If you like cooking, you are well aware that bay, or laurel, leaves are perfect for a variety of meals due to their wonderful aroma, which gives fire and vitality to them.
However, these leaves are not only pleasant to the senses and taste, but they are also healthy to the body as a whole. They have strong cleansing qualities, can combat infections, enhance heart health, and help with breathing.
For ages, people have valued the therapeutic qualities of bay leaves.
Since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, when they were burnt within their houses and places of worship for religious and even fanciful purposes, these leaves have been regarded very important.
Apollo was frequently shown in ancient Greece wearing a bay laurel crown, and wreaths of bay leaves were handed to the winners of the Pythian games, which were devoted to him.
Because the father of the nymph Daphne turned her into a bay laurel tree to hide her from Apollo, the Greeks linked the bay tree’s leaves with spiritual qualities.
When these fragrant leaves are burnt, they emit a soothing smell that calms the mind and muscles. These leaves are said to purify the environment of negativity.
The smoke from these leaves will not send you to sleep, but it will relieve tension, improve your attention, boost alertness, and calm your entire body.
People report that this practice makes them more alert and peaceful, and they link the smoke with more attentive meditation.
Here are a few more uses for bay leaves:
1. Caffeic acid, found in bay leaves, helps to strengthen the capillary walls of the heart.
2. Bay leaves open the respiratory airways, and inhaling them can help with sinus and breathing problems. To cure asthma and allergies, apply bay leaves over the affected regions.
3. Because these leaves contain anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities, it is recommended to use bay leaf essential oil on painful joints to relieve pain and tightness.
4. To cure urinary infections, mix powdered laurel leaves with milk and consume the mixture.
5. One research published by the Agricultural University in Peshawar, Pakistan, and the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center found that 3 grams of bay leaves daily reduced total glucose levels.
6. To cure dandruff, combine laurel leaves and jojoba oil and apply to the scalp. Allow it to work for an hour.
7. The bay leaf contains digestive qualities and speeds your metabolism. Some people even recommend massaging it on the stomach after meals.
Furthermore, some individuals think that putting a wish on a bay leaf and burning it will help them achieve their goal.
So, you have nothing to lose by giving it a shot!
Sources:
tiphero.com
www.patheos.com
www.awesomeinventions.com
