Health Benefits of Bay Leaves
Article Sources
- 1. Peixoto LR;Rosalen PL;Ferreira GL;Freires IA;de Carvalho FG;Castellano LR;de Castro RD; 'Antifungal Activity, Mode of Action and Anti-Biofilm Effects of Laurus Nobilis Linnaeus Essential Oil against Candida Spp.' Archives of Oral Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27771586
- 2. (BASc, John Staughton, et al. 'Top 7 Benefits of Bay Leaves.' Organic Facts, 23 Apr. 2021, www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/bay-leaves.html
- 3. Zhong, Yu, et al. 'Sedative and Hypnotic Effects of Compound Anshen Essential Oil Inhalation for Insomnia.' BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, BioMed Central, 11 Nov. 2019, link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12906-019-2732-0
- 4. Khan, Alam, et al. 'Bay Leaves Improve Glucose and Lipid Profile of People with Type 2 Diabetes.' Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, The Society for Free Radical Research Japan, Jan. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2613499
- 5. 'Vitamin C: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002404.htm
- 6. 'Parthenolide.' ScienceDirect Topics, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/parthenolide
Bay leaves are synonymous with cooking food to enhance the flavor. The aromatic leaves are usually picked and then dried in direct sunlight. It contains a host of plant compounds with potential to help manage various ailments and boost immunity.
Bay leaves are a remedy that can be used not only in cooking but also on the skin and hair, too. The leaves are either used in tea or crushed up into a paste. Essential oils are extracted for aromatherapy purposes. Not all bay leaves are palatable, and many varieties are available. Bay leaf usually refers to bay laurel, scientifically known as a Laurus nobilis.
May Fight Infection
Lab studies indicate that bay leaf extract from the bay laurel contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. One bay leaf contains a multitude of powerful disease-fighting nutrients, a few of which include vitamin A, potassium, iron, eucalyptol and polyphenols.1Peixoto LR;Rosalen PL;Ferreira GL;Freires IA;de Carvalho FG;Castellano LR;de Castro RD; ‘Antifungal Activity, Mode of Action and Anti-Biofilm Effects of Laurus Nobilis Linnaeus Essential Oil against Candida Spp.’ Archives of Oral Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27771586
The leaf is frequently used in natural medicine to help fight infections and can either be applied as a topical ointment or added to meals. Recent findings suggest that bay leaves can also be used as a poultice for wounds to help reduce inflammation. However, more research is needed to prove its effectiveness.
Reduces Dandruff
The essential oils from bay leaves can be applied directly to the scalp to help tackle dandruff and reduce itchiness. The oils from bay leaves are commonly used for hair health, particularly in herbal medicine.
Because of their abundant nutrients and antioxidants, bay leaves may help reduce the oiliness of the scalp. An oily scalp is one of the many causes of dandruff. Provided there is no underlying health condition, a concoction of ground bay leaf mixed with other natural oils could help reduce dandruff.
Eases Joint Pain
Using bay leaves to help ease joint pain is a popular home remedy for arthritis. Some people use the oil from crushed bay leaves to rub on sore joints, as it's believed to be beneficial for pain caused by arthritis. This is because bay leaves contain anti-inflammatory properties.1Peixoto LR;Rosalen PL;Ferreira GL;Freires IA;de Carvalho FG;Castellano LR;de Castro RD; ‘Antifungal Activity, Mode of Action and Anti-Biofilm Effects of Laurus Nobilis Linnaeus Essential Oil against Candida Spp.’ Archives of Oral Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27771586
To soothe joint-related aches and pains, various natural health practitioners recommend soaking four to five bay leaves in water and adding it to a warm bath.
Improves Digestive Issues
Bay leaves might help alleviate indigestion, resolve gastrointestinal issues and curb flatulence. The antioxidant properties in bay leaves might help eliminate toxins from the body, which could further improve digestion.2(BASc, John Staughton, et al. ‘Top 7 Benefits of Bay Leaves.’ Organic Facts, 23 Apr. 2021, www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/bay-leaves.html
The nutrients in bay leaves may also settle the digestive system and soothe ulcers. People who use bay leaves for digestive issues commonly take it in tea form. Bay leaf tea can also relieve constipation, but further research needs to be conducted to determine its effectiveness.
Helps With Stress and Anxiety
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene found in many plants and herbs. Basil, thyme, lavender and bay leaves are some of the most commonly recognized plants with this compound.
There's evidence suggesting that the linalool in bay leaves contains sedative properties, which can calm the nerves. In folk medicine, bay leaves are frequently used in aromatherapy oils to promote stress relief and help with insomnia.3Zhong, Yu, et al. ‘Sedative and Hypnotic Effects of Compound Anshen Essential Oil Inhalation for Insomnia.’ BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, BioMed Central, 11 Nov. 2019, link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12906-019-2732-0 Although bay leaves may help with stress and anxiety, more systematic and comprehensive studies are required to bolster research.
Manages Diabetes
Recent studies suggest that ingesting bay leaves can help manage type 2 diabetes. The properties in bay leaves may help improve insulin sensitivity in some people. The amount required to help manage diabetes is one to three grams per day.4Khan, Alam, et al. ‘Bay Leaves Improve Glucose and Lipid Profile of People with Type 2 Diabetes.’ Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, The Society for Free Radical Research Japan, Jan. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2613499
Care should be taken with people with diabetes, especially those who have type 1, which requires special therapy with insulin. Using bay leaves as a condiment, along with a low-carbohydrate diet are great additions to antidiabetes drugs.
May Improve Heart Health
Common causes of heart disease include bad lifestyle choices, heart defects and disease, in addition to genetic predisposition in some cases. Improving heart health through diet might help decrease the risk of complications and keep the cardiovascular system healthy.
Bay leaves contain rutin and caffeic acid. Rutin strengthens the capillary walls while caffeic acid helps to eliminate bad cholesterol. Adding bay leaves to the diet could help lower bad cholesterol levels and strengthen artery walls.4Khan, Alam, et al. ‘Bay Leaves Improve Glucose and Lipid Profile of People with Type 2 Diabetes.’ Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, The Society for Free Radical Research Japan, Jan. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2613499
Source of Vitamin C
One ounce of bay leaves contains 14 to 15 milligrams of vitamin C, which is high considering the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 45 to 120 milligrams.5‘Vitamin C: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002404.htm Vitamin C is a vital nutrient and antioxidant the body uses to repair tissue, support the immune system, aid iron absorption and build strong bones.
Bay leaves are ground and added to food or used to make tea. Consuming an ounce of bay leaves on a daily basis can form part of the RDA of vitamin C.
May Prevent Cancer
Bay leaves can be incorporated into a cancer-friendly diet, which is plant based and limits processed foods. they're jam-packed with phytonutrients, antioxidants and parthenolides_,_ which are anti-inflammatory compounds that may inhibit several cancers, according to preliminary research.6‘Parthenolide.’ ScienceDirect Topics, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/parthenolide Studies in humans are needed to confirm these benefits.
Free radicals attack healthy cells and cause damage, and they play an important role in cancer development. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as bay leaves, can help fight these free radicals.
Alleviates Respiratory Conditions
The oil from a bay leaf can be applied to the chest to alleviate respiratory conditions. Because of its antibacterial properties, many natural health practitioners believe that the essential oils in the bay leaf can loosen phlegm and unclog the chest.
Bay leaf oil can be made into a cream and applied directly to the chest. Alternatively, the oils can be used in an aromatherapy burner, which releases vapor. Individuals should consider consulting a professional before trying this home remedy.
