A good cook knows the secret to a rich and delicious soup or stew: bay leaf. The aromatic olive-green herb is credited with giving dishes a subtle intensity and depth that makes a meal memorable. Not only do bay leaves taste good, but they are also good for you.But bay leaves aren’t just used in food and fairytales, the herb is commonly used as a fragrance ingredient in creams, lotions, perfumes, soaps, and detergents. It’s burnt as incense to detoxify homes.
Bay leaves, native to the Mediterranean, are not only used to flavor many foods around the world, especially Nigerian Party Jellof Rice but also possess many medicinal powers and can aid with digestion, diabetes, respiratory problems, and muscular pain relief .
Bay leaf has properties that are detoxifying and that can slow aging. The herb fights bacterial infections and improves everything from respiratory issues to heart health. It is a powerful herb from which everyone can benefit..
Believed to symbolize peace, protection, and wisdom by ancient Greeks and Romans, bay leafs are used by many to protect their homes and set personal intentions.
Place a bay leaf in each corner of your home or write your wish on a bay leaf and burn it to manifest that which you desire.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF BAY LEAVES
They are rich in vitamin C. 100 gram of bay leaves provides 46,5 mg of vitamin C. Bay leaves are the source of vitamin A.
Bay leave contain folic acid. Bay leaves are rich in mineral, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, selenium and copper. Potassium is an important component of our cells and body liquid to control our heart beat and blood pressure. Meanwhile, manganese and copper are used for co-enzyme factor.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BAY LEAVES
Weight Loss Weight Loss:
Bay leaves are good for reducing our weight.
Wash 20-30 pieces of bay leaves with 4 glass of water .
Squeeze out the juice and share into 4 glasses. Let them cool down.
Drink them twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, 1 glass for each time.
Lowering Blood Pressure:
Prepare 7-10 pieces of fresh bay leaves with 3 glasses of water until they remain 1 glass.
After it is cold, strain it and drink the potion twice a day, 1 glass for each time.
Heals Ulcer;
For ulcer patients, bay leaves are good medicine.
Wash 15-20 of fresh bay leaves. Boil with 1/2 liter of water for 15 minutes. Add sufficient palm sugar. After it is cold, drink the water as herbal tea. Do this until the pain is gone.
Healing Diabetes:
Bay leaves id proven effective to heal diabetes type 2 to level down blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. To get the most maximum result, diabetes type 2 patients are suggested to consume bay leaves powder for 30 days. The antioxidant in bay leaves helps our body to produce insulin efficiently. Therefore, they are good for diabetes patients and people who experience insulin resistance.
Either we can boil 7-15 pieces of bay leaves with 3 glasses of water until they remain 1 glass. Strain and wait until it is cold. Drink it at once before meal time. Practice this method twice a day so that the benefit of bay leaves can be absorbed by our body fast.
Improving Our Heart Performance:
The strong substances in bay leaves such as rutin, salicylate, caffeic acid, and phytonutrient can increase our heart performance and prevent us from stroke. Flavanoid helps to normalize blood in hypertension patients.
Boil 10 pieces of bay leaves in 3 glasses of water. Drink while it is still warm once a day.
Relieving the Pain:
Extracted oil from bay leaves contains anti inflammation that relieves the pain because of strain, sprain, arthritis, and rheumatism.
Bay leaves oil helps relieving migraine and headache. Bay leaves are beneficial for increasing blood circulation. In the case of pain in our joints, bay leaves that are tightened in pain area will relieve the pain and inflammation.
Preventing Cancer:
Bay leaves contain caffeic acid, quercetin, euganol and catechin that protect and prevent us from various kind of cancers. Bay leaves also contain phytonutrient that is called parthenolide and is proven effective to keep the excessive development of cervical cancer cells.
Healing Cough:
Bay leaves are effective to combat flu symptoms and infection. In solving respiratory problem, boil 2-3 pieces of bay leaves. Let it vapor for 10 minutes. Soak cloth in this water and put it on the chest to relieve flu, sneezing and coughing.
Insects Repellent:
Bay leaves are natural insect repellent as they contain laurat acid. Applying extracted bay leaves oil will reduce insects bites and stings.
Healing Kidney Disruption:
Kidney infection and kidney stone can be resolved by boiling 5g of bay leaves in 200 ml – 50 ml of water. Strain it and drink it twice a day to stop kidney stone formation.
Healing Uric Acid:
The content of purin in our body causes uric acid. Bay leaves are good for healing uric acid. Wash and boil 10 pieces of bay leaves with 10 glasses of water until they remain 5 glasses. Drink this twice a day.
Constipation:
Inserting bay leaves in our food can help to maintain the digestive system healthy. The vitamins and minerals in bay leaves facilitate the digestive system and solve digestive problems, such as diarrhoea and constipation.
Healing Hypertension:
Another benefit of bay leaves is healing hypertension. Drinking bay leaves boiled water routinely makes our blood runs smoothly and reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Mixing bay leaves with andrographis leaves is good idea to have the best result.
Keeping Our Eyes Healthy:
Bay leaves boiled water can be used to heal eyes irritation and keep them healthy. We simply apply bay leaves boiled water to our irritated eyes routinely until they get better.
Reducing Cholesterol:
Cholesterol is good for our body. However, excessive cholesterol bring us to meet bad effect. For discarding bad cholesterol, bay leaves are the best medicine.
Prepare 10-15 pieces of bay leaves. Wash them and boil with 3 glasses of water until they become 1 glass of water. After it is cold, strain it and drink it at once routinely at night.
Increasing Immunity:
Mix either fresh and dried bay leaves in our cooking, such as meat, fish, rice or vegetables to make our cooking smell good.
The natural substances in bay leaves are beneficial for keeping our healthy and increase our body immunity.
Dental Care:
Bay leaves are beneficial for keeping our teeth healthy and white. Dry fresh bay leaves and orange skin. Mash them and mix them with water until they become a toothpaste. Those potion can be used for whitening our teeth.
Diarrhoea:
Prepare 15 pieces of bay leaves. Boil them in 2 glasses of water. Add a little bit of salt and wait until it is cold. Drink it at once until the diarrhoea is gone.
Bay leaves also share benefits for our beauty of our hair and skin.
Benefits of Bay Leaves for Our Hair and Skin:
Avoiding Hair Loss.
After rinse our hair with shampoo, cleaning our hair with bay leaves soaked water is effective for cleaning dandruff.
They are also useful for hair loss. Moreover, bay leaves are effectively used for tonic.
Eradicating Lice.
For eradicating lice, boil 50g of bay leaves with 400 ml water until 100 ml of water. Strain it and apply it in our hair root. Let it for 3-4 hours before cleaning.
Relieving Stress in Our Skin.
Bay leaves are good for reducing stress skin so that they prevent if from wrinkles. Boil 5 bay leaves with 2 glasses of water in a closed pot.
Then open the pot, let it open for 2 minutes. Pour the water into a big bowl. Cover our head with towel before healing the vapor.
How To Use Bay Leaves
Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from cooking with this herb to get these benefits, just make sure you remove the leaves before serving, as they can be a chocking hazard.
However, if you’re feeling stressed or you’re a bad mood, simply burn a leaf or two in an aluminum baking tray in your room or office and leave for ten minutes. Make sure you close the windows (a breeze could knock it over), keep the tray away from anything flammable (like paper, wood, or linens) and make sure you’re not burning it under a smoke detector.
When you come back inside, the smoke of the herb will make your mind and muscles feel more relaxed and you’ll find it easier to focus on your task at hand. When you’re done, dispose of the ashes outside.
Despite the benefits they bring, bay leaves have side effects that we should be aware of.
Side Effects of Bay Leaves
Constipation.
Bay leaves contain substances that are hard to digest. As a result, we are suffer from constipation problem. This is because our digestive system perform slowly.
The side effect usually happens to people who consume bay leaves as their intense and massive medication. For example, high blood pressure patients. To overcome the problem, we can mix bay leaves with extracted grass jelly leaves. Drinking them together, our blood pressure levels down and the constipation effect can be avoided.
However, if we put bay leaves in our food, we will not suffer from constipation. For one portion of vegetable, use only 1-2 pieces of bay leaves that are used for strengthening the food aroma.
Respiratory Effect.
The substance in bay leaves are found to give bad effect to asthma patients. Therefore, the experts suggest not to consume too much bay leaves. If we want to use bay leaves to overcome our certain health problem, yet in the same time we are suffer from asthma, we are suggested to consult herbal experts or doctor.
Expectant Mothers and Breastfeeding Mothers.
Even though the side effect of bay leaves for expectant mothers have not yet been proven, the medical experts strongly advised expectant mothers and breastfeeding mothers not to consume bay leaves because of the allergic factors they contain.
Bay leaves are believed to harm the fetus. Besides, they can also decrease the water milk quality so that they will bring negative effect to the baby, especially if the mother suffers from certain allergy.
Bay leaves are indeed bring marvelous benefits for our health.
However, we may not ignore the side effect after consuming them.
If we have to consume them routinely, we have to make sure not to consume them a lot and in a high intensity.
Besides, when we use bay leaves for medication, we have to make sure them based on the procedure to avoid side effects.
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Detailed FAQs People Search For Bay Leaves
Q: What are the health benefits of bay leaves?
- A: Bay leaves have many potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, promoting respiratory health, improving heart health, and boosting the immune system.
Q: How do bay leaves reduce inflammation?
- A: Bay leaves contain compounds such as eucalyptol, cineol, and pinene, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help to reduce inflammation by suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
Q: How can bay leaves aid digestion?
- A: Bay leaves contain enzymes that can help to break down proteins and improve digestion. They also have antispasmodic properties that can help to reduce cramping and other digestive discomforts.
Q: How do bay leaves promote respiratory health?
- A: Bay leaves contain compounds such as myrcene, eugenol, and cineol, which have expectorant properties that help to loosen mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract. This makes it easier to breathe and can help to reduce coughing.
Q: How do bay leaves improve heart health?
- A: Bay leaves contain compounds such as caffeic acid and rutin, which have been shown to improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood sugar control.
Q: How do bay leaves boost the immune system?
- A: Bay leaves contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help to strengthen the immune system by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. They also have antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off infections.
Q: Can bay leaves be toxic?
- A: Bay leaves are generally safe to consume in small amounts, but consuming large amounts can be toxic. Symptoms of bay leaf toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness. If you experience these symptoms after consuming bay leaves, seek medical attention immediately.
Q: How should bay leaves be stored?
- A: Bay leaves should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months, but it’s best to replace them every three to four months for optimal flavor and potency.
Q: How can bay leaves be used in cooking?
- A: Bay leaves are commonly used to flavor soups, stews, sauces, and marinades. They can also be added to rice, pasta, and bean dishes for added flavor. When using bay leaves, be sure to remove them before serving, as they can be tough and unpleasant to eat.
Q: Can bay leaves be used for medicinal purposes?
- A: Yes, bay leaves have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. They can be brewed into a tea or infused in oil to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis.
Q: Are there any potential side effects of using bay leaves medicinally?
- A: Yes, using bay leaves medicinally can have potential side effects. Bay leaves contain a compound called coumarin, which can have blood-thinning effects and may interact with certain medications. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before using bay leaves medicinally, especially if you are taking any medications or have a medical condition.
Q: Can bay leaves be used topically?
- A: Yes, bay leaves can be used topically to treat minor skin irritations and wounds. They can be infused in oil or made into a salve to apply to the affected area. However, it’s important to do a patch test first to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Q: Are there any precautions to take when using bay leaves?
- A: Yes, there are a few precautions to take when using bay leaves. First, be sure to only use bay leaves from a reputable source, as some varieties can be toxic. Second, be sure to remove bay leaves from dishes before serving, as they can be a choking hazard. Finally, if using bay leaves medicinally, speak with a healthcare professional first to avoid potential interactions with medications or medical conditions.
Q: Are there any cultural or traditional uses for bay leaves?
- A: Yes, bay leaves have been used in various cultural and traditional practices for centuries. In ancient Greece, bay leaves were used to crown victorious athletes and warriors. In some cultures, bay leaves are used to ward off evil spirits or bring good luck. Bay leaves are also a common ingredient in traditional medicine and herbal remedies around the world.
Q: Can bay leaves be used in aromatherapy?
- A: Yes, bay leaves can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress. They can be added to a diffuser or used in a bath to create a calming atmosphere. However, it’s important to dilute bay leaf essential oil before using it topically or in a diffuser, as it can be irritating to the skin and respiratory system.
Q: How do you make bay leaf tea?
- A: To make bay leaf tea, simply add 1-2 bay leaves to a cup of boiling water and let steep for 5-10 minutes. You can also add honey or lemon for flavor. Bay leaf tea has a slightly bitter taste and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Q: Can bay leaves be used in alternative medicine?
- A: Yes, bay leaves are used in alternative medicine to treat a variety of conditions, such as anxiety, stress, and menstrual cramps. However, it’s important to note that alternative medicine is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment, and it’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional before using any alternative remedies.
Q: How do you infuse bay leaves in oil?
- A: To infuse bay leaves in oil, simply place a few dried bay leaves in a jar and cover with your choice of oil, such as olive or coconut oil. Let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain out the bay leaves and use the infused oil for cooking or as a topical treatment.
Q: Can bay leaves be used as a natural insect repellent?
- A: Yes, bay leaves have insect-repellent properties and can be used to deter pests such as ants and cockroaches. Simply place bay leaves in areas where pests are commonly found, such as pantry shelves or under appliances.
Q: Are there any cultural or traditional uses for bay leaves?
- A: Yes, bay leaves have been used in various cultural and traditional practices for centuries. In ancient Greece, bay leaves were used to crown victorious athletes and warriors. In some cultures, bay leaves are used to ward off evil spirits or bring good luck. Bay leaves are also a common ingredient in traditional medicine and herbal remedies around the world.
Q: Can bay leaves be used in aromatherapy?
- A: Yes, bay leaves can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress. They can be added to a diffuser or used in a bath to create a calming atmosphere. However, it’s important to dilute bay leaf essential oil before using it topically or in a diffuser, as it can be irritating to the skin and respiratory systems.