Introduction to Tejpatta
The Cinnamomum tamala plant dried leaves are used to make tejpatta. . It belongs to the Lauraceae family and the Cinnamomum genus, which has over 270 native species in Asia and Australia.
A little evergreen or perennial tree, tejpatta, often referred to as Indian bay leaf, thrives all year and produces fruit each year of its existence.
The tree can grow as tall as 12 metres, and its leaves are 12–20 cm long and 5-8 cm wide in the middle, with three long nerves extending from the leaf’s base to its peak.
Where is Tejpatta Found?
- The North-Western Himalayan region
- Meghalaya
- Sikkim
- Assam
- Mizoram
- tropical and subtropical Asia
- South Asia
- Australia
What are the synonyms of Tejpatta?
Tejpatta by Other Names
There are numerous English names for the India bay leaf, including
Cassia from India
Leaf of Malabar
Malabathrum, an Indian bark.
In India’s vernacular languages, it is also known by a number of other names, including
Tejpatta in Hindi and Tezpat in Urdu both refer to dried leaves.
Kannada for “patraka”
In Malayalam, tamalapatram
Nutritional Value of Tejpatta
Macronutrient Content in 1 tsp of Crumpled Leaf
| Portion size | 1 tsp = 0.6 g |
| Amount per portion | |
| Calories | 1.9 Kcal |
| Total Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.0 g |
| Total carbohydrate | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
Micronutrient Content in 1 tsp of Crumpled Leaf
| Portion size | 1 tsp = 0.6 g |
| Amount per portion | |
| Vitamin A | 1.850 mcg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.000 mcg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.003 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.012 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.010 mg |
| Vitamin B9 | 1.080 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.000 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 0.300 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.000 mcg |
| Calcium | 5.000 mg |
| Iron | 0.300 mg |
| Sodium | 0.100 mg |
| Potassium | 3.2 mg |
| Magnesium | 0.72 mg |
| Manganese | 0.049 mg |
| Phosphorus | 0.68 mg |
| Selenium | 0.02 mcg |
| Ash | 0.1 g |
| Water | 0.1 g |
What is the benefit of Tejpatta?
What are the benefits of Tejpatta for Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2)?
A VIEW OF MODERN SCIENCE
Tejpatta is helpful for diabetes since it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Tejpatta improves insulin secretion while protecting pancreatic beta cells from harm. As a result, it reduces blood sugar levels.
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Diabetes, often called to as Madhumeha, is brought on by a worsening of Vata and poor digestion. Improper digestion causes harmful waste products to build up in the body and in the pancreatic cells, which impedes insulin’s ability to operate. Tejpatta, a staple in many diets, aids in lowering blood sugar levels. This is due to Tejpatta’s (Indian Bayleaf) Ushna (hot) potency, which supports healthy digestive fire while lowering Ama.
Tips:
- Use 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of Tejpatta powder.
- To keep your blood sugar levels at a regular level after lunch and dinner, swallow it with water.
What are the benefits of Tejpatta for Common cold symptoms?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Tejpatta may help treat common colds, according to a research, however there isn’t enough evidence to prove its effectiveness.
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Tejpatta is a herb that works well for treating the common cold. The patient can breathe freely since it manages cough, expels mucus, and clears the airways. It also curbs recurrent sniffling. This is as a result of its ability to balance Kapha.
Tips:
- Use 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of Tejpatta powder.
- To treat cold symptoms, take it after lunch and dinner with some water or honey.
What are the benefits of Tejpatta for Asthma?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
There is insufficient scientific evidence to support the use of it (Indian bayleaf) in the treatment of asthma.
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Tejpatta provides relief from asthmatic symptoms and asthmatic dyspnea. The primary doshas associated in asthma, according to Ayurveda, are Vata and Kapha. The lungs’ Kapha dosha becomes unbalanced by an intensified Vata dosha. Breathing becomes challenging as a result of the blockage this causes in the airways.
Swas Roga is the name given to this ailment (asthma). Tejpatta aids in the harmony of the Vata and Kapha doshas. Due to its Ushna (hot) nature, it assists in removing excessive mucus from the lungs by melting it. Asthma symptoms are lessened as a result of this.
Tips:
- Use 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of Tejpatta powder.
- To treat asthma symptoms, take it after lunch and dinner with some water or honey.
Tejpatta Health Benefits for Brain
Many research shows that Indian bay leaf extracts have anti-depressant properties, which means they can improve a person’s mood.
It has anxiolytic effects, which means it can make a person feel calm. As a result, it is useful in the treatment of psychological disorders.
Benefits of Tejpatta for the Skin & Hair
- Due to its ability to lower the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme, which is required to produce melanin, the skin’s dark pigment, this plant possesses skin-whitening qualities.
- Tejpat oil is beneficial for skin conditions like eczema that cause dry, flaky skin.
- Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant characteristics, it provides these advantages.
- Due to the leaf’s insecticidal properties, it is also used to cure head lice.
Benefits of Tejpatta for High Blood Sugar
- Due to its antioxidant characteristics, which improve the body’s utilisation of insulin, it decreases blood sugar levels.
- When given to diabetic people, it is utilised to decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well.
Benefits of Tejpatta for the Lungs
- First off, because it relieves patients’ major symptom of running nose, the herb is helpful in treating the common cold. By decreasing cough, it helps with bronchial asthma.
- In cases of TB complications, it has been tried.
- It is helpful in all of the above conditions because of its kapha-balancing ability to control coughing, improve in mucus release, and clean the airways.
Benefits of Tejpatta for the Uterus
It is believed to enhance uterine blood flow and to be helpful for uterine bleeding issues.
Benefits of Tejpatta for Cholesterol Levels
- Tejpatta has been proved to lower triglycerides, improve good HDL cholesterol, and decrease LDL cholesterol—the bad cholesterol. As a result, it decreases the chance of developing heart disease.
- It is cardio-protective, or helps to protect the heart, due to the impact of blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Benefits of Tejpatta for the Stomach
This plant’s ethanolic extract has anti-ulcer properties, most likely due to its ability to decrease acidity and act as an antioxidant.
Benefits of Tejpatta for Wound Healing
It accelerates the healing of minor cuts due to its anti – oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties.
Benefits of Tejpatta in Cancer
Numerous substances in this herb lessen the harm done by free radicals and lower the risk of developing cancer.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING TEJPATTA
View from Ayurveda
Tejpatta (Indian bayleaf) may reduce blood sugar levels. Therefore, it may affect blood sugar levels both before and after any surgical procedures. It should generally be avoided at least two weeks before to surgery.
Allergy
Tejpatta has the potential to irritate skin. Therefore, it is normally advised to take Tejpatta in small amounts. Additionally, if you already have a history of allergies, it is best to avoid using it.
Breastfeeding
Tejpatta may be safe in dietary levels, yet there isn’t enough scientific data to suggest its use while breastfeeding. Therefore, it is normally advised to speak with your doctor before taking Tejpatta while nursing.
Patients with diabetes
The leaf has the ability to reduce blood sugar, thus if a person taking diabetes medication consumes the leaf, their blood sugar levels should be watched.
Pregnancy
Evidence for the herb’s safety during pregnancy and breast-feeding is insufficient. It would need to be avoided just to be safe.
Side Effects of Tejpatta:
- It is not safe to consume the whole leaf. It is unable to pass through the digestive system, is not digested there, and is easily stuck there. It can even cause harm to the gut’s lining.
- When leaf extract is applied to the skin, some persons may experience an allergic reaction.
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE OF TEJPATTA
- Tejpatta Leaves – 1-2 leaves or as per your requirement.
- Tejapatta Powder – ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day with honey.
- Tejpatta Capsule – 1 to 2 capsule twice day.
Types of Tejpatta
There are various kinds of bay leaves that are used to flavour cuisine, as may be seen.
These comprise a variety of species of plants, such as the Turkish, Mediterranean, or European bay leaf, the Mexican bay leaf, the Indian bay leaf, the Californian bay leaf, the Indonesian bay leaf, and others.
These include the European Bay leaf, also known as Bay laurel leaf, which is colloquially referred to as “Bay leaf” and resembles the Indian Bay leaf in appearance.
The European bay leaf differs most noticeably from the Indian bay leaf in that it has just one central vein and is shorter, narrower, and lighter in colour.
These two are frequently confused for one another and have remarkably similar characteristics.
HOW TO USE TEJPATTA
- It can be utilised in a variety of ways, including as a tea, decoction, whole leaf addition during cooking, powder, pulverised leaf, and oil extraction from the leaves.
- Depending on a person’s gender, physical characteristics, age, and the presence or absence of other conditions, the right dosage for each condition varies from person to person. There isn’t much scientific data available right now to help us determine the right dose ranges.
- Since it is a plant-based product, it is typically harmless but need not always be; a dose of more than 1 gramme per day can cause people to perspire excessively and sweat. As a result, before taking, a pharmacist or allopathic physician should be consulted.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Difference Between Tejpatta and Bay leaf?
One variety of bay leaf known as the Indian bay leaf is the tejpatta (Cinnamomum tamala).
What is the difference between Tejpatta and Dalchini?
Yes, they are unique. The dried bark of a little tree named Cinnamomum zeylanicum is used to make Dalchini, and the dried leaves of a species called Cinnamomum tamala are used to make Tejpatta (Indian bay leaf).
What is the Difference between Tejpatta and Cinnamon?
Cinnamon and tejpatta are not the same. The dried leaves of Cinnamomum tamala, a member of the genus Cinnamomum, are known as tejapatta. About 270 plant species fall under this genus. True cinnamon is most frequently referred to as the dried bark of the tree Cinnamomum verum (also known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum).
How is Tejpatta Tree Grown?
In typical plantations, the tree must be planted with a 3 x 2 m spacing and with plenty of sunlight. In the months of June and July, the seeds are placed carefully on ready beds, and it takes 2-3 weeks for the seeds to sprout into seedlings. Seedlings are transferred into polythene bags measuring 30 cm by 15 cm when they are four months old or a height of 15 cm. They are then planted in the main field after 10 to 12 months, and it takes them 6 to 9 years to reach the harvestable stage, at which point the leaves can be picked when the trees are 8 to 10 years old. Typically, the collection of leaves lasts from October to December, though it occasionally goes on until March.
Can we Eat Tejpatta?
Yes, but only in the amounts that are added to food and pulverised leaf for brief periods of time. Raw whole leaf should never be eaten because it is very difficult to digest and may also cause harm to the gut lining or become caught in the throat.
Which Part of the Tejpatta is Used?
The herb’s leaves and bark are primarily utilised in a variety of food and medicine preparations.
How do you dry Tejpatta (Bay leaves)?
Tejpatta (Bay leaves) can be naturally dried by being left in the sun. They can also be microwaved for two to three minutes while resting on a paper towel.
Are all Bay leaves edible?
Consuming bay leaves is safe. However, some Bay-like leaves with a similar appearance or name are poisonous. Mountain laurel and Cherry laurel both have deadly leaves that resemble bay leaves. They have a leathery appearance, and the entire plant is toxic.
Can I eat the raw dried Tejpatta?
Tejpatta has an unattractive flavour. It could suffocate the digestive and respiratory systems if taken whole or in big parts.
Why do we burn the Tejpatta at home?
Tejpatta, commonly known as Indian Bayleaf, may be burned. Tejapatta is used to enhance flavours and fragrances. It smoking enhances brain function and helps to relax the nervous system. Additionally, it improves immunological function. This is a result of the essential oils found in Tejpatta, which are said to have a calming impact on your body and mind when burned.
- Take one Tejpatta.
- After lighting the leaf in an ashtray, let it burn for ten minutes.
What are the benefits of Tejpatta for Rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms might be better controlled with tejpatta oil. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities are to blame for this. A protein that causes inflammation is inhibited by specific Tejpatta components. This lessens the rheumatoid arthritis-related pain and swelling in the joints.
Does Tejpatta protect the liver?
Tejpatta’s hepatoprotective effect does, in fact, protect the liver. Tejpatta contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and stop liver cell damage.
Conclusion for Tejapatta
Bay leaf is an aromatic spice that is frequently added to soups, curries, stews, and teas to add a savoury boost of flavour and taste. Due to its extraordinary medicinal effects, it has been revered as a traditional cure since ancient times. Loaded with antioxidants, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and a strong profile of volatile oils, in addition to magnesium. Bay leaves aid in reducing high blood sugar, poor cholesterol, inflammation, cancer prevention, and weight management. To feel your best and incorporate 2-3 dried bay leaves into your regular diet, cook your meals.