Top 8 Benefits Of Bay Leaves

The most impressive health benefits of bay leaves are numerous and include their anti-cancer potential, ability to protect the body against oxidative stress, and protect it from bacterial infections, slow the aging process, speed wound healing, and manage diabetes. They may also help in improving heart health, reducing inflammation, alleviating respiratory issues, and optimizing digestion.

What are Bay Leaves?

There are many types of plants containing leaves referred to as “bay leaves”, but the true bay leaf is scientifically known as Laurus nobilis. This is the nutrient-rich variety that is discussed in the article. Many other leaves have a similar appearance and aroma like true bay leaves, but not the same nutrient content. This plant is a small tree native to the Mediterranean region. Laurel trees were present everywhere in the region, but changing climates have diminished their presence. However, these leaves have been a part of the culinary and medicinal world for thousands of years, dating back at least to Roman times.

The uses of bay leaves include grinding the leaves into a spice to flavor soups and stews, but they are most commonly added in their whole form as a flavoring for certain Italian dishes. They are removed from the dish prior to consuming or used as a garnish. Whole leaves are not commonly consumed. There is no extensive range of culinary application for bay leaves, although extracts of these leaves have numerous medical uses. These leaves are also a popular element in aromatherapy and herbal treatments for various skin and respiratory conditions.

Health Benefits of Bay Leaves -

With the wide range of benefits that these powerful leaves offer, it is necessary to include them in your diet. Let us explore them in detail.

Improve Digestion

It is thought that bay leaves have a very strong effect on the gastrointestinal system, both stimulating urination as a diuretic, which decreases the toxicity of the body and also stimulates vomiting (as an emetic) when something toxic has been consumed.

Furthermore, the organic compounds found in bay leaves are very effective for settling upset stomachs, soothing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or even lessening the symptoms of Celiac disease. Some of the more complex proteins in our modern diet can be difficult to digest, but the unique enzymes found in bay leaves help facilitate efficient digestion and nutrient intake.

However, more research is needed focusing on the effects of bay leaves to truly prove their efficacy on digestion

Treat Respiratory Conditions

Bay leaves have strong antibacterial properties as per a research published in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 

When the essential oil of bay leaves is extracted, it can be mixed into a salve and applied to the chest to help alleviate various respiratory conditions. This can also be achieved with a poultice made of the leaves. Spread it on the chest and allow it to remain overnight. Inhaling the vapor has a similar effect to aromatherapy and can loosen up the phlegm and eliminate dangerous bacteria that may be trapped in your respiratory tracts, thanks to its natural antibacterial quality.

Note: Consult a health specialist before trying this remedy at home.

Hair Care

If you want to improve the health of your hair follicles and eliminate dandruff, a homemade method is to steep bay leaves in water and then rub them on your scalp after shampooing. The chemicals and volatile ingredients in them can help eliminate dry skin and dandruff.

Anti-inflammatory Activity

One of the most important benefits of bay leaf is its ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is confirmed by a study published in the Phytotherapy research journal.

Bay leaves contain a unique phytonutrient, called parthenolide, which can quickly reduce inflammation and irritation when topically applied to affected areas, such as sore joints or areas affected by arthritis. This effect can also be achieved through the normal consumption of bay leaf spice.

Protect Heart Health

Caffeic acid and rutin are both important organic compounds, found in bay leaves, that enhance our heart health. Rutin strengthens capillary walls in the heart and the body’s extremities, while caffeic acid can help eliminate LDL or bad cholesterol from the cardiovascular system.

Anti-Cancer Properties

The unique combination of antioxidants and organic compounds in bay leaves, including phytonutrients, catechins, linalool, and parthenolide, helps to protect the body from the effects of cancer-causing free radicals, according to the journal Nutrition Research. Free radicals can cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells and bay leaves may prevent this activity due to the presence of these antioxidants and organic compounds.

Reduce Anxiety & Stress

Linalool is often associated with thyme and basil, but it is also present in bay leaves. This compound can help lower the level of stress hormones in the body, especially when used in aromatherapy. Excess stress hormones can be dangerous for long-term health, so bay leaves can help you calm down and remain relaxed even in your high-anxiety moments.

Manage Diabetes

Research suggests that bay leaves have been connected with improved insulin receptor function and regulated blood sugar levels. For patients at risk of developing diabetes or for those who have already developed the condition, regular consumption of bay leaves may significantly lower the chances of diabetic episodes. While these findings are promising, more studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to bolster the current research.

Word of Caution: As mentioned earlier, “bay leaf” is a commonly used term that applies to many different plants around the world; however, to achieve all of the health benefits listed above, it is essential that you find a true bay leaf, derived from the laurel tree. Other varieties can actually be toxic when consumed, so be certain that you’re getting the real thing. In terms of allergies, bay leaves aren’t widely known as an allergenic substance, but contact dermatitis and eczema breakouts have been sporadically reported. If you’re allergic to other members of the Lauraceae family, you will likely be allergic to bay leaves as well