It’s simply magical how bay leaves elevate the flavor of food along with imparting awesome health benefits. Known as the famous ingredient in many Indian cuisines’, Bay leaf apart from its culinary benefits is used in various Ayurvedic remedies for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and other therapeutic properties. The aromatic herb is rich in Vitamin A & Vitamin C and contains vital minerals like magnesium, calcium, manganese, potassium, copper, iron and zinc.
AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS
1. LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Bay leaves reduce the level of blood glucose and are very beneficial in treating type 2 diabetes.
Tip – Try to drink bay-leaf tea thrice a day or consume the powdered leaf for a month for the maximum result.
2. TREATS RESPIRATORY DISEASES
Being a stimulant of respiratory passage, bay leaf has been used as a traditional remedy for numerous illnesses related to respiration. It relieves congestion and makes the air tracts clean making the body immune against diseases like cough and asthma.
Tip – Mix the crushed bay leaves and holy basil. Boil the mixture in 250 ml of water and allow it to cool, then strain and drink this still sufficiently warm.
3. HELPS INDIGESTION
Bay leaf is a natural remedy for the digestive irregularities such as constipation, heartburn and irregular bowel movement.
Tip – Add thinly sliced ginger and five grams of bay leaf in 200 ml of water. Boil it till a quarter of the water remains and add some honey. Drink twice a day for relief.
4. STRENGTHENS HEART
The abundant phytonutrients contained in the leaf improves the functioning of the heart and prevent the risk factors for heart attacks, strokes, and other severe complications. Try incorporating bay leaf in your daily diet and benefit from a healthy heart.
5. ANTI INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES
Massage bay leaf oil to your skin to reduce inflammation and pain resulting from sprains, strains, arthritis, and general pains and aches. Bay leaf oil is also useful in massaging the temples so as to relieve migraines and headaches.
6. INDUCES RELAXATION
Bay leaves have a rejuvenating and relaxing effect which helps you get rid of anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is an essential component in many Ayurvedic massages and is used in various spa therapies as well.
Tip – In 300 ml of water, boil 3 grams of bay leaves and wild rose flowers each. Strain and drink the concoction for relief from stress and anxiety.
7. FOR COUGH
Take 1-2 grams of powdered dry bay leaves mixed with a tsp. of honey twice a day. It is very effective in stopping a cough.
8. HEALTHY HAIR
Bay leaf oil provides you with a black lustrous and healthy hair besides helping you with getting rid of lice.
Tip – Boil 50 grams of powdered bay leaves in 350 ml of water. Cool the liquid, and strain the water and apply it on the hair. Wash it after one hour.
9. FOR RESTFUL SLEEP
Mix a few drops of the bay leaf extract with water and consume it at bedtime for relaxing your nerves and inducing deep sleep.
The best way to guzzle all the health benefits of Bay Leaf would be taking a delightful Bay leaf Tea regularly. For a good bay leaf tea, add a handful (about 4-5 bay leaves) into a liter of water and simmer for about 20 minutes. For a weaker brew, just chop up the fresh or dry leaves, pour hot water over and allow them to steep. Add the sweetener of your choice and enjoy it.
