TANGIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BAY LEAF

We know how amazingly bay leaves will enhance the flavor of the food we prepare. In addition to using bay leaves as flavor enhancers, they also have immense health benefits. Bay leaf is an integral ingredient in many Indian cuisines. Beyond the culinary benefits, this wonder leaf has medicinal properties. Bay leaves are used in Ayurvedic treatments in a big way, as they have multiple medicinal properties. Bay leaves are anti-bacterial. Bay leaves are also used in a host of Ayurvedic remedies as they have anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, carminative, and other therapeutic properties. Besides the aroma it spreads, the bay leaf is replete with many vitamins such as Vitamin A & C. Also, the leaf also has a host of minerals such as calcium, manganese, magnesium, copper, potassium, iron, and zinc.

Diabetes

As the bay leaves are known to lower the level of blood glucose, they are ideal for treating Type 2 diabetic patients. Bay leaf tea is available in supermarkets and other marketplaces. You can try consuming bay-leaf tea thrice a day. You also get powdered bay-leaf in the marketplace. You can boil the powdered bay leaves in water and consume them thrice a day for a month to gain maximum results.

Besides reducing the blood glucose level, the bay leaf also fights against respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma and cough. As it is a stimulant of respiratory passage, bay leaves relieve chest congestion and help the air tracts clean. Thus, with the help of bay leaves, your body will get the much-needed immunity, especially with the context of the pandemic of Covid-19 that is gripping the world. Therefore, bay leaves are a traditional remedy for innumerable respiratory ailments. The ideal way to use bay leaves effectively is to crush them along with Holy Basil and boil with 250 ml of water. After allowing the mixture to cool, you need to strain it and drink it while still warm.

Gut and Heart Health

Bay leaf is also the natural treatment for digestive-related issues, including heartburn, irregular bowel movement, and constipation. Take 200 ml of water, add thinly sliced ginger and five grams of bay leaf, and boil it until it is reduced to quarter by volume. Add honey and consume twice a day. This mixture will give great relief from the above-mentioned digestive disorders or irregularities.

Bay leaf also has plenty of phytonutrients that improve the functioning of the heart and prevent the risk factors for heart attacks, strokes, and other such complications. Add bay leaves to your daily dietary regimen for tangible benefits and a healthy heart.

Stress Management

Bay leaves are also a therapeutic effect for rejuvenation and relaxation as the same helps you do away with stress, anxiety, insomnia, and other stress-related complications. Furthermore, bay leaf is also a vital component in Ayurvedic massages. No wonder, then, this wonder leaf is used in renowned spas and Ayurvedic therapy centers. Boil three grams of bay leaves in 300 ml water and add wild rose flowers to get maximum benefit. When it is boiled, strain it and consume the mixture. Regular use of this concoction will give you humongous relief from stress-related ailments.

Last but not the least, bay leaf also has properties that can relax your nerves, meaning it will induce sound sleep. Take a few drops of the bay leaf extract along with water and drink it daily at bedtime. Regular consumption of this will relax your nerves and induce sound sleep.

In addition to that, the bay leaf also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is advised to massage bay leaf oil to your skin to reduce swelling and pain with sprains, arthritis, strains, and general pains and aches.

Bay leaf is also effective in the treatment of common cough. Take 1-2 grams of powdered dry bay leaves, add a teaspoon of honey and consume and it gives you instant relief from cough.

Hair Care

In addition to all these health benefits, bay leaves help to grow lush and healthy hair and help maintain your hair clean, and keep the lice at bay. Regular use of bay leaf mixture on your scalp will help restore your broken hair and help grow fresh and thick hair. Take 50 grams of powdered bay leaves, add 350 ml of water and boil the same. After cooling, strain the same and apply to your hair. You can wash it after allowing it on your hair for an hour. The result would be excellent if used frequently.

Regular use of bay leaf tea is beneficial. To make an excellent bay leaf tea, you can add about 4-5 bay leaves into a liter of water and stir it for about 20 minutes. For a lesser strength brew, chop a few fresh or dry bay leaves, pour hot water over them, and allow them to settle. Later, you can add sugar or a sweetener of your choice and consume it.