps in improving digestion and also prevents gas and flatulence due to its carminative property.
Tejpatta oil is beneficial for managing rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Massaging joints with Tejpatta oil helps to get relief from pain and swelling.
You can also apply Tejpatta oil on skin to help prevent wound infections and manage boils due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties[1].

What are the synonyms of Tejpatta?

Cinnamomum tamala, Tejpat, Tejpata, Vazhanayila, Tamalpatra, Biryani aaku, Bagharakku, Tamala patra, Develee, Tejpatra, Tamalapatra, Dalchini Ele, Dalchini pan, Tajpatra, Karuvapatta patram, Tamalpatra, Tejapatra, Tajpater, Lavangapatri, Akupatri, Tezpat.

What is the source of Tejpatta?

Plant Based

Benefits of Tejpatta

What are the benefits of Tejpatta for Common cold?

scientific
Modern Science View
Tejpatta is an effective herb for managing common cold. It controls cough, releases mucus and clears the air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe freely. It also controls frequent sneezing. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Tejpatta powder.
2. Swallow it with water or honey after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of common cold.
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Tejpatta is an effective herb for managing common cold. It controls cough, releases mucus and clears the air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe freely. It also controls frequent sneezing. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Tejpatta powder.
2. Swallow it with water or honey after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of common cold.

What are the benefits of Tejpatta for Asthma?

scientific
Modern Science View
Tejpatta helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. An aggravated Vata dosha imbalances Kapha dosha in the lungs. This creates an obstruction in the air passages which makes breathing difficult.
This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Tejpatta helps to balance Kapha and Vata dosha. It helps to remove excessive mucus from the lungs by melting it due to its Ushna (hot) property. This helps in reducing the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Tejpatta powder.
2. Swallow it with water or honey after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of asthma.
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Tejpatta helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. An aggravated Vata dosha imbalances Kapha dosha in the lungs. This creates an obstruction in the air passages which makes breathing difficult.
This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Tejpatta helps to balance Kapha and Vata dosha. It helps to remove excessive mucus from the lungs by melting it due to its Ushna (hot) property. This helps in reducing the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Tejpatta powder.
2. Swallow it with water or honey after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of asthma.

What are the benefits of Tejpatta for Diabetes?

scientific
Modern Science View
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Regular use of Tejpatta in your diet helps to control high blood sugar levels. This is because Tejpatta (Indian Bayleaf) has Ushna (hot) potency which promotes healthy digestive fire and reduces Ama.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Tejpatta powder.
2. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Regular use of Tejpatta in your diet helps to control high blood sugar levels. This is because Tejpatta (Indian Bayleaf) has Ushna (hot) potency which promotes healthy digestive fire and reduces Ama.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Tejpatta powder.
2. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner to maintain a normal blood sugar level.

How effective is Tejpatta?

Insufficient evidence
Asthma, Bad odor from mouth, Common cold, Diabetes

Recommended Dosage of Tejpatta

  • Tejpatta Leaves - 1-2 leaves or as per your requirement.
  • Tejpatta Powder - ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day with honey.
  • Tejpatta Capsule - 1 to 2 capsule twice day.

How to use Tejpatta

1. Raw dried Tejpatta leaf
a. Take 1-2 raw dried Tejpatta leaf.
b. Use it while cooking to add flavor and taste in food.

2. Tejpatta Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Tejpatta powder.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner to maintain normal blood sugar level.

Benefits of Tejpatta

What are the benefits of Tejpatta for Skin disorders?

scientific
Modern Science View
Tejpatta oil is rich with constituents having skin whitening property. These constituents show good enzyme activity that helps in melanin production. Tejpatta is also beneficial against boils and wound infections[7-9].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Tejpatta or its oil is good for skin disorders because it helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected area. Tejpatta has the property of Ropan (healing) that helps in quick healing of skin.
Tips:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Tejpatta oil or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with Coconut oil.
3. Apply on the affected area 2-3 hours before taking shower.
4. Wash it with cool water.
5. Repeat 2-3 times a week to get rid of the symptoms of skin disease.

How effective is Tejpatta?

Insufficient evidence
Skin disorders

Precautions when using Tejpatta

Allergy
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Tepatta oil might cause allergic reactions when applied. So it is generally advisable to use Tejpatta oil under medical supervision only[13].

Recommended Dosage of Tejpatta

  • Tejpatta Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
  • Tejpatta Powder - ½ to 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.

How to use Tejpatta

1. Tejpatta Toothpaste
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Tejpatta powder.
b. Add honey to form a paste.
c. Massage the teeth and gums gently with this paste.
d. Rinse your mouth with fresh water.
e. Use this twice a day for whiter teeth and to get rid of swollen gums.

2. Tejpatta Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Tejpatta oil.
b. Mix it with sesame oil and apply on the affected area.
d. Use it 1-2 times a day to get rid of swelling and inflammation.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can you chew Bay leaves?

ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Generally Bay leaves should be removed from the cooked food before eating. This is because it is hard to digest and also has sharp edges which can get stuck in the throat.

Q. How do I use Bay leaves?

scientific
Modern Science View
Bay leaves can be used in fresh, dried and powdered form. It can be used as a spice in cooking and to make tea. It can also be burnt indoors to release compounds that are beneficial for health. Bay leaf powder can also be applied on the skin to manage skin infections.

Q. Are Bay leaves the same as basil?

scientific
Modern Science View
Bay leaf and Basil have similar appearance but different properties and uses in cooking. Fresh Bay leaf does not have much flavour but once it has been dried it develops a woody bitter flavour. Fresh basil, on the other hand, has a strong mint flavour which becomes mild when dried.

Q. How do you dry Tejpatta (Bay leaves)?

scientific
Modern Science View
Tejpatta (Bay leaves) can be dried naturally by keeping them in direct sunlight. They can also be placed on a paper towel and put in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Q. Are all Bay leaves edible?

scientific
Modern Science View
Bay leaves are safe to be consumed. But there are certain Bay-like leaves which appear the same or have similar names and are toxic. These toxic bay-like leaves include Mountain Laurel and Cherry Laurel. They are leathery in appearance and all parts of their plant is toxic.

Q. Can I eat the raw dried Tejpatta?

scientific
Modern Science View
Tejpatta has an unpleasant taste. If it is swallowed as a whole or in large pieces, it may cause choking of the digestive and respiratory tract.
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Generally Tejpatta (Bay leaf) should be removed from the cooked food before eating. This is because it is hard to digest and has sharp edges which may get stuck in your throat.

Q. Why do we burn the Tejpatta at home?

scientific
Modern Science View
Yes, you can burn Tejpatta also known as Indian Bayleaf. Tejpatta is used as a flavor or fragrance enhancer. The smoke of Tejpatta helps to calm the nervous system and improves mental activity. It also strengthens the immune system. This is due to the essential oils present in Tejpatta which is believed to exhibit a soothing effect on your body and mind when you burn them.
Tip:
1. Take 1 Tejpatta.
2. Light the leaf in an ashtray and leave it to burn for 10 minutes.

Q. Can I use Tejpatta as a domestic cockroach repellent?

scientific
Modern Science View
Tejpatta is a natural cockroach repellent. It cannot kill the cockroach but the smell of the essential oils present in Tejpatta is unbearable for cockroach. This property of Tejpatta makes it a best and safest cockroach repellent.

Q. What are the advantages of adding Tejpatta in food?

scientific
Modern Science View
Adding Tejpatta in food is good as it prevents the spoilage of food caused due to fungal growth. This is due to its antifungal property[9].

Q. How does Tejpatta (Indian Bayleaf) help manage depression?

scientific
Modern Science View
Tejpatta or Indian Bayleaf helps manage depression due to its anxiolytic activity. This activity reduces the severity, frequency, and duration of anxiety symptoms[9].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Tejpatta or its oil is useful to manage the symptoms of depression. According to Ayurveda, Vata governs all the movements and actions of the body and nervous system respectively. Depression mainly occurs due to Vata imbalance.
Tejpatta oil helps to balance Vata and gives a calming effect on the nervous system when applied externally.

Q. Does Tejpatta help in the management of Alzheimer’s diseases?

scientific
Modern Science View
Yes, Tejpatta oil is found to be effective against Alzheimer’s diseases. It inhibits the activity of an enzyme (cholinesterase) that causes memory impairment. Thus, it helps in the management of memory loss in Alzheimer’s diseases[14].

Q. What are the benefits of Tejpatta for Rheumatoid arthritis?

scientific
Modern Science View
Tejpatta oil might help manage the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis. This is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Certain constituents present in Tejpatta inhibits the activity of an inflammatory protein. This reduces joint pain and swelling associated with Rheumatoid arthritis[9].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered the site of Vata in the body. An imbalance in the Vata dosha causes joint pain in Rheumatism. A massage with Tejpatta oil helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.

Q. Can Tejpatta oil be used for children?

scientific
Modern Science View
It is advisable not to use Tejpatta oil for children under two years. It can be used in the diluted form and under a doctor’s supervision[13].

References

  1. Sharma V, Rao LJ.An overview on chemical composition, bioactivity and processing of leaves of Cinnamomum tamala.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr.2014;54(4):433-48.
  2. WebMD.Bay Leaf: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
  3. Pandey AK, Mishra AK, Mishra A.Antifungal and antioxidative potential of oil and extracts derived from leaves of indian spice plant Cinnamomum tamala.Cell Mol Biol.2012;58(1):142-147.
  4. Gambhire MN, Juvekar AR, Wankhede, SS.Anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Cinnamomum tamala leaves by in vivo and in vitro methods.J Pharm Res.2009;2(9):1521-1524.
  5. Sharma G, Nautiyal AR.Cinnamomum tamala: A valuable tree from Himalayas.Int J Med Arom Plants.2011.1(1):1-4.
  6. Eswaran MB, Surendran S, Vijayakumar M et al.Gastroprotective activity of Cinnamomum tamala leaves on experimental gastric ulcers in rats.J Ethnopharmacol.2010;128(2):537-540.
  7. Rahman M, Khatun A, Islam MM et al.Evaluation of antimicrobial, cytotoxic, thrombolytic, diuretic properties and total phenolic content of Cinnamomum tamala.Int J Green Pharm.2013;7:236-243.
  8. Dandapat S, Kumar M, Kumar A et al.Antipathogenic efficacy of methanolic leaf extract of Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham)and Aegle marmelos (L.) with their nutritional potentiality.The Bioscan.2013;8(2):635-541.
  9. Upadhyay RK.Therapeutic and Pharmaceutical Potential of Cinnamomum Tamala.RRJPPS.2017;6(3):18-28.
  10. Mehta S, Purohit VK, Andola HC.Pharmacological activities of Cinnamomum tamala Nees and Eberm. And medical implication: A Review. Medicinal and aromatic plants.2014;3(4):2-6.
  11. Bendre AV, Tare MS, Kamble KV, et al. Diuretic activity of Cinnamomum Tamala.Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2010;3(1):289-290.
  12. Shah M, Panchal M. Ethnopharmacological properties of Cinnamomum Tamala- A review. 2010;5(3):141-144.
  13. Kumar S, Vasudeva N, Sharma S. Pharmacological and pharmacognostical of Cinnamomum tamala Nees & Eberm. JPRS.2012;5(1):480-484.
  14. Dalai MK, Bhadra S, Chaudhary SK, et al. Anti-cholinesterase potential of Cinnamomum tamala (Buch-Ham) T. Nees & Eberm. Leaves. Indian journal of traditional knowledge.2014;13(4):691-697.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.

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