English/ Common name-Bay leaf
Local name- ಕಾಡು ದಾಲ್ಚಿನ್ನಿ ಮರ Tej patta
Botanical name- Laurus nobilis
Appearance- Laurus nobilis is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub with green, glabrous smooth leaves, in the flowering plant family Lauraceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is used as bay leaf for seasoning in cooking.
Origin- Native to the Mediterranean and widely cultivated in North America, Central America, India, Russia, France, Italy, Turkey, Spain, and Mexico.History: The bay laurel tree has long been known as a symbol of honor.
Conditions required for growth- They grow well in warm and moist climates like of Mediterranean region. Soil Requirement for Bay Leaf Farming:- Bay leaf grows well in fertile well-drained soils with good organic matter. They thrive best in soils with a pH of 4.3 to 8.5.
Uses- Bay has many traditional medicinal uses. Leaves are used for the treatment of skin rashes, earaches, and rheumatism. The leaves have an aromatic fragrance, so they are kept in cloth and used to cover up bad mouth odor. The leaves of this plant, having a pepper odor and clove-like taste, are used in cooking. In addition to cooking, leaves, and bark are used in the treatment of rheumatism, nausea, vomiting, fever, anemia, body odor, diarrhea, and colic due to having astringent, aromatic, stimulant, and carminative qualities. Seeds mixed with honey or sugars are used in cough and dysentery in children.
Common remedies-
- Bay Leaf Tea (Part of the tree used - Leaves ):500 ml water, 3 bay leaves, Juice 1 large or 2 smaller lemons, place ingredients together, in a pot, and bring to a boil. Drink, after it cools down. A hot cup of bay leaf tea can be very comforting as the aromatic fragrance that the leaves release is calming and the essence of the spiced tea makes bay leaf tea delicious.
