Bay leaf or bay laurel is a culinary herb obtained from the small evergreen tree Laurus nobilis L. (family Lauraceae). This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and enjoys widespread cultivation in the warm climates of the southern United States, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. As a culinary herb, it is known to flavor numerous cuisines of Turkey, India, Italy, and France. It is a common component in the French mixture of herbs “bouquet garni” and is added to various dishes during cooking such as sauces, soups, stocks, casseroles, sausages, and stews and then removed before consumption. Many uses of bay leaf and its oil in traditional and folk medicines have been documented. These include treatment of respiratory disorders and infections, gastrointestinal discomfort and irregularity, diarrhea, and amenorrhea, and as an emetic, stimulant, and diuretic, to name a few. To date, few human studies have examined the health benefits of bay leaves. This narrative review summarizes relevant clinical trials and preclinical animal investigations and highlights future research needs.
Botanically Bay is called Laurus nobilis. Bay is an evergreen tree that grows up to the height of 5-10 meters with white bark and a thin trunk. It belongs to the plant family of allspice berries such as Jamaica pepper and Pimento. The essential oil is extracted from the bay leaves through steam distillation. The oil is a yellow liquid possessing a strong and spicy fragrance that resembles clove oil. Bay leaf essential oil is used to cure the pain of migraine, rheumatism, dandruff, congestion, arthritis, earache, and high blood pressure. Bay essential oil has chemical constituents such as linalool, cineole, eucalyptol, a-terpineol, eugenol, phellandrene, geraniol, a-pinene, myrcene, neral, b-pinene, geranyl acetate, and chavicol.
History
Bay tree is inherent to the Caribbean Islands and was spread to other parts of the world. It is vital for Ancient Rome and Greece for its religion, medicines, and culture.
Types/Varieties
The name “bay leaf” refers to various plants, including:
- Bay laurel
- California bay leaf
- Indian bay leaf
- Indonesian bay leaf or Indonesian laurel
- West Indian bay leaf
- Mexican bay leaf
It seems that various references to the bay leaf species cause some confusion in regard to what’s considered a “true bay leaf.”
To be a true bay leaf, most experts tell us that that leaf must come from the tree Laurus nobilis. This particular species is also sometimes called bay laurel or sweet bay.
Active ingredients
Active ingredients are the substances present in the oil which are responsible for its therapeutic properties.
- Eugenol
- Myrcene
- Chavicol
- Linalool
- Limonene
- Alpha pinene
- Alpha terpineol
- Beta pinene
- Geranyl acetate
- Neral
- Methyl chavicol
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percent of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 313 Kcal | 15.5% |
| Carbohydrates | 74.97 g | 57% |
| Protein | 7.61 g | 13% |
| Total Fat | 8.36 g | 29% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.3 g | 69% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 180 mcg | 45% |
| Niacin | 2.005 mg | 12.5% |
| Pyridoxine | 1.740 mg | 133% |
| Riboflavin | 0.421 mg | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 6185 IU | 206% |
| Vitamin C | 46.5 mg | 77.5% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 23 mg | 1.5% |
| Potassium | 529 mg | 11% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 834 mg | 83% |
| Copper | 0.416 mg | 46% |
| Iron | 43 mg | 537% |
| Magnesium | 120 mg | 30% |
| Manganese | 8.167 mg | 355% |
| Phosphorus | 113 mg | 16% |
| Selenium | 2.8 mcg | 5% |
| Zinc | 3.70 mg | 33% |
Health Benefits of Bay essential oil
Bay oil is able to ease the pain caused due to neuralgia which is the condition of nerve damage. It also supports in promoting the contraction of blood vessels and relieves nerve pressure. It also lowers joint and muscle pain. The respiratory problems could be treated by inhaling the Bay essential oil. It strengthens gums, fortifies the scalp and prevents the sagging of the skin as well as muscles. It also prevents the chances of hemorrhages which are caused due to the contraction of blood vessels.
Antioxidant Qualities
Bay leaf, including bay leaf essential oil, offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits due to antioxidants and other protective compounds found in the plant. This herb contains more than 80 identified compounds, including polyphenols, eucalyptol, cineole, sabinene, and linalool.
One study conducted at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University focused on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of specific essential oils from white wormwood, rose-scented geranium and bay laurel on fresh produce against dangerous bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli. All three essential oils showed antioxidant properties, with the highest activity occurring in bay laurel essential oil.
Other studies have come to similar conclusions, demonstrating that Laurus nobilis can defend against a range of health problems due to phytochemicals, volatile and non-volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins, sesquiterpene alcohols, and alkaloids.
It’s also been shown in extract form to reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can contribute to chronic conditions.
May Prevent Candida and Contain Wound-Healing Benefits
Bay leaf has been shown to provide antifungal properties, according to studies.
One published in the Archives of Oral Biology showed that essential oil of bay laurel defended against candida. In the study, bay laurel disrupted adhesion of candida to cell walls, therefore reducing its ability to penetrate the membrane, making it a great addition to a candida diet in order to combat this fungal condition.
In addition to fighting candida, in animal studies bay leaf has been used as an extract and in a poultice to help heal wounds. While it wasn’t as effective in healing wounds as quickly or as effectively as the Allamanda cathartica. L. extract, the bay laurel extract did show improved wound healing compared to the control group.
May Help Fight Cancer
Evaluation of the use of bay leaf extract has shown that both the leaves and fruits of the Laurus nobilis plant are capable of fighting breast cancer. The study noted bay leaf as a potential natural agent for breast cancer therapy by comparing cells that were induced with the extracts and those that were not.
Cell death occurred in those that were induced, potentially making bay leaf a possible natural cancer treatment option.
Further research published in Nutrition and Cancer suggests that this extract may also help fight colorectal cancer.
In vitro studies were conducted using extracts of the bay leaf against colon cancer cell growth. By using a process of incorporating ingredients, such as bay leaf, into food, results exhibited the potential for colon cancer-regulating properties, showing relevance to protection against colorectal cancer during early stages of detection.
Could Be Useful for Diabetics
It’s possible that bay leaf can help lower blood sugar levels. Research from one study found that by taking ground bay leaf two times per day, blood sugar levels and LDL cholesterol levels dropped in participants.
It’s important to note that participants involved in this study continued taking their regular medications for diabetes. However, the benefits of adding bay leaf were positive — for example, it also helped increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL).
Further research published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition reveals that bay leaves may improve insulin function. The study was conducted to determine if bay leaves may help manage type 2 diabetes.
Forty people were given varied amounts of bay leaf, in the form of a capsule, per day over a period of 30 days. All amounts reduced serum glucose and total cholesterol, but there were no significant changes in the placebo group.
The overall outcome shows that regular consumption of bay leaves may help decrease risk factors for diabetes and even cardiovascular diseases.
Prevent infections
Wounds could be septic if they came in contact to rusty and iron objects. They have high chances of tetanus or septic that could lead to cramps, convulsions, pain, breathlessness, cramps, insanity, and hydrophobia. This oil prevents the infections of wounds and prevents bacterial growth.
Prevent bacterial growth
This oil possesses antibiotic properties which help to inhibit the growth of bacteria, microbes, and fungi. It safeguards against infections. It is safe having no side effects.
Treat neuralgia
Neuralgia is the painful condition on-ear, throat, tonsils, larynx, pharynx, and base of the throat. It occurs due to the compression of the Ninth Cranial Nerve which surrounds blood vessels. As this oil possesses astringent and analgesic properties, it provides relief from the pain caused by Neuralgia. It also lowers the feeling of pain in the affected area. It relieves the pressure on the cranial nerve.
Lowers spasm
Spasm is the cause of coughs, cramps, diarrhea, aches, convulsions, and nervous afflictions. Bay essential oil provides relief from spasm by soothing the contractions which help to avoid the associated ailments and problems.
Reduce pain
Bay essential oil lowers pain caused due to viral infections, colds, coughs, sprains, and influenza. The analgesic pills found in the market could damage the digestive system, heart, and nervous system.
Loss of appetite
It has become a common problem nowadays due to excessive work pressure in home and office, no relaxation, never-ending search of money and no exercise. Bay essential oil assists the people having this problem.
Prompt contractions
Being an astringent, it promotes muscle and tissues contractions. It stimulates the gums of teeth, sagging muscles, and skin strengthens the grip of teeth gums and prevents hair loss. As it induces blood vessel contraction, it prevents hemorrhaging.
Bile movement
Bay oil stimulates the bile discharge in the stomach. It maintains the balance of base and acid. Bile is used for breaking down food molecules. It neutralizes the excess acids which are the cause of ulcers.
Relieve health ailments
Bay essential oil acts as a sedative for disturbances and nervous afflictions. It provides relief from hysteria, epilepsy, anxiety, convulsions, depression, stress, and anger.
May Provide Relief From Neuralgia Pain
Neuralgia can be very painful and may also leave almost the entire oral zone, including the throat, ears, tonsils, base of the nose, larynx, pharynx, and the surrounding areas suffering from severe pain. It can be caused due to compression of the glossopharyngeal or the ninth cranial nerve by the surrounding blood vessels, which can swell up when excited or stimulated as a result of chewing, eating, laughing, shouting, or any other excitement or movement in that region. [4]
The essential oil of bay has potent analgesic and astringent properties, which can provide relief from the pain of neuralgia in its own way. Being an analgesic, it reduces the feeling of pain in the affected area. Then, as an astringent, it induces contraction in the blood vessels, thus relieving the pressure on the cranial nerve, giving immediate relief from the pain. [5]
May Provide Relief From Spasms
Cramps, coughs, aches, diarrhea, nervous afflictions, and convulsions can be some of the ailments caused by spasms, which is an excessive contraction in the respiratory tracts, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and internal organs. Not only does it cause the ailments discussed above, but sometimes it can also become fatal if it is overly excessive. For example, excessive spasms in the respiratory system can leave someone breathless or literally choke them to death. The essential oil of the bay might give relief from spasms by relaxing the contractions and helping to avoid the related dangers or ailments. [6]
Bay laurel essential oil is excellent for use on the hair as a stimulant and a tonic. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Act as Analgesic
An analgesic, like the essential oil of bay, can reduce pain and can be particularly effective in pains resulting from coughs and colds, viral infections, influenza, and sprains. Again, it can be better than the analgesic pills available on the market, which have significant adverse side effects. [7]
Boost Appetite
Loss of appetite is a very common problem with people who lead a metropolitan way of life. With the excessive pressure of work in the office as well as at home, a never-ending search for money, and almost no time to relax or exercise, it is bound to happen! This loss of appetite can eventually induce acute deficiencies in those people. Therefore, an appetizer or an aperitif can be a helping hand in these cases. The herbal aperitif like the essential oil of bay can help them to want and have a sumptuous lunch or dinner. [8]
Act As Astringent
We have already read that astringency can be beneficial in treating painful conditions like neuralgia. However, it is not its sole benefit. An astringent’s main function can induce contractions in muscles and tissues. This contraction might help in many ways. It might strengthen the grip of gums on teeth, pull up the sagging skin and muscles, strengthen the hold of the scalp on hair roots, thereby preventing loss of hair, and finally, it may induce contractions in the blood vessels which can help to stop hemorrhaging. [9]
Fight Infections
Since certain components of the bay essential oil can help in fighting infections that cause cough, cold, and fever, this oil can also help reduce fevers. Its sudorific property can also contribute to this since perspiration might bring down body temperature. [10]
For Deep, Painful Emotions
Evidence is steadily mounting about the direct link between emotions and pain.
Sometimes emotions can be deep and immobilizing. Over time, those same emotions cause a lock-down and can develop into health concerns that restrict movement such as:
- chronic fatigue
- joint stiffness
- headaches
- carpal tunnel
- arthritis
- gout
- fibromyalgia
- cystic fibrosis
- rheumatism
Bay laurel reaches deep within the body and offers an opportunity to begin reversing that process. According to studies, bay laurel essential oil provides an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect that is comparable to morphine and piroxicam.
Bay essential oil can alleviate emotional and physical pain associated with muscular and joint problems due to gout, arthritis, or rheumatism. And can also be used for headaches, migraines, or aching muscles after an intense workout.
Increase Mindfulness and Focus
It has been shown that mindfulness impacts our ability to heal. Take time for inner reflection to discover where you are holding grudges or resentments. Then seek to shift your heart and mindset to forgive.
Mindfulness and emotional expression have been found to help reduce pain in illnesses such as fibromyalgia. In addition, prayer, meditation, and affirmations tend to be highly beneficial.
Linalool and cineol, active components of bay laurel essential oil are shown to increase mindfulness and focus. This may explain why many cultures burn bay leaves during sacred rituals and meditation to inhale the smoke. Perhaps a safer alternative is using a mild facial mist to diffuse the essential oils around your face, head, and body.
Another highly effective method is applying directly underneath the nose and inhaling to help balance the limbic part of the brain as well as stimulate point GV26 (the medical acupressure point to stimulate healing and repair). Only use blends created specifically for direct skin use underneath the nose.
Fear, Apprehension and Respiratory Relief
The emotions of fear and nervousness get trapped in the lung tissue. When we feel afraid, our breathing naturally becomes shallow. And when we watch something scary or hear bad news, we often gasp and hold our breath in apprehension. Therefore, to release these damaging emotions from the body, we need extra support for the lungs and immune system.
In aromatherapy, bay laurel essential oil is used frequently as an inhalant for the respiratory system. It is highly recommended to those suffering from cough, colds and flu. It is an effective mucolytic and expectorant that helps clear excess phlegm along breathing tracts—relieving nasal congestion and promoting unobstructed breathing.
Bay laurel’s antibacterial properties can kill pathogens that may cause further harm to the respiratory system. This means it may even prevent the onset of respiratory illnesses. Combined with its anti-spasmodic qualities, bay laurel essential oil also works to help stop painful coughing spells.
Note that pathogens, spasms, phlegm and coughing are often related to feelings of resentment. Look for where you are holding onto difficult encounters from your past. For your health’s sake, find ways to forgive and let go. The past is over and done. It cannot be rewritten, it can only be released.
Fight Stress, Anxiety and Resentment
Bay laurel is an age-old remedy for anxiety. Even in ancient times, adding leaves to dishes was believed to be effective in calming the mind.
This has remained true for bay laurel essential oil. Chemical compounds present in the oil, such as linalool and cineol, have been found to reduce anxiety and lower the levels of stress hormones.
In addition, Bay Laurel essential oil’s clearing of lungs and respiratory system can increase oxygen getting into the blood and therefore to the brain. This increase has been shown to reduce fear and anxiety.
Empower Femininity & Regulate Menstruation
Based on traditional beliefs, bay laurel is a natural cure to amenorrhea or the absence of menstruation and irregular periods. In the past, the leaves were steeped into hot water and served as tea.
Emotions related to shutting down femininity or issues from abuse can be connected to difficult periods or irregular menstrual flow. Some scientific theories suggest that bay laurel contains emmenagogue properties, which means it can stimulate menstruation and regulate the flow.
What’s more, given its antispasmodic nature, it can also help ease those painful menstrual cramps and relieve associated symptoms like nausea. Consider massaging the diluted bay laurel oil onto your abdominal area.
Removes Toxins
Our bodies can handle toxins on its own through the organ functions of the liver and kidneys. However, the body needs assistance from time to time. Bay essential oil improves the ability of these organs to function properly. A build-up of toxins in your body can lead to many diseases and infections. The oils boost your liver and kidney’s ability to detoxify your body.
Prevents Nerve Damage
Nerve damage may occur due to compression of blood vessels which can cause chronic pain. This may even inhibit body functions. Bay oil work by preventing the pressure build-up in the blood vessels by relaxing them. It relaxes the blood vessels and reduces the occurrence of inflammations.
Breakdown Of Fatty Foods
Bay essential oil creates a healthy environment for fat breakdown. This function is possible because bay oil promotes the discharge of bile into the stomach. The oil also ensures the body maintains a healthy balance in the stomach preventing cases such as acidity and ulcers.
Helps Curb Acne
Bay essential oils are also effective for acne. The oil has astringent properties that ensure that the pores of your skin are clean and the oil also regulates the release of sebum. The oil also helps in reducing spots caused by acne.
Kill Insects
Being lethal to insects and animals may be yet another plausible property of this oil, which can help to drive away insects. Therefore, it can be used in fumigants, sprays, vaporizers, and in various other ways to keep away insects. [11]
- Prevent ulcers – Bay essential oil helps to maintain a healthy stomach by preventing it from ulcers, infections, and acidity.
- Diabetes – Early research shows that taking ground bay leaf twice daily along with medicine for diabetes can lower pre-meal blood sugar levels. It may also improve cholesterol levels.
- Abnormal levels of cholesterol or blood fats (dyslipidemia). Early research shows that drinking tea made from bay leaves each day for 10 days might slightly increase good cholesterol levels (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). But it’s unclear if it can improve the levels of other lipids.
- Cancer.
- Causing sweating.
- Boils.
- Dandruff.
- Disorders affecting bile flow in the liver.
- Gas (flatulence).
- Seizure disorder (epilepsy).
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Other conditions.
Traditional uses
- It promotes circulation if used on low diluted.
- If massaged with this oil helps to promote the healing of strains and sprains.
- It is used for treating hair problems, oily skin, dandruff, neuralgia, and poor circulation.
- It is useful for skin breakouts and razor burns.
- It provides relief from neuralgia and joint pain.
- Bay oil could be used in vapor therapy for pains, aches, and fever.
- It could be inhaled by adding one to two drops of Bay essential oil to the diffuser that helps to provide relief from the nasal cavity and throat.
- This oil provides relief from colic pain, stomach aches, and flatulence.
- It is used to treat bronchitis, flu, arthritis, and assist digestion.
- It promotes blood flow during scanty menstruation.
- It is used to treat colds, dental infections, dental abscesses, and skin infections.
- It clears fatigue, mental confusion and provides thought clarity.
Bay Leaf Health Benefits
Bay leaves contain notable plant-derived compounds, vitamins, and minerals which offer a range of benefits. This herb was widely used by the Greeks and Romans who believed that it symbolizes wisdom, peace, and protection. The various bay leaf health benefits are given below.
Treatment of Diabetes
Bay leaves have been found to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes as they cause a reduction in blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. To get maximum results, these leaves can be powdered and consumed for 30 days. This will cause a drop in sugar levels in the body as well as regulate the functioning of your heart. This is because the antioxidants in bay leaf enable the body to process insulin more efficiently, thus making it a good choice for diabetics and people with insulin resistance.
Good for Digestion
Bay leaves are good for promoting digestion and can treat digestive disorders such as heartburn and flatulence. Drinking a concoction of bay leaf tea with hot water can alleviate common digestive disorders like constipation, ACID REFLUX, and irregular bowel movements. It contains enzymes that enable the breakdown of proteins, thus making it an excellent spice for non-vegetarian diets. In case of indigestion and bloating, you can take 5 grams of bay leaves, add a piece of ginger and boil this in 200 mils of water till ¼ water remains. Add some honey and consume this twice a day for relief. It also acts as an appetite stimulant if you are recovering from illness.
Cardiovascular Benefits
The powerful phytonutrients in the bay leaf provide protection against cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. They contain valuable compounds such as rutin, salicylates, caffeic acid, and phytonutrients which boost heart health and improve heart function. In case of heart disease and anxiety, boil 3 grams of bay leaves and 3-4 grams of wild rose flowers in 300 ml water till only 75 ml remains. Strain and drink this concoction for relief.
Treatment of Cold and Infection
Bay leaves are effective in fighting the symptoms of cold, flu, and infections. In case of respiratory problems, boil water and add 2 to 3 bay leaves. Allow it to steam for 10 minutes. Soak a cloth in this water and place it on your chest to alleviate flu, cold, and cough. Bay leaf tea is effective in reducing fever. In case of repeated sneezing, boil some bay leaves in 200 ml water till ¼ remains. Strain and drink this concoction.
Relieves Pain
The oil extracted from bay leaf has anti-inflammatory properties which can ease the pain resulting from sprains, strains, arthritis, rheumatism as well as general pains and aches. Massaging your temples with bay leaf oil helps to relieve migraines and headaches. It also boosts circulation and promotes a feeling of well-being. In case of joint pain, you can make a poultice of ground bay leaves and castor leaves, and tie it around the inflamed joints to reduce pain and swelling. In case of a headache, you can boil a few bay leaves in water for a few minutes. Strain and drink this concoction while it is still hot. You can apply a paste of bay leaves on your forehead to get relief from a severe headache
Anti-cancer Properties
Bay leaf contains caffeic acid, quercetin, eugenol, and catechins all of which possess chemo-protective properties which provide resistance against different types of cancer. They also contain a phytonutrient called parthenolide which has been shown to specifically restrain the proliferation of cervical cancer cells.
Beneficial during Periconception Period
Being rich in folic acid, bay leaves are extremely beneficial during the periconceptional period (3 months before and after pregnancy). By providing sufficient folic acid content to the child; they prevent birth defects in the child. These leaves also have the property of inducing pregnancy.
Treatment of Menstrual Problems
Bay leaves, when taken orally, can induce regular and normal menstruation. They also have the property of curing vaginal discharge.
Induces Sleep
Consuming bay leaves at bedtime helps to induce proper sleep. For this purpose, mix a few drops of the bay leaf extract with water and consume it.
Treatment of Nosebleed
In case of nosebleeds, crush 2 to 3 fresh or dry bay leaves. Boil them in 200 ml water till 100 ml remains. Strain and drink this concoction for relief.
Clean Teeth
To get sparkling white teeth, brush them with powdered bay leaves once in 3 days.
Insect Repellent
Bay leaves are a great insect repellent as they contain lauric acid. A dish of bay leaves will ward off insects. A paste made from crushed leaves and little oil relieves stings and bites when applied topically.
Treatment of Kidney Problems
Bay leaves help in treating kidney infections and even kidney stones. For this purpose, boil 5 grams of bay leaves in 200 ml water till 50 ml water remains. Strain and drink this twice daily. This will stop the formation of kidney stones. Being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, bay leaf offers various benefits to your skin and has been used in herbal medicine for this purpose. Some of its skin benefits are as follows.
Relieves Stressed Skin
Bay leaf helps to de-stress your skin, thus preventing the occurrence of wrinkles and skin outbreaks. For this purpose, boil 5 dried bay leaves with 2 cups of water, keeping the container covered. Then remove the lid and let it boil for about 2 minutes. Now pour the brew into a large bowl and cover your head with a towel, inhale this steam.
Healing Qualities
Bay leaf has excellent healing properties. It was often used by herbal practitioners for treating snakebite, insect stings, and relieving cuts and bruises. Bay leaf oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties which can cure skin infections. It is applied topically to heal cuts, bruises, and insect bites. The nutritional value of bay leaves makes them beneficial for hair health. It has the following benefits for your hair
Treatment of Dandruff and Hair Loss
A rinse made from infused bay leaves is effective in treating dandruff. Bay leaf tea is considered a great remedy for hair loss. Bay leaf oil is a tonic for hair that effectively combats dandruff.
Treatment of Head Lice
For getting rid of head lice, boil about 50 grams of crushed bay leaves in 400 ml water until 100 ml water remains. Strain out the water and apply this on the hair roots. Leave it for 3 to 4 hours and wash it off. This will remove the head lice effectively. Adding bhringraj to the bay leaves before boiling will make your hair black, lustrous, and healthy. The various benefits of the bay leaf can be attributed to its rich nutritional value. These leaves are exceptionally rich in vitamins as well as copper, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, and manganese. They also contain essential phytochemicals and volatile oils.
Healing Essential Oils to Blend with Bay Laurel
Realize whether you are talking about the body or emotions, consistency of use over time is essential. In the same way, that forgiveness can take months, so can the process of deep healing. The body tends to work in a 3-4 hour cycle, which is why most people get hungry every 3-4 hours. Use a healing essential oil blend multiple times throughout each day to mimic these cycles and best assist the body.
Spiritual And Ancient Uses
- Bay leaf was prized highly by the Greeks and the Romans, who believed that the herb symbolizes wisdom, peace, and protection.
- Bay leaf was prized highly by the Greeks and the Romans, who believed that the herb symbolizes wisdom, peace, and protection.
- The spice contains many important plant-derived chemical compounds, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
- This spice has many volatile active components such as a-pinene, ß-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, a-terpineol, geranyl acetate, eugenol, and chavicol. These compounds are known to have been antiseptic, antioxidant, digestive, and thought to have anti-cancer properties.
- Fresh leaves are a very rich source of vitamin C; provide 46.5 mg or 77.5% of RDA per 100 g. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the powerful natural antioxidants that help remove harmful free radicals from the body. Ascorbic acid also has an immune booster, wound healing, and antiviral effects.
- Furthermore, its fresh leaves and herb parts are superb in folic acid; contain about 180 mg or 45% of daily-recommended values per 100 g. Folates are important in DNA synthesis, and when given during the peri-conception period, they can help prevent neural tube defects in the newborn baby.
- Bay leaves are an excellent source of vitamin-A; contain 6185 IU or 206% of recommended daily levels per 100 g. Vitamin-A is a natural antioxidant and is essential for normal eyesight. It is also required for maintaining mucosa and skin health. Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin A has been found to help to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
- The spice is indeed an excellent source of many vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin. These B-complex groups of vitamins help in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function, and regulating body metabolism.
- This leafy spice is an excellent source of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
- Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidase enzymes.
To increase the body’s ability to restore balance, here’s a beneficial combination of essential oils to help go after the complexity of imbalances and dis-ease:
- Cajeput for immune and boundary protection from negativity, people & germs*
- Bay Laurel for pain & inflammation, fear, gut instincts, congestion, lung & breathing support*
- Myrtle for easing anxiety and tension, protection, respiratory support, immune & insomnia*
- Pine needle for clarity of decisions, strength, muscular aches, & clearing congestion*
- Rosemary for brighter moods, easing fatigue, & enhanced mental clarity*
- Eucalyptus for congestion, headaches, strong lungs, & overall malaise*
- Cypress for staying strong, fighting infections, easing pain/anxiety, & removing toxins*
- Jasmine is absolute for improving sleep, lowering anxiety, cheering moods, & uplifting fatigue*
- Clove Bud for getting to the core, soothing aches, reducing nausea, fighting invaders
- Juniper berry for aches, fatigue, insomnia, digestion, throat and protecting the mind
You can find these 10 essential oils in Kaliana Health Formula.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
-
Medications for pain (Narcotic drugs) interacts with BAY LEAF
Taking bay leaf in large amounts may relieve pain but cause sleepiness. Some medications for pain also cause sleepiness. Taking large amounts of bay leaf with some medications for pain might increase the effects and side effects of these medications.
Some medications for pain include meperidine (Demerol), hydrocodone, morphine, OxyContin, and many others. -
Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with BAY LEAF
Taking bay leaf in large amounts might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking large amounts of bay leaf along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.
Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others. -
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with BAY LEAF
Bay leaf may lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking bay leaf along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of bay leaf depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for bay leaf. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Side Effects
- When taken by mouth: Bay leaf and bay leaf oil are likely safe for most people in food amounts. Ground bay leaf is possibly safe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts, short-term. But, if you cook with whole bay leaf, be sure to remove it before eating the food. Taking the whole, intact leaf by mouth is likely unsafe. The leaf can’t be digested, so it remains intact while passing through the digestive system. This means it can become lodged in the throat or pierce the lining of the intestines.
- When applied to the skin: Bay leaf extract is possibly safe when used in cosmetics. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if the bay leaf is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- Diabetes: Bay leaf might interfere with blood sugar control. Monitor blood sugar closely if you have diabetes and use the bay leaf as a medicine.
- Surgery: Bay leaf might slow down the central nervous system (CNS). There is a concern that it might slow down the CNS too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Stop using the bay leaf as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Recipes
Aside from the bay leaf benefits described above, this herb has a number of other interesting uses as well. Throughout history, such as in Ancient Rome and Greece, it has been used to make:
- Herbal tea to promote healthy digestion
- Poultices to help those suffering from seizures and headaches — bay leaves were combined with cinnamon, nutmeg, and olive oil for this purpose
- Skin treatments for bee and wasp stings
- Vapor treatments for coughs and colds, bronchitis and chest infections
- Massage oil to reduce aches and pains
- The topical rub used to decrease swelling and arthritic pain
- Fever reducer
- Bug repellent
- Crowns that signified success
- Homemade fragrances and room sprays (due to its menthol-like fragrance, early European settlers named the bay tree “pepperwood”)
- Firestarters, such as to attract deer
Where can you buy bay leaf essential oil and other products? Look for these products in health food stores and online, and in certain pharmacies.
New to cooking with bay leaves? Here are some tips for using this herb at home:
When purchasing this herb, look for dried bay leaves that are blemish-free, making sure there are no cracks or tears. If you’re looking to purchase fresh bay leaves, seek out those that are bright green and waxy-looking, while allowing a bend and twist without tearing. You can cook using the bay leaf whole, but make sure to remove whole bay leaves from your dish before serving to prevent choking.
While the Turkish bay laurel is most popular, if you go for the California bay leaves, use about half the amount that a recipe calls for since they’re usually stronger in flavor. Store bay leaves by sealing them well, such as in a mason jar with an airtight lid. If stored properly, the dried leaves can last up to two years. Bay leaf can add that special touch of flavor and depth to almost any dish. Try this spice blend on your favorite wild-caught fish or organic chicken.
Here are some healthy recipes that utilize bay leaves:
- Bay Leaf Tea
- Hasselback Butternut Squash with Bay Leaves
- Bay Leaf-Braised Chicken With Chickpeas
- Split Pea Soup
- Lamb Stew
- Rice with Onion and Bay Leaf
- Tomato Sauce with Bay Leaf and Butter
Precautions
- Do not use it internally.
- Use with the advice of a physician.
- Do not use it on damaged and sensitive skin.
- People with liver and kidney problems, cancer and using anticoagulants should not use it.
- It has a high content of eugenol which could cause irritation to the mucus membrane and skin.
- Pregnant women should avoid it.
- Do a small patch test before using it.
- Avoid using on sensitive areas such as eyes, ears, nose, etc.
Other Facts
- The Bay oil is blended with oils such as coriander, cedarwood, ginger, geranium, eucalyptus, lavender, juniper, orange, lemon, thyme, rosemary, rose, and ylang-ylang.
- Bay essential oil is used in making scented candles, beverages and medical preparations.
From Where To Buy
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The International Federation of Aromatherapists, The Leading Aromatherapy Associations (Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA), International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association, Aromatherapy Trade Council, and others) all state that essential oils should not be taken internally (regardless of purity or organic origin) unless under the guidance of a health care practitioner trained at an appropriate level or supervision of a Medical Doctor who is also qualified in clinical Aromatherapy. All cautions listed for individual oils do not include those cautions from ingestion. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
References
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