Bay Leaf - The Nobel Herb
Bay Leaf is a well-known addition to various meals that comes from the evergreen bay tree or laurel tree (Laurus nobilis). It has also been used as a medicine since ancient times. The bay laurel tree is native to the Mediterranean region, and it stood as an important symbol of victory, achievement, and status.
Bay leaf is high in dietary fibres, vitamins A, B9 (folic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B2 (riboflavin), and C, as well as minerals calcium, iron, manganese, copper, selenium, magnesium, and zinc. Flavonoids, tannins, citric acid, rutin, salicylates, caffeic acid, triterpenoids, and essential oils (eugenol, alpha and beta-pinene, limonene, linalool, geranyl acetate, and eucalyptol) are also found in the leaves.
What can bay leaf be used for?
Cancer prevention and treatment.
The bay leaf's antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a staple for food preservation, but extract or tea can help defeat pathogens when they invade our bodies. The essential oils from the leaves have potent antifungal and antibacterial properties against a variety of strains, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Improves brain function and relieves stress. A cup of tea in the evening or a few drops of bay leaf oil in your humidifier can help you sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed and less anxious.
Enhances digestion.
Bay leaf tea is an excellent remedy for common colds.
Bay leaf oil is an effective pain reliever that can be used to treat headaches, sprains, strains, arthritis, rheumatism, and general body aches. Apply essential oil or a poultice to the affected areas. Tea extract has a similar effect, but it takes longer to work.
Drinking bay leaf tea or taking it as an extract is essential for people who have received COVID-19 vaccines because it is beneficial to the cardiovascular system.
Bay leaf extract or tea is beneficial for people who are predisposed to or have already developed diabetes.
It helps with blood dysentery.
Has a detoxifying effect.
Improves kidney function and aids in the removal of kidney stones.
Rinsing your hair with bay leaf tea encourages growth. Bay leaf can also be used as a natural lice treatment.
Bay leaf is also an effective natural insect repellent. Keeping some fresh or dry leaves near the windows will add a lovely decorative touch while also disinfecting the air and deterring unwanted visitors.
Always keep bay leaf oil on hand when you're out and about. It soothes the pain of insect bites and has antimicrobial properties, making it useful for on-the-spot wound treatment.
How do you take bay leaf as medicine?
Put a few dry or fresh leaves in hot water for a few minutes, then wait for it to cool before drinking. When applying bay leaf essential oil to the skin, always dilute it with basic oils.
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Allergic reactions are uncommon and only manifest as allergic dermatitis.
If you're using it as tea extract and oil for the first time, start with a small amount during the day when you're not alone.
Always check for any medication interactions. Bay leaf can make you sleepy.
When driving or working with masches, never use it as a supplement or tea.
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References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23859043/
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/4/804?type=check_update&version=2