When it comes to bay leaves, it is important for you to know that they are really effective if you use them for teas or aromatherapy, but you should never eat them because they can be toxic.
These incredible leaves have many roles, they calm our mind, they add flavor to our favorite dishes, and can also improve our health.
First of all, it’s an essential spice in the kitchen and in many cultures it’s a symbol of triumph.
The classic laurel wreath is also one of the ways this plant is commonly used.
But, as we already sad, don’t ever eat the leaves. You can use them to make teas and aerosol sprays or to flavor rice, but always remove the leaves before serving.
One of its best-known uses is to fight anxiety.
How actually bay leaves fight anxiety?
The laurel bush is a medicinal plant and bay leaves have been used as a stomach tonic for a long time.
It’s good for digestion and it fights all types of inflammation. It also helps the body to better absorb the nutrients and the fragrance of the bay leaves stimulates the appetite.
Bay leaves are only toxic when ingested in large quantities. Same as all medicinal plants, the key to their benefits is using them in moderation.
Here are some of the properties that are inherent for the noble plant of the Mediterranean:
1. Purifies the body and regulates the breathing
Laurel is a plant that balances and relaxes.
The properties of the bay leaves help in improving circulation, digestion and even liver function.
Bay leaves improve inner balance and have a relaxing effect on the mind.
Bay leaves are commonly used in aromatherapy for the treatment of phlegm and mucus and for killing bacteria in the airways.
2. Care for your heart—bay leaves are naturally relaxing
In the case of anxiety, the brain is programmed to activate the fight-or-flight response. This alert system accelerates the heart rate and can even tense the muscles, causing strain.
When someone has anxiety, they feel pressure in the chest. You can stop this from happening by using bay leaves (either as a tea or in aromatherapy).
Cafeic acid is an organic compound of the laurel that noticeably improves the health of the heart. It also is an amazing antioxidant, which fights inflammation.
3. Reduce stress and anxiety
Bay leaves contain linalool, an essential oil, which is really useful when it comes to calming the mind and reducing cortisol levels in the blood.
Cortisol has a great reaction to natural therapies, such as phytotherapy and aromatherapy.
But, in case your anxiety levels don’t stop or last longer than a month, be sure to consult a healthcare professional.
These types of treatments are complementary, so you should never replace proper medical treatment for them.
How to use bay leaves to fight anxiety?
Treatment 1: bay leaf and cinnamon tea
Ingredients:
- 1 liter water
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 5 bay leaves
Instructions:
Heat the water on the stove, when it starts to boil, add the cinnamon and bay leaves.
Strain the treatment and store it in a glass container.
Use it before meals.
Treatment 2: burning bay leaves
You’ll need:
- 1 bowl to safely burn the leaves in
- 3 dried bay leaves
Instructions:
First of all, find a quiet room where no one will disturb you. Put the leaves in the bowl and light them with a match.
After this is done, just lie down and let the magic aroma of bay leaves relax you. As they burn, they release aromatic substances that when you inhale them, they help you recover from fatigue and relax you.
