7 Unknown Properties Of Bay Leaves

To enjoy the benefits of bay leaves for our health, it is important that they are dry, as fresh produce can become toxic.

Bay leaves are used to flavor dishes and have many properties. The aroma of bay leaves is very pleasant and this makes it an excellent accompaniment to many dishes.

In addition, bay leaf also has beneficial properties for noting health. Today we will discover some of them that make this plant an essential element in our diet.

Properties of bay leaves

Bay leaves, as we just mentioned, have multiple properties. In this article, we discuss 7 of them. On the other hand, keep the recipe that we offer you at the end very carefully because it will be very useful to you.

1. 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 advisable if you have not gone to a doctor first. Be careful because inhaling this smoke regularly can lead to hallucinations.

2. They reduce inflammation and promote muscle relaxation

Bay leaves contain eugenol. This compound can act as an anti-inflammatory remedy.

So, through their use, you can reduce inflammation throughout your body. And especially in the joints.

As it also has a vasoconstrictor action, it helps regulate blood circulation and relaxes nerve impulses. Therefore, bay leaves are ideal for migraines or headaches. They can even relieve pain in the neck or shoulders.

We can use it as an oil to massage the temples or the areas we need. In addition, it also plays a very important role as a neuroprotector.

3. Bay leaves strengthens the immune system

In order for the body to function properly, it needs vitamins and minerals. The eugenol in bay leaf also acts as an antioxidant and strengthens the immune system.

Thus, laurel, burnt and whole, can be used in recipes. This is also recommended in case you have a cold.

4. It fights against diabetes

According to data from a survey conducted in the United States, consuming 1 to 3 grams of bay leaves per day may alleviate certain symptoms that usually appear in people with type 2 diabetes.

5. Bay leaves facilitate the proper functioning of the respiratory system

Bay leaves are a good medicine to open your airways. If you have asthma or have allergic problems, this will be of great help to you.

For this, you need to breathe the vapors of the oil from the bay leaves. This will help you remove phlegm. Remember that inhaling bay leaf can bring some complications.

6. Laurel oil is great for the skin

Laurel oil is very suitable for skin care. It is an oil rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, you can give your dermis the care it deserves.

It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Hence, it is perfect for treating rashes.

7. It helps lower fever

If you have a cold, bay leaf oil is a good solution. You can choose to apply poultices moistened with this oil on the chest. This way, you will be able to reduce the infections associated with the cold. However, there are no scientific studies that support its supposedly valid use for lowering fever.

Bay leaf oil recipe

Now that you know some of the properties of bay leaves,  we are sharing with you a recipe for making bay oil. In cases where you want to strengthen the immune system, you can take it as an infusion.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of bay leaves (5 g)
• 1 cup of sweet almond oil which has great healing power (200 g)

Utensils

• 1 glass jar with a capacity of 200 ml

Preparation

• First, wash the glass jar well.
• Then place the bay leaves in it, making sure they are all clean.
• Add the sweet almond oil to the pot.
• Close tightly and let macerate for 40 days.

We hope bay leaves will be of great help to you in relieving headaches, poor circulation in the legs, or inflammation issues. In the form of infusion or oil, its benefits will soon appear.