12 Interesting Benefits of Tej Patta That You Should Know
2022-09-01 00:00:00
Tej Patta, also known as Bay leaf, is a leaf of the sweet bay tree (Laurus nobilis), an evergreen tree of the family Lauraceae and native to Mediterranean countries. Tej Patta is a popular spice used for pickling and marinating, and for flavour stews, fillings, and fish. It smells mild, but has a bitter taste.
Tej Patta adds aroma and sweetness to the recipe. It can be stored for months as dry spices are really very strong and can be stored for a long time.
Nutritional Values of Tej Patta
This aromatic spice contains a wide variety of essential phytochemical compounds, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimal health and well-being. Fresh bay leaves are a storehouse of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that removes harmful toxins from the body, boosts immunity, and accelerates wound healing. It is also an impressive source of B-complex vitamins, which support enzyme synthesis, nervous system function, and metabolic regulation. In addition, Tej Patta is rich in minerals such as copper, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, and selenium, which control blood pressure, heart rate, and several enzyme reactions.
Importance of Tej Patta in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, Tej Patta helps balance Kapha and Vata dosha. It helps remove excess phlegm from the lungs by melting it due to its ushna (heat) nature. It also helps in reducing asthma symptoms.
Benefits of Tej Patta
- Improves digestion-Tej Patta contains organic compounds that are effective in relieving stomach pain and relieving Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Tej Patta helps reduce the levels of toxins in the body to function better. It contains enzymes that help digest proteins that are difficult to digest. Tej Patta plays an important role in the digestion of complex proteins.
- Improves heart health-Tej Patta contains various compounds that can be beneficial for the cardiovascular system. These compounds strengthen the capillaries in the heart and reduce bad cholesterol.
- Reduces inflammation-The anti-inflammatory properties of Tej Patta are enhanced by a unique phytonutrient called parthenolide, which significantly reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of arthritis.
- Effective for hair growth-Tej Patta are boiled in water and applied to the scalp after hair wash. The chemicals and volatile compounds in Tej Patta can help get rid of dry skin and dandruff. Bay leaves are also useful for restoring hair growth and preventing hair loss.
- Combats stress-Stress is one of the most common problems that have a negative impact on a person's well-being. To manage stress, simply add Tej Patta to your regular meal plan. Linalool essence can help lower stress hormones in the system, especially when used in aromatherapy. Tej Patta can calm you down and fight symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Beneficial for menstrual problems-Tej Patta can cause regular and normal menstrual periods if taken orally. They also have the ability to treat vaginal discharge.
- Provide proper sleep-Eating Tej Patta before bed contributes to a good sleep. A few drops of Tej Patta extract are mixed with water and consumed.
- Treats diabetes-Due to the presence of several phytochemicals and essential oils in Tej Patta, it can help lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. Consumption of Tej Patta can increase insulin and glucose metabolism.
- Acts as an insect repellent-Tej Patta is a great insect repellent as they contain lauric acid. A dish of Tej Patta can ward off insects. A paste made of crushed leaves and a little oil soothes stings and bites when applied on the affected area.
- Treats dandruff-Tej Patta is an excellent remedy for dandruff and itchy scalp. It strengthens the hair follicles and reduces the itching that occurs with a dry scalp. To do this, a few bay leaves are crushed into a powder and mixed with coconut oil. This paste can then be applied to your scalp to reduce dandruff and itching on the scalp.
- Heals wound-Tej Patta is believed to have antimicrobial properties that help heal wounds and speed up the healing process. Tej Patta extract acts as a natural remedy to treat minor cuts and wounds.
- Good for respiratory system-Tej Patta has antibacterial properties which make it beneficial for the respiratory system, as the vapors are inhaled. This loosens mucus and removes harmful bacteria that can be trapped in the airways.
Where is Tej Patta found?
Tej Patta grows naturally in the Northwestern Himalayas, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, tropical and subtropical Asia, South Asia, the Pacific region and Australia. As a spice, it is used in various cuisines, especially North Indian cuisine, giving it the best aroma and taste.