10 Ways Bay Leaves Can Keep You Healthy And Prevent Disease

Dec 20, 2018

Bay leaves are an aromatic herb commonly used to flavor many popular Asian dishes. But many people are unaware of the medicinal properties of bay leaves. The leaves, also known as bay-laurel, are part of the Lauraceae family of plants.

Bay leaves have long been a staple of traditional medicine and were used to symbolize greatness and honor in ancient Greece. In fact, bay leaf wreaths were used to crown the heads of Olympians and war heroes in ancient times.

Bay leaves are excellent for seasoning soup, stews, and rice. Here are ten reasons you should consider seasoning your food with bay leaves.

The anti-inflammatory properties of bay leaves make it useful to prevent pain stemming from a variety of sources. Sprains, arthritis, and other issues with joints are less painful after consumption of bay leaves. A paste can be prepared using bay and castor leaves. The paste should be rubbed into the area where the pain exists. The paste should rest on the area for approximately 20 minutes. Bay leaves have also been rubbed into the forehead to relieve headaches.

Bay leaves have shown some promise at destroying cancer cells in the body. The compounds responsible for giving the leaves their cancer-fighting abilities are catechins and phytonutrients. One study showed a direct link between the consumption of bay leaves and the elimination of breast cancer cells.

Research has revealed bay leaves are capable of decreasing levels of the urease enzyme in the body. Elevated levels of urease enzymes are associated with kidney stones. Excess urease enzymes can also lead to other gastric problems.

Bay leaves contain compounds which cause the body to process insulin at a high rate of efficiency. This quality makes the leaves especially beneficial to individuals that either have or are at risk for type 2 diabetes. One recent study demonstrated that individuals who the leaves at least twice each day will see a reduction in blood sugar levels. The leaves have also been shown to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.

Bay leaves have also shown the ability to have a dramatic effect on the respiratory system. The leaves can be used to unclog air passages and eliminate bacteria from the body of individuals possessing a nasty cough or suffering from a cold. Bay leaves should be first boiled in water. After a period of cooling, place a washcloth in the water and allow it to soak for a moment. Apply the damp washcloth to the chest.

Bay leaf pastes have been used for some time to treat scars and wounds. The leaf is beneficial to wound healing due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Bay leaf pastes can be used also to treat candida and other fungal infections.

The compounds rutin and caffeic acid in bay leaves provide positive benefits to heart health. The compounds have shown the ability to strengthen the walls of the heart. Bay leaves also decrease cholesterol levels and are associated with a decreased risk for strokes and heart attacks.

Bay leaf can be a lifesaver for people who are losing their hair or have problems with dandruff. The leaf contains many compounds that promote the health of hair and was used to address any problem with the hair in ancient societies. Bay leaves can be boiled in water and allowed to sit for a while to cool. The water can be used to rinse the scalp and hair after shampooing.

Additionally, bay leaves can be mixed with coconut oil to make a paste to relieve an itchy scalp. Apply the paste directly to the scalp. You should wait half an hour before rinsing away with water.

Bay leaves are the perfect solution for individuals feeling bloated or constipated. In the Ayurveda traditions, bay leaves are said to positively affect the digestive fire. Bay leaves have diuretic properties that aid with the removal of toxic material from the body.

Bay leaves also stimulate digestive juices and possess enzymes that help to break down the food that is eaten. This quality is especially beneficial to individuals suffering from issues of the digestive tract like irritable bowel syndrome. A recent study shows bay leaves could relieve symptoms of celiac disease.

People that find it difficult to unwind after a busy or stressful day may be able to find it useful to drink bay leaf tea. A single cup of tea made with bay leaves each night before going to bed may be enough to assure you get the rest you need.

Did you have any idea the bay leaf had uses other than adding flavor to the food you eat? Will you be more likely to add the herb to your meals now that you know the many health benefits associated with eating it? Send this article to friends. They will thank you for the information.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!