Besides being an incredible addition to most dishes and a precious ingredient in the culinary world, bay leaf has a few unexpected health advantages too.
This doesn’t come as a surprise having in mind that bay leaf is known to humans for thousands of years. In addition to this, this plant has potential health advantages and a spiritual importance.
An Ancient Herb with Surprising Benefits
Ancient Greeks used bay leaf in a number of spiritual ceremonies, especially by oracles to predict the future.
They also used it for its therapeutic benefits and as emblems of valor and victory. According to Greek mythology, the god Apollo turned a nymph named Daphne into a bay laurel tree, which is how the relationship between divinity and bay leaves came about.
Burning bay leaf is said to produce smoke that offers a range of health benefits, one of which is reducing the level of anxiety. This is due to the smoke that contains linalool, a compound found in a number of other plants, including mint and lavender, which also help treat anxiety.
The good thing about inhaling bay leaf smoke is that it does not induce sleep. It only clears and calms the mind while maintaining mental alertness.
Based on the study of aromatherapy, inhaling certain fragrances, such as linalool, prompt smell receptors in the nose to communicate with the areas of the brain that help regulate the emotions.
Bay leaves contain essential oils, tannins, and various compounds with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties which help with various issues. Among the benefits are soothing digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and constipation, relieving respiratory conditions bronchitis and congestion, regulating blood sugar levels and more.
Bay leaves have also traditionally been used for infection, fewer, arthritis, and headaches.
To learn more of the benefits of bay leaves and how to properly burn them to achieve health benefits go to the video below.
To make sure burning bay leaf and inhaling the smoke is appropriate for your specific needs, always consult a healthcare practitioner before adding bay leaves to any health routine.
