Indian Bay Leaf Benefits
Tej Patta has antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and astringent properties.
The various benefits of bay leaf can be attributed to its rich nutritional value. These leaves are exceptionally rich in vitamins as well as copper, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and manganese. They also contain essential phytochemicals and volatile oils.
About Indian Bay Leaf
Indian Bay Leaf also called Tej Patta (तेजपत्ता)) in Hindi, Malabar leaf, Indian cassia, Indian cassia bark or Tamala cassia. It is a tough, three-veined leaf that is popular in India and used in Indian cooking and for preparing perfumes.
It is a small to moderately sized ever green tree. The three veined leaf is elliptical, pointed, smooth and tough.
The flavor and fragrance is similar to the cinnamon bark but slightly milder.
The leaves are used either fresh, dried (both whole leaves or powdered form. Oil is also extracted (Bay leaf oil) to treat such ailments.
Indian Bay Leaf Medicinal Benefits
Helps in the treatment of diabetes, migraine, gastric ulcers, abdominal pain, colic pain, bacterial and fungal infection and high blood pressure.
It maintains the sugar level of blood, pulse rate and blood pressure. It improves the immune system of the body. It works as an antidote to poison.
Tej patta is used to treat infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts and bay leaf juice promote menstruation
Natural Treatment of Diabetes
Bay leaves have been found to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes as they cause reduction in blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. To get maximum results, these leaves can be powdered and consumed for 30 days.
This will cause a drop in sugar levels in the body as well as regulate the functioning of your heart. This is because the antioxidants in bay leaf enable the body to process insulin more efficiently, thus making it a good choice for diabetics and people with insulin resistance.
Good for Digestion
Bay leaves are good for promoting digestion and can treat digestive disorders such as heartburn and flatulence.
Drinking a concoction of bay leaf tea with hot water can alleviate common digestive disorders like constipation, acid reflux and irregular bowel movements.
It contains enzymes that enable the breakdown of proteins, thus making it an excellent spice for non-vegetarian diets.
In case of indigestion and bloating, you can take 5 grams of bay leaves, add a piece of ginger and boil this in 200 mil of water till ¼ water remains. Add some honey and consume this twice a day for relief. It also acts as an appetite stimulant if you are recovering from illness.
Jatiphala(Nutmeg): A Medicinal Herb in Ayurveda for Digestion
Treatment of Cold and Infection
Bay leaves are effective in fighting the symptoms of cold, flu and infections. In case of respiratory problems, boil water and add 2 to 3 bay leaves.
Allow it to steam for 10 minutes. Soak a cloth in this water and place it on your chest to alleviate flu, cold and cough.
Bay leaf tea is effective in reducing fever. In case of repeated sneezing, boil some bay leaves in 200 ml water till ¼ remains. Strain and drink this concoction.
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Cold and Cough
Relieves Pain
The oil extracted from bay leaf has anti-inflammatory properties which can ease the pain resulting from sprains, strains, arthritis, rheumatism as well as general pains and aches.
Massaging your temples with bay leaf oil helps to relieve migraines and headaches. It also boosts circulation and promotes a feeling of well-being.
In case of joint pain, you can make a poultice of ground bay leaves and castor leaves, and tie it around the inflamed joints to reduce pain and swelling.
In case of headache, you can boil a few bay leaves in water for a few minutes. Strain and drink this concoction while it is still hot. You can apply a paste of bay leaves on your forehead to get relief from severe headache.
Treatment of Menstrual Problems
Bay leaves, when taken orally, can induce regular and normal menstruation. They also have the property of curing vaginal discharge.
Blood Circulation
The oil extracted from the leaves can be applied over the body. This promotes blood circulation in the body.
Induces Sleep
Consuming bay leaves at bedtime helps to induce proper sleep. For this purpose, mix a few drops of the bay leaf extract with water and consume it.
Treatment of Nosebleed
In case of nosebleed, crush 2 to 3 fresh or dry bay leaves. Boil them in 200 ml water till 100 ml remains. Strain and drink this concoction for relief.
Clean Teeth
To get sparkling white teeth, brush them with powdered bay leaves once in 3 days.
Natural Remedies for Toothache Relief
Treatment of Kidney Problems
Bay leaves help in treating kidney infections and even kidney stones. For this purpose, boil 5 grams bay leaves in 200 ml water till 50 ml water remains. Strain and drink this twice daily. This will stop the formation of kidney stones.
Treatment of Dandruff and Hair Loss
A rinse made from infused bay leaves is effective in treating dandruff. Bay leaf tea is considered a great remedy for hair loss. Bay leaf oil is a tonic for hair that effectively combats dandruff and hair loss.
Where to buy Indian Bay Leaves?
You will find them in the spices and herb isle of Indian grocery stores and most Asian grocery stores. Indian bay leaves are often confused with Bay laurel leaves. Bay laurel leaves have a single vein running down the center while Indian bay leaves have three veins.
How to Store Bay Leaves
Bay leaves can be plucked from the plants and dried in the shade. The leaves should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The dried leaves can be stored in closed jars or containers. They should not be exposed to strong light. The leaves can be stored and used up to one year. Beyond that, they lose the essential components.
