Photo: Sonja Pauen / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Tejpatta तेजपत्र
Cinnamomum tamala · Lauraceae
Also known as: Tejpatra, Patra, Indian Bay Leaf, Tejpat, Tej Pat
Part used: Leaf
Tejpatta (Cinnamomum tamala) is Indian bay leaf, one of the four aromatics in Chaturjata. It is warming and digestive, used for poor appetite, bloating, cough and diabetes, and is distinct from the Mediterranean bay leaf used in European cooking.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Cinnamomum tamala
- Part used: Leaf
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Leaf powder 0.5–2 g; part of Trijataka and digestive/respiratory formulas.
Tejpatta in other languages
Introduction
Tejpatta (Indian bay leaf, Cinnamomum tamala) is a fragrant leaf used to kindle digestion and clear Kapha. A close relative of cinnamon, it is a warming Deepana spice and part of Trijataka.
Classification
Of the Lauraceae family, Tejpatta is grouped among the Deepana and aromatic Kapha-Vata-pacifying dravyas. Its pungent taste, sharp quality and heating potency kindle Agni and clear congestion.
Uses & benefits
Tejpatta is a warming aromatic used for poor appetite, bloating and nausea, and in cold congestion of the chest. It is one of the Trijataka group with cinnamon and cardamom, added to formulations to make them palatable and to support digestion.
Tejpatta for digestion
A Deepana and Pachana drug used for poor appetite, bloating and incomplete digestion.
Tejpatta for diabetes
Named among the Pramehahara drugs, with some modern interest in cinnamon-family effects on blood sugar.
Tejpatta for cough
Warming and aromatic, used in Kapha cough with congestion.
Tejpatta in Chaturjata
One of the four aromatics with cardamom, cinnamon bark and Nagkesar, added to formulations for taste and absorption.
Tejpatta for nausea
Used in vomiting and nausea associated with digestive disturbance.
Tejpatta for bad breath
Its aroma is used in mouth fresheners and oral preparations.
Tejpatta for heart
Described as Hridya in the classical texts and present in some cardiac formulations.
Tejpatta for piles
Used in Arshas within compounds where digestion is the underlying issue.
Tejpatta for skin complaints
Used internally in chronic skin conditions on its Kapha-clearing action.
Tejpatta in classical formulations
Present in Sitopaladi Churna, Talisadi Churna and most compounds containing Chaturjata.
Dosage — how much to take
Leaf powder 0.5–2 g; part of Trijataka and digestive/respiratory formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Tejpatta?
The citations held for Tejpatta in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Karpuradi Varga); Sharangdhara Samhita (Trijataka).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Tejpatta?
Described as Deepana and aromatic; part of Trijataka. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga.
What does the Sharangdhara Samhita record about Tejpatta?
A classical constituent with cinnamon and cardamom. Reference: Sharangdhara Samhita — Trijataka.
What is Tejpatta traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Tejpatta is a warming aromatic used for poor appetite, bloating and nausea, and in cold congestion of the chest. It is one of the Trijataka group with cinnamon and cardamom, added to formulations to make them palatable and to support digestion.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Tejpatta?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Tejpatta classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Tejpatta carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Tejpatta is used medicinally?
The part used is Leaf.
How much Tejpatta is taken, and how?
Leaf powder 0.5–2 g; part of Trijataka and digestive/respiratory formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Tejpatta be avoided?
Safe as a food spice; large medicinal doses used moderately.
Where does Tejpatta grow?
The tejpatta tree grows in the sub-Himalayan and north-eastern hill forests of India.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga
Described as Deepana and aromatic; part of Trijataka. - Sharangdhara Samhita — Trijataka
A classical constituent with cinnamon and cardamom.
Modern research
-
GC-MS analysis and screening of antidiabetic, antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential of Cinnamomum tamala oil in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats
(see source). Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (2012)
A study reporting Cinnamomum tamala (Tejpatta) leaf oil had antidiabetic, antioxidant and hypolipidaemic effects in diabetic rats.
View study doi:10.1186/1475-2840-11-95
Safety & precautions
Safe as a food spice; large medicinal doses used moderately.
Where it grows
The tejpatta tree grows in the sub-Himalayan and north-eastern hill forests of India.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tejpatta the same as bay leaf?
No. Tejpatta is Cinnamomum tamala, a cinnamon relative with three prominent lengthwise veins and a cinnamon-clove aroma. Mediterranean bay is Laurus nobilis, with a single central vein and a different scent. They are not interchangeable.
What is Tejpatta used for in Ayurveda?
Poor appetite, bloating, incomplete digestion, cough with congestion, nausea and blood sugar support. It is one of the four Chaturjata aromatics added to formulations for taste, absorption and Kapha-clearing action.
What is the dose of Tejpatta?
Leaf powder 1–3 g per day. It is more often used as an adjuvant within compounds than taken alone at a therapeutic dose. Culinary quantities need no limit.
What is Chaturjata?
A group of four aromatics — cardamom, cinnamon bark, Tejpatta and Nagkesar — added to classical formulations to improve taste, absorption and Kapha-clearing action. They appear together across a large number of preparations.
Does Tejpatta help diabetes?
It is named among the classical Pramehahara drugs, and the cinnamon family has some modern research on blood sugar. Treat it as supportive — keep monitoring, tell your physician, and do not reduce prescribed medication.
Are there side effects of Tejpatta?
Very few at culinary or classical doses. It is warming, so large amounts may aggravate Pitta. Take advice if you are on diabetes medication, since effects may compound.
How do I identify genuine Tejpatta?
By the three prominent veins running the length of the leaf and the cinnamon-like aroma when crushed. Mediterranean bay has one central vein and a sharper, more herbal smell.
