Bay leaves are native to the Mediterranean region and have been used in cooking and medicine for thousands of years. Also known in India as Tej Pata, is an aromatic leaf with a fragrance similar to Cinnamon bark but slightly milder. Used commonly as a cooking spice in India and used to brew tea, the leaf is also used in several natural skincare treatments, as it is a powerhouse of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Bay leaves contain a range of beneficial compounds, including essential oils, flavonoids, and tannins, which contribute to their medicinal properties.