Everyone Should Know These 8 Amazing Tricks with Bay Leaves
The bay leaf is a tree from the Mediterranean basin whose smooth, bitter-tasting leaves are used as a condiment. Their bitter and slightly tangy 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 which flavors our dishes.
1 – GOOD FOR HAIR
With a cold infusion of bay leaf, find your healthy scalp. Bay leaf effectively and naturally eliminates dandruff from your hair! Use your cold infusion of bay leaves as a rinse water and find your hair as shiny and healthy as after a trip to your hairdresser!
2 – BAY HELPS REDUCE HYPERTENSION
It has also been found that bay leaf is also excellent for controlling cholesterol and triglycerides, promoting heart health and helping to prevent life-threatening illnesses such as stroke and heart attack.
Indeed, the flavonoids which the plant is rich in help to 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 GLUCOSE
It allows the body to produce insulin by drinking bay leaf tea for a month.
Boil 5 leaves in water for 10 minutes then leave to 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 scent that bay leaf brings to dishes, it stimulates the appetite and therefore has an appetizing effect. Its leaves, once dried, can be used to prepare a herbal tea which helps aid digestion but also reduces spasms and flatulence.
Unlike other plants, there are no interactions with medications or any particular contraindications. However, it is necessary to avoid overdose. Indeed, bay leaf has emetic effects if it is 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 take after a meal.
6 – LAUREL REDUCES ANXIETY
According to this study, bay leaves help reduce anxiety thanks to the chemical compound in the smoke produced by their combustion. This plant has a calming effect on both the body and the mind.
However, this is not recommended if you have not first consulted a doctor. Be careful as 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. The eugenol contained in bay leaf also acts as an antioxidant and strengthens the immune system.
Thus, bay leaf, burnt and whole, can be used in recipes. This is also recommended in case you have a cold.
8 – ACCELERATE THE HEALING OF WOUNDS
According to a study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, bay leaf oil accelerates wound healing thanks to its antimicrobial properties against the 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.
You know, bay leaf can be your best ally for taking care of your health naturally.