Tejpatra: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Talisapatra section mentions Tamalpatra/Tejpatra as related aromatic leaves used in formulations. Cinnamomum tamala yields the Indian bay leaf (Tejpat) widely used in cooking and medicine. The leaves are aromatic, 3-5 nerved, and glossy. It grows in the sub-Himalayan region and northeastern India. The bark and leaves are both medicinally valuable. The drug has pungent, bitter, and sweet tastes with heating potency. It is commonly used as a spice and digestive. It alleviates Vata and Kapha. Also included in formulations for cough, cold, and respiratory ailments. The leaves contain essential oil with cinnamaldehyde. Abies webbiana (Silver Fir) and Taxus baccata (Yew) are noted as being distinct from Talisapatra in some traditions. Dose: 1-3 grams.

Rasa (Taste): Sweet, Pungent

Virya (Energy): Heating

Vipak (Post-digestive effect): Pungent

Dosha effects: Increases pitta, decreases vata and kapha.

Bay Leaf promotes sweating, is a digestant and stimulant, kindles gastric fire and can be a diuretic.

• Indigestion: Steep ½ teaspoon ground bay leaf in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Add a pinch of cardamom and drink after food.
• Abdominal pain: ¼ teaspoon ground bay leaf, ¼ teaspoon ajwan and 1 teaspoon of honey, 2 times a day before lunch and dinner.
• Intestinal worms: ½ teaspoon bay leaf, ½ teaspoon vidanga and 1 teaspoon of honey before lunch and dinner for 15 days.
• Threat of miscarriage: ½ teaspoon ground bay leaf and ½ cup milk boiled together, cooled and drunk twice a day to help protect the fetus.
• Diabetes (blood sugar regulation): ½ teaspoon ground bay leaf, ½ teaspoon turmeric and 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel. Take 2 times a day before lunch and dinner until blood sugar returns to normal.
• Cough and asthma: ½ teaspoon bay leaf powder, ¼ teaspoon pippali and 1 teaspoon of honey, 2 or 3 times a day.

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Kasahara (antitussive)
• Mukhavaishadyakara (mouth freshener)
• Hridya (cardiotonic)
• Vatakaphaghna (alleviates Vata and Kapha)