benefits of bay leaf

Benefits of Bay Leaf

1. Bay Leaf
Bay leaf, commonly known as Tejpatta in India, is an aromatic leaf from the evergreen bay laurel tree, native to the Mediterranean. It is most widely used in cooking and preparing perfumes. The Indian bay leaf is basically a three veined leaf which is elliptical, pointed, smooth and tough. These leaves are pungent and have a sharp, bitter flavor. Their taste and fragrance are somewhat similar to the cinnamon bark but slightly milder. They are used in fresh, dried or powdered form.
2. What is Bay Leaf
It is called Tej Patta 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.
3. Bay laurel Laurus nobilis lauraceae
These leaves are used in both their fresh and dried forms to flavor soups, stews, braises etc in Mediterranean cuisine. The fresh leaves have a milder flavor and they take several weeks after drying and picking to develop their full flavor.
4. California Bay Leaf Umbellularia californica
California Bay Leaf (Umbellularia californica):Also known as California laurel, pepperwood and Oregon myrtle, this variety is similar to the Mediterranean bay laurel but has a stronger flavor.
5. Indian Bay Leaf Cinnamomum tamala Lauraceae
Indian Bay Leaf (Cinnamomum tamala, Lauraceae):Indian Bay leaf or malabathrum is somewhat similar in appearance to bay laurel but has a taste and fragrance similar to cinnamon bark which is slightly milder.
6. Indonesian Bay Leaf
Indonesian Bay Leaf or Indonesian laurelNative to Indonesia, this herb is mostly used for meats and less often for vegetables.
7. West Indian Bay Leaf
West Indian Bay Leaf This variety is mostly used to produce cologne called bay rum. Bay leaves contain notable plant derived compounds, vitamins and minerals which offer a range of benefits.
8. Treatment of Diabetes
Bay leaves have been found to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes as they cause reduction in blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. To get maximum results, these leaves can be powdered and consumed for 30 days. This will cause a drop in sugar levels in the body as well as regulate the functioning of your heart.
9. Good for Digestion
Bay leaves are good for promoting digestion and can treat digestive disorders such as heartburn and flatulence. Drinking a concoction of bay leaf tea with hot water can alleviate common digestive disorders like constipation, acid reflux and irregular bowel movements. It contains enzymes that enable the breakdown of proteins, thus making it an excellent spice for non vegetarian diets.
10. Cardiovascular Benefits
The powerful phytonutrients in bay leaf provide protection against cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. They contain valuable compounds such as rutin, salicylates, caffeic acid and phytonutrients which boost heart health and improve heart function. In case of heart disease and anxiety, boil 3 grams of bay leaves and 3 4 grams of wild rose flowers in 300 ml water till only 75 ml remains. Strain and drink this concoction for relief.