The bay leaf, also known under its scientific name, Laurus nobilis, is a leaf from the bay laurel tree.

It is mostly found in the Mediterranean and has been used as a natural remedy for many diseases for centuries back. The bay laurel tree has been considered to be sacred, and its branches and leaves have been awarded to poets and artists as a sign of accomplishment.

The bay leaves serve many purposes, and it is often used in the cosmetics industry for making perfumes, as well as in the culinary world for cooking.

These leaves are also practiced in medicine, since they offer plenty of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants and provide anti-inflammatory, antifungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Bay leaves provide a lot of benefits if you burn them: Use a couple of bay leaves and place them in an ashtray. Light them up and let the leaves burn for 10 minutes.

What does this provide?

It cures headache: since Bay leaves are full of cineol, pinene and elemicin compounds, these are released much more once burned and thus help with headaches and fatigue.

Reduce anxiety: Bay leaves also contain linalool, which is a compound that helps with anxiety problems and encourages communication. According to a study by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetics, you only need to smell this compound for 10 minutes and feel better instantly.

Keep the respiratory system healthy: Bay leaves contain mycrene and eugenol, which if inhaled after the burning can cleanse the lungs and alleviate the breathing.

And also bay leaves provide a lot of other benefits as well:

Deal with diabetes: Bay leaves are especially important in the fight against type 2 diabetes and they can easily lower the bad cholesterol, blood glucose and triglyceride levels.

By consuming the leaves you will diminish the sugar levels significantly and will improve the heart performance.

Because they are full of anti-oxidants, the bay leaves encourage the body to produce more insulin and keep the diabetes problems in check.

Keep the heart healthy: thanks to the rutin and caffeic acid-both organic compounds found in bay leaves, the heart can perform faster, better and is not exposed to cardiovascular problems. Rutin helps to strengthen the heart’s capillary walls, and the cafeic acid prevents the bad cholesterol levels from escalating.

Prevent cancer: as a result of the antioxidants and organic compounds abundance in bay leaves, like catechins, linalool, parthenolide, phytonutrients, they are incredible in fighting off cancer and preventing cancer cells from forming.

Relieve pain: Bay leaves are excellent for numerous kinds of pain, such as headaches, migraines, joint pains, arthritis and toothaches. By preparing a bay leaves tea, you will give the body plenty of anti-inflammatory qualities that act as an analgesic.

Beneficial during pregnancy: pregnant women are often advised to consume more folic acid, which bay leaves naturally contain. This is most important during the first trimester and even before it. The folic acid is amazing and it enables the fetus to deal with impairments that may occur during the pregnancy.

Boost the immunity: rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and also zinc, bay leaves make one incredible immune system trigger. Vitamin A provides protection of the nose, eyes, throat, mouth, digestive tract and lungs membranes, and doesn’t allow any bacteria or viruses to attack the organism.

Stimulate digestion: Bay leaves can easily deal with any sort of stomach or intestines problem. Additionally, they treat issues caused by celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

Plus, the bay leaves can fix gas problems and prevent flatulence. As a result of the healthy enzymes found in bay leaves, the proteins inside the body are easily dissolved and food is processed more effectively.

Remove dandruff: Mix cold water and bay leaves and use this to rinse hair after regular shampoo washing. Also, you can mix fifteen drops of bay leaves essential oil and your standard shampoo to get rid of dandruff once and for all.

Cure kidney stones: every kidney infection as well as kidney stones can be dealt with easily by drinking bay leaves tea. To prepare this tea, put 5 grams bay leaves in 200 ml water. Boil until the water is reduced to 50 ml. Strain tea and drink it two times a day.

Prevent insomnia: bay leaves can easily treat insomnia, since they calm the brain function and relax the body. Mix a few drops of the bay leaf extract with a glass of water and drink this before sleeping.

Source: www.dietoflife.com