Two of its components, cineole and eugenol, are what give bay leaf its main property: facilitating digestion, as well as preventing heartburn and reducing the gases present in the digestive tract that cause so much discomfort.
These same active ingredients also have the property of improving and stimulating appetite, which is why, in certain herbal treatments intended for people who need to gain weight, bay leaf infusions are recommended before main meals.
If you boil bay leaves in a glass of water and taste it, it will have no smell or taste.
Among the many spices found in your kitchen, bay leaf is sure to be a staple. Like other condiments like oregano and cumin, it's an essential ingredient for adding flavor and a pleasant aroma to many dishes.
Due to its aromatic qualities, bay leaves have been highly valued in various industries, especially in the culinary field, where they are used as a spice or condiment. This process requires drying the leaves, which, if not dried, could be toxic.
Its amazing properties have made bay laurel a highly valued herb in the field of natural medicine, helping in the treatment of multiple ailments.
Adding bay leaves to meat converts triglycerides into mono-fats and for experimentation and confirmation, do the following:
- Cut a chicken in half and cook each half in a bowl, adding a bay leaf to one and the other without the bay leaf, and note the amount of fat in both pots.
If you have bay leaves, there's no need to go to the pharmacy. Recent scientific studies have shown that bay leaves have many benefits.
The benefits of bay leaf:
- Bay leaf treats digestive disorders and helps eliminate lumps.
- Heartburn
- Reflux
- Constipation
- Regulate bowel movements by drinking hot bay leaf tea.
- It reduces blood sugar, and bay leaf is also an antioxidant.
- It allows the body to produce insulin by eating it or drinking bay leaf tea for a month.
- Eliminates bad cholesterol and relieves triglycerides in the body.
- Very useful in treating the common cold, flu, and severe cough, as it is a rich source of vitamin C. You can boil the leaves and inhale the steam to loosen phlegm and reduce the severity of the cough.
- When consumed, bay leaves protect the heart from seizures and strokes, as they contain cardiovascular protection compounds.
- Rich in acids, such as caffeic acid, quercetin, eigonol and bartholinide, substances that prevent the formation of cancer cells in the body.
- It eliminates insomnia and anxiety; if taken before bed, it helps you relax and sleep peacefully.
- Drinking a cup of boiled bay leaves twice a day breaks down kidney stones and cures infections.
It can also be used topically to regenerate the epidermis or to treat certain fungal skin conditions, as well as bruises, burns, ulcers, abscesses, and acne. Bay oil is used in aromatherapy to relieve muscle pain.
What are the contraindications and side effects of bay leaf?
While it's true that it's a very beneficial herb, there are some contraindications and side effects that have been associated with improper consumption of bay leaves, which you should be aware of to avoid further complications.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Children under 6 years old.
- Patients with colitis, gastroduodenal ulcers, gastritis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Patients with epilepsy, Parkinson's disease , and other pathologies affecting the nervous system.
- People with respiratory allergies.
- Patients with hypersensitivity to essential oils.
Regarding side effects, frequent consumption of highly concentrated bay leaf infusions can cause nausea, vomiting, gastritis, and stomach ulcers. Furthermore, improper use on the skin can cause contact dermatitis, among other adverse reactions.
