Everyone Should Know These 8 Amazing Bay Leaf Hacks
Bay laurel is a tree from the Mediterranean basin whose smooth leaves with a bitter taste are used as a condiment. Their bitter and slightly acidic flavor is due to an essential oil.
Bay leaf enhances the flavor of stews, sauces and many other traditional recipes.
In addition to its aromatic virtues, this herb contains multiple virtues. Discover the many properties of this health ally that perfumes our dishes.
1 – GOOD FOR HAIR
With a cold infusion of bay leaves, get your scalp healthy again. Bay leaves effectively and naturally eliminate dandruff from your hair! Use your cold infusion of bay leaves as a rinse water and get your hair as shiny and healthy as after a visit to your hairdresser!
2 – BAY HELPS REDUCE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
It has also been found that bay leaf is also excellent for controlling cholesterol and triglycerides, promoting heart health and helping to prevent fatal diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
In fact, the flavonoids that the plant is rich in help normalize pressure in hypertensive patients. It is also an ingredient rich in potassium and magnesium, two essential minerals in the treatment of hypertension and arterial stiffness.
3 – BAY LEAVES CAN IMPROVE INSULIN SENSITIVITY AND ARE USEFUL IN REGULATING BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
It helps the body produce insulin by drinking bay leaf tea for a month.
Boil 5 leaves in water for 10 minutes and then let cool. Simply drink this herbal tea before meals, at least twice a day.
Alternatively, you can consume the leaves in powder form for at least a month, or prepare a hot infusion to enjoy in the morning, before starting the day.
4 – BAY LEAF IS BENEFICIAL FOR THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Due to the fragrance that bay leaves bring to dishes, it stimulates the appetite and therefore has an aperitif virtue. Its leaves, once dried, can be used to prepare a herbal tea that helps facilitate digestion but also reduces spasms and flatulence.
Unlike other plants, there is no interaction with medication or any particular contraindication. However, it is necessary to avoid overdosing. In fact, bay leaf has vomiting effects if consumed in too large quantities.
5 – GOOD FOR TEETH
As a gargle, bay leaf infusion anesthetizes sore teeth. To soothe your toothache you will need 2 g of bay leaf per 100 ml of boiling water, to be taken after meals.
6 – BAY LEAF REDUCES ANXIETY
According to this study, bay leaves help reduce anxiety due to the chemical compound in the smoke produced by burning them. This plant has a calming effect on both the body and the mind.
However, this is not advisable if you have not previously consulted a doctor. Be careful because regular inhalation of this smoke can lead to hallucinations.
7 – BAY LEAVES STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
For the body to function properly, it needs vitamins and minerals. Eugenol contained in bay leaf also acts as an antioxidant and strengthens the immune system.
So, bay leaves, both burnt and whole, can be used in recipes. This is also recommended in case you have a cold.
8 – ACCELERATE WOUND HEALING
According to a study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, bay leaf oil speeds up wound healing thanks to its antimicrobial properties against most common bacteria.
It is therefore used to regenerate the epidermis or to treat certain skin conditions caused by fungi, as well as for bruises, burns, ulcers, abscesses or acne.