All About Indian Bay Leaf | Know Your Spice Tejpatta (Cinnamomum tamala)

Historically, Indian Bay Leaf is one of the oldest known and used spices.

Tej patta is known as the tamalpatra in Sanskrit. Greek and Roman traders referred to it as the malabathron and malabathrum, respectively. The etymology is derived from the Greek word “Kinnamomon” meaning ‘spice’.

The Greeks borrowed the word from Phoenicians, indicating that they traded with the East from early times, the specific epithet ‘tamala’ is after a local name of the plant in India.

Ancient literature has revealed that in the first century A.D., dried leaves and bark of this plant were prescribed for fever, anemia and body odour.

Its seeds were crushed and mixed with honey or sugar and administered to children for dysentery or cough.

It is one of the three ingredients of ‘trijata’ with Cinnamomum zeylanicum (tavak or dalchini) and Elettaria cardamom, mentioned by Bhavaprakasha.

Trijata is commonly used in Ayurvedic pharmacy in asava and arista preparation to augment the fragrance and to promote the appetite and digestion.

Indian bay leaves might still have been available during the early Middle Ages; some medieval recipes for beer brewing mention folia, but the identification is really unclear.

In any case, at some point of time between late antiquate and High Middle Ages, they fell victim to the multitude of new spices then available, and were forgotten.

They were rediscovered only in the Age of Exploration, when Western scholars for the first time arrived in India and studied its products.

In the 16th Century, Garcia de Orta encountered the leaves while travelling in India and identified them with the spice known only from ancient records.

In the modern world, it was first discovered by a famous Scottish surgeoncum naturalist, Dr. Francis Buchanan-Hamilton, in 1802.

Today, Indian bay-leaves are a spice used almost exclusively in the kitchens of Northern India, especially in the famous Mughal cuisine that was developed at the Imperial courts in Delhi and Agra.

In accordance with the origins of the Mughal dynasty, Moghul cooking contains elements derived from Arabic and Persian cooking.

• Burning Indian Bay Leaf is said to help fatigue, varicose veins, painful joints, and viral infections.
• It helps by calming the nervous system and boosting mental activity, as well as strengthening immune systems.
• Trijata, made with Indian Bay Leaves) is commonly used in Ayurvedic pharmacy in asava and arista preparation to augment the fragrance and to promote the appetite and digestion.
• Indian bay-leaves are a spice used almost exclusively in the kitchens of Northern India.
• Make an infusion of Tej patta, add it to the shampoo and use it. It helps to treat dandruff.
• Extract of Indian Bay leaf (Tej patta) oil is used for the treatment of paralysis and muscle pain.
• The leaves are also kept between clothes to make them smell good.

If eaten whole, Indian bay leaves are pungent and have a sharp, bitter taste. Tej patta has a fragrance and taste similar to cinnamon bark, but milder. The aroma is more closely related to cassia.

1-2 raw dried Tej Patta leaf

Dried tej patta can be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark spot, such as the spice cabinet or pantry; they will last up to two years before losing their aroma.

• Fresh bay leaves can be placed in a sealed zip-top bag and stored in the refrigerator where they will last for a week or two.
• Dried bay leaves can be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark spot, such as the spice cabinet or pantry; they will last up to two years before losing their aroma.

If Indian bay leaf is unavailable, you can substitute with a little cassia, cinnamon, or an extra clove.

You will find them in the spices and herb isle of Indian grocery stores and most Asian grocery stores. To buy online, simply click here.

The following are health benefits of Indian Bay Leaf (Cinnamomum tamala) or Tej Patta

• Health Benefits of Indian Bay Leaf as an Antioxidant – It has high nutritional value and natural antioxidants. Hence, they may boost immune system by removing free radicals from the body and regulating the metabolism.
• Health Benefits of Tej Patta as an Anticancer Agent – Bay leaf contains caffeic acid, quercetin, eugenol and catechins all of which have chemo-protective properties which offer resistance against different types of cancer.
• Health Benefits of Indian Bay Leaf as an Anti Inflammatory – The oil extracted from bay leaf has got anti-inflammatory properties which ease the pain resulting from sprains, strains, arthritis, rheumatism as well as general pains and aches.
• Health Benefits of Tejpatta as an Antimicrobial Agent – Tejpatta provides an effective remedy to treat respiratory diseases such as cold, cough, and other infections. Studies found that antibacterial property present in bay leaf fights against the microbes that cause infections.
• Health Benefits of Indian Bay Leaf for Pain Relief – The extracted oil of bay leaves contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to provide great relief from arthritis, sprains, rheumatism, strains, normal pains, and aches.
• Health Benefits of Tejpatta to Combat Diabetes – Tej Patta has been found to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes as they cause reduction in blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Health Benefits of Indian Bay Leaf for Digestion – Tej Patta is 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.
• Health Benefits of Indian Bay Leaf for Kidney Relief – Tejpatta provides an effective remedy to treat kidney stones and diseases related to kidney stones. It dissolves the kidney stones and prevents forming kidney stones.
• Health Benefits of Tejpatta for your Heart – Tejpatta contains rich amounts of nutrients and powerful medicinal properties that help to prevent cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and heart blocks.
• Health Benefits of Indian Bay Leaf for Hair Growth – In order to improve the health of the hair follicles and eliminate dandruff, bay leaves are steamed in water and then rubbed on the scalp after shampooing.
• Health Benefits of Indian Bay Leaf for Menstruation – When taken orally, it can induce regular and normal menstruation. They also have the property of curing vaginal discharge.
• Health Benefits of Tej Patta for Your Mind – If you are feeling worn down due to stress and exhaustion, inhaling its essential oil will help you feel refreshed and energized. This is because the compounds found in this herb, such as cineol, stimulates the nervous system and improves the mood of the individual.
• Benefits of Indian Bay Leaf for Sleep – Consumption of bay leaves at bedtime helps to induce proper sleep. For this purpose, a few drops of the bay leaf extract is mixed with water and consumed.
• Health Benefits of Tejpatta for Stress – Tej Patta contain linalool, which helps to reduce stress hormones. The leaves also help to fight depression, obviously, by reducing hormones that cause stress and anxiety in the body.