Bay Leaf: Its Medicinal Uses And Ways To Consume It

Bay leaf, also known as Bay Laurel, is famous in the culinary world. This wonderful herb gives flavour and aroma to many recipes. In addition to this, the leaves and oil are used to make medicine.

Some of the prominent health benefits we can obtain from the Bay leaves are as follows:

It may help improve digestion. It may give relief from abdominal pain, gastrointestinal infections, flatulence, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea (1).

It helps soothe pain related to chronic respiratory disorders (bronchitis, sinusitis), or in case of flu and colds, bay laurel is recommended for its expectorant and antiviral properties (2).

A study revealed that bay leaves have the ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body (3). This may be helpful for those suffering from sore joints or arthritis.

Experts found that the leaves contain important organic compounds known as caffeic acid and rutin. Caffeic acid can help eliminate LDL or bad cholesterol from the cardiovascular system while rutin strengthens capillary walls in the heart and the body’s extremities (4).

Different Ways Of Preparing Bay Leaves

Pure Bay Leaf Tea

This tea gives a relaxing effect on the body as well as highly beneficial for health. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients Needed:


  1. 2 cups of water
  2. 4-5 bay leaves


Preparation:


  1. Gather 3 to 4 fresh bay leaves and cut them into small pieces. If you do not have fresh bay leaves then dried bay leaves can also be used.
  2. Pour water into a vessel and boil it. Add the bay leaves to it and then steep it overnight. Strain the water and pour it into a cup. Drink this refreshing beverage first thing in the morning. Have 2-3 cups during the day.

Cinnamon Bay Leaf Tea

Cinnamon is a spice that is known for its medicinal and soothing properties. Its active component known as cinnamaldehyde displays anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties (5).

Add dried Bay leaves and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the water (1 liter) and simmer for about 20 minutes. For a weaker brew, chop up the fresh or dry leaves, pour hot water over, and allow them to steep.

Bay Leaf with Green Tea

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants with many health benefits, including improved brain function, fat loss, protecting against cancer, and lowering the risk of heart disease (6).

For this recipe, we need to boil 3-4 cups of water and then add one teaspoon of green tea, 1 cinnamon stick, or 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and 2 bay leaves. Steep it for 15 mins and strain the water. Let it cool and it’s ready to drink.

Sources:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7152419/
  2. https://www.nature-and-garden.com/health/bay-laurel-health-benefits.html
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12916069/
  4. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/bay-leaves.html
  5. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-cinnamon
  6. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea

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