Every good cook knows how important and valuable bay leaves are in the kitchen, as they give a characteristic flavor to many dishes. However, bay leaves are not only useful in recipes, but also in alternative medicine.
Below we listed eight less known ways to use bay leaves.
1. To fight nervousness and tiredness
The smoke of burning bay leaves has a calming and soothing effect without making one sleepy. In fact, it makes even tiredness disappear.
2. To purify the respiratory system
The smoke of burning bay leaves purifies the airways and helps the elimination of mucus deposited in the nasal cavity and the throat. Rubbing the chest with bay leaf oil will soothe asthma and allergy symptoms.
3. To eliminate dandruff
Heat up a small amount of jojoba oil, add a few bay leaves and massage your scalp. After the massage wrap your head in a towel and leave it on for 30–60 minutes then wash your hair as usual.
4. To prevent diabetes
According to some studies, if you consume 3 g of bay leaves a day, you can prevent type 2 diabetes.
5. To improve digestion
People in eastern Asia believe that both consuming bay leaves and massaging the tummy with bay leaf oil have a wonderful effect on digestion.
6. To protect the heart
Active ingredients in bay leaves strengthen the capillary vessels of the heart, reduce the level of bad cholesterol and protect the entire circulatory system.
7. To reduce inflammation
Bay leaves reduce inflammation, so they can also soothe joint pain. Use bay leaf oil to massage aching joints.
8. To treat urinary tract infection
Grind bay leaves, mix them with milk and drink the mixture if you suffer from urinary tract infection.
