Tejpat (Cinnamomum tamala): names, uses, safety

Tejpatta is the Indian bay leaf, the leaf of a cinnamon relative grown in the Himalayan foothills and north-east India. It flavours biryani, pulao and North Indian curries and goes into garam masala. It is a different plant from the Mediterranean bay laurel, Laurus nobilis; tejpatta has three strong veins running from the base and a warm, cinnamon-clove scent.

Botanical name: Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T.Nees & C.H.Eberm.
Family: Lauraceae
Tamil: Tejpat
Hindi: Tejpatta
Sanskrit: Tejapatra
Parts used: Leaves
Habit: Evergreen cinnamon relative grown for its aromatic leaf
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Tejpat

It is a medium-sized evergreen tree with smooth, dark bark.

The leaves are leathery and oval, with three prominent veins running from base to tip.

The leaves are glossy above and paler beneath.

New leaves emerge pinkish.

Small yellowish flowers grow in loose clusters.

The fruit is a small, dark, oval drupe.

Traditional use of Tejpat

Kitchen

Tejpatta is fried in ghee at the start of biryani, pulao, dal and curries.

North Indian food practice

Kitchen

It is ground into garam masala and added whole to Bengali and Mughlai dishes.

Indian food practice

Ayurveda

Tejapatra is listed in Ayurveda as a digestive spice.

Ayurvedic texts

Farming

In Nepal and north-east India the leaves are harvested from farms and forests and sold as a cash crop.

Himalayan farm practice

Modern notes on Tejpat

Its aroma comes from eugenol, linalool and cinnamaldehyde.

The bark was once traded as a lesser cinnamon.

Small studies have looked at its effect on blood sugar, with limited evidence.

Mediterranean bay leaves have a single central vein and a more eucalyptus-like smell.

Tejpat safety

Tejpatta is safe in cooking amounts. Remove whole leaves before eating.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows in the Himalayan foothills and north-east India.

It needs moist, mild hill climates.

Birds eat its fruits.

Leaves are harvested in the dry season, dried in shade and bundled for sale.

Related plants

Also in Lauraceae

Questions about Tejpat

Is tejpatta bay leaf?

It is Indian bay leaf, not Mediterranean bay.

How do I tell them apart?

Tejpatta has three strong veins.

Is Tejpat related to cinnamon?

Yes.

Should I eat the leaf of Tejpat?

No. Remove it before serving.

Where is Tejpat grown?

In the Himalayan foothills and north-east.

How long do dried leaves keep?

About a year in an airtight jar, away from light.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.