TEJ PATRA (BAY LEAF)

Description

Tejpatta is a small tree growing to a height of 20-30 feet and is seen all over South India and Sri Lanka in the temperate climate. The bark of the tree is little brittle when cut and is brown in color with good odor.Medium sized tree, blakish bark, aromatic
Leaves – simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate, glabrous , aromatic.
Flower – yellowish
Fruit – drupe
Seed- single seeded.

Chemical constituents :

Bay leaf contains several volatile essential oils including eucalyptol oil, terpinyl acetate, terpenes, sesquiterpenes, methyl eugenol, linallol, terpineol and lauric acids.It is used in the form of powder, paste, decoction, whole leaf for both external and internal purposes in Ayurvedic treatment. It has flavonoids, tannins, eugenol, citric acid, carbohydrate, steroids, alkaloids, triterpenoids, and essential oils. Antioxidant properties were discovered in the extract of bay leaf to have phenolic compounds. Each of these chemical constituents varies depending on the type of species.

Properties :

As per Ayurveda, the Bay Leaves are warming in nature and hence pacify Kapha and Vata doshas, while they increase the Pitta dosha. Myrcene, a component of Bay Leaves is often extracted to prepare essential oils in the perfume industry, and has a wider application in traditional medicines of different countries.It has katu rasa ; laghu , tikshna , Picchila in guna ; ushna Virya ; katu vipak . It increases pitta dosha & decreases vatta and kapha dosha .
Benefits :
1.Promotes Digestion
Bay leaves have a positive impact on the gastrointestinal system ,offer respite from abdominal pain, gastrointestinal infections, flatulence, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. Besides these, it also functions as a natural diuretic and increases urine output.

2. Remedies Respiratory Problems
   Potent antibacterial activities of bay leaf are effective in fighting bacterial infection and cure several respiratory problems Inhaling the vapour helps to loosen up the phlegm, get rids of harmful bacteria trapped in the lungs and eases chest congestion, asthma symptoms, breathing problems and uplifts lung power.
   3.Augments Heart Health
   Support optimises heart function and cardiac muscle activity. Bay leaves strengthen capillary walls and lower LDL cholesterol and naturally increases levels of good HDL cholesterol
   4.Good For Diabetics
   Remarkably lower and manage blood glucose levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides in people with diabetes. Laden with powerful polyphenols, bay leaf can effectively improve insulin function, control blood sugar spikes, and prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
   5.Prevents Cancer
   As per the Journal of Nutrition Research, bay leaves have exhibited promising results as an anticancer agent. The plethora of antioxidants and organic compounds in bay leaves such as phytonutrients, catechins, linalool, and parthenolide help to prevent the body from the effects of cancer-causing free radicals and lowers the risk of developing breast and colorectal cancer.
   6.For Diabetes
   Bay leaf bestowed with a wealth of phytonutrients is effective in lowering blood sugar spikes and averts the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Regular addition of bay into meal plan supports to manage diabetes and diminish bad LDL cholesterol levels.