Indian bay leaf

Cinnamomum tamala

Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, stimulating, diuretic and sudorific, decongestant, promotes milk flow; for lack of appetite, bladder complaints, dry mouth, colds, diarrhoea, nausea, indigestion, flatulence, vomiting.

Safety notes

Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Leaf powder 1.5–3 g; bark as tea, decoction or powder.

Use in traditions

Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Tejpatra. Tejpatta is the 'bay leaf' of Indian cooking and gives biryani and curry a cinnamon-like fragrance. In classical antiquity it was traded as malabathrum, a costly raw material for perfume. In Unani medicine it is called sazaj hindi.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Ayurvedic materia medica

Attributed effects

Carminative, stimulating, diuretic and sudorific, decongestant, promotes milk flow; for lack of appetite, bladder complaints, dry mouth, colds, diarrhoea, nausea, indigestion, flatulence, vomiting.

Preparation and amount

Leaf powder 1.5–3 g; bark as tea, decoction or powder.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Decoction Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Asia →