Uses and Benefits of Bay leaves
What is Bay Leaf? It is called Tez Patta (तेजपत्ता)) in Hindi, Indian bay leaf, 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.
Culinary Uses and Benefits of Bay Leaves – Bay leaf is used extensively in the cuisines of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Its an important spice in the Moghulai style of cooking especially biryani and korma. Kashimiri cuisine uses Tez patta extensively. It is also used in the cuisines of Nepal and is an integral part of Tsheringma herbal tea in Bhutan. Both fresh and dried bay leaves are used in cooking and impart a distinctive flavor and aroma. In Indian cooking, bay leaf is usually used as a whole dried leaf during the tempering of a dish be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian. It is an essential ingredient during preparation of the famous Biryani. The tempered bay leaves are removed once the dish is cooked, just before serving. Bay leaves are lightly roasted and ground and added to the special Indian spice mix – Garam Masala. The ground leaves are more aromatic than the whole dry bay leaf.
Medicinal Properties – Tej Patta or bay leaf has antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, carmiative, diaphoretic, diuretic and astringent properties. Bay leaves are rich in vitamin C and contain minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc and magnesium.
Uses and Benefits of Bay Leaves – Bay leaf 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. Tez patta is used to treat infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts and bay leaf juice promote menstruation.
