About Kendu Leaf
Kendu leaf, also known as kendu patta or bidi patta, is a type of leaf which is collected from kendu tree and is widely found in the state of Bihar, located in eastern India. The scientific name of the tree that produces the kendu leaf is Diospyros melanoxylon.
Kendu leaves are traditionally used to make hand-rolled cigarettes called bidis, which are popular in India. In Bihar, kendu leaves
are an important source of livelihood for many people, particularly those from tribal communities. The leaves are harvested from the
wild and sold to bidi manufacturers or used to make bidis for personal consumption or sale.
Apart from their use in bidi making, kendu leaves also have a variety of medicinal properties. They are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat
conditions such as diabetes, fever, and diarrhea. The leaves are also used in traditional remedies for skin diseases, respiratory problems,
and inflammation.
Kendu leaves are an important natural resource for the state of Bihar, and efforts are being made to promote sustainable harvesting practices to ensure their long-term availability.
It is one of the most important non-wood forest products in Bihar. Our state is the third-largest producer of kendu leaves.
Uniqueness: The Uniqueness of Bihar's Tendu (kendu) leaf is in processed form. In processed form the Kendu leafs are graded into different qualities that are Grade I to Grade IV as per the specification of color, texture, size and body condition of the leaf and packets will be done by taking Five Kilograms as a Bundle.
Medicament: Traditional medical practitioners use these tiny fruits of Kendu to treat malaria, diarrhoea and dysentery. Due to their antimicrobial properties,
the leaves are applied on cuts and bruises as well.