Did you know that bay leaves have been given away as awards to praise artists? The humble leaf has many amazing facts.
It’s been used in natural medicine for ages and the bay laurel tree is considered to be sacred. It’s also used in the production of cosmetics today.
Bay leaves have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and are thus cherished in medicinal healing.
Here are a few benefits of burning bay leaves (How to burn bay leaves: place a few bay leaves on an ashtray, light them up, and let them burn for about 10 minutes),
1. Treats diabetes
Consuming these bay leaves can lower your sugar levels and improve your heart health. They’re extremely rich in anti-oxidants and help in insulin production. Thus, they’re effective in dealing with type 2 diabetes. They also help in lowering bad cholesterol.
2. Reduces anxiety
Bay leaves contain linalool, a compound known to treat anxiety. Smelling bay leaves for just about 10 minutes can instantly help you feel better. This compound is also known to enhance communication.
3. Improves heart health
The heart tends to perform better due to rutin and caffeic acid, compounds that are found in bay leaves. They keep cardiovascular problems at bay by strengthening the heart’s capillary walls, and help in lowering bad cholesterol levels.
4. Boosts immunity
Bay leaves are packed with vitamin C, which helps in building a strong immunity system. It also contains zinc and vitamin A, which is good for your eyes, nose, throat and digestive system. They can also be very effective in dealing with irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease.
5. Removes dandruff
Wash your hair with your regular shampoo. Then, mix bay leaves in cold water and rinse through. Alternatively, you can also get bay leaf essential oil. Take about 15 drops and mix it with your shampoo and massage through the scalp. Rinse well and say good bye to dandruff.
6. Prevents insomnia
Bay leaves help in relaxing your body. They’re effective in dealing with insomnia as they calm down your brain’s functioning. Just mix a few drops of bay leaf essence with water and drink this before bedtime for a good night’s sleep.
