Illustration of bay leaf. © Shutterstock Merdeka.com – Bay leaves are one of the spice leaves commonly used in various Indonesian dishes. The bay leaves used are usually dried beforehand until brownish. Apart from Indonesia, dried bay leaves are also widely used in various other Asian countries in their cooking.
Each variety of bay leaf has a slightly different taste. Bay leaves can be used fresh, dried, ground, or whole. There are various benefits and uses of bay leaves for health, making it a popular ingredient for a variety of dishes.
There are many types of plants that contain a leaf called “bay leaf”, but the true bay leaf is scientifically known as Laurus nobilis. Many other leaves have a similar appearance and aroma to real bay leaves, but their nutritional content is not the same.
This plant is a small tree native to the Mediterranean region. Laurel trees are everywhere in the region, but climate change has reduced their presence. However, these leaves have been part of the culinary and medicinal world for thousands of years, at least since Roman times.
Here are some of the health benefits of dried bay leaves that have been agreed upon by experts, which you need to know, quoting from verywellfit.com and organicfacts.net.
Smooth Digestion and Breathing Problems
1. Smooth Digestion
The benefits of dried bay leaves are the first to help smooth the digestive process. Bay leaves have been used traditionally to relieve symptoms of indigestion and other stomach related ailments.
According to a 2019 report published in the Medicinal Plants of South Asia Journal, bay leaves not only add flavor and taste to food, but also help relieve stomach aches, gastrointestinal infections, flatulence, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Dried bay leaves are also used as a diuretic. However, more research is needed focusing on the effects of bay leaves to really prove its efficacy on the digestive system.
2. Treat Breathing Problems
The second benefit of dried bay leaves is to help treat respiratory problems. Bay leaves have strong antibacterial properties, according to research published in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin.
When the essential oil of bay leaf is extracted, it can be mixed into an ointment and applied to the chest to help relieve various respiratory conditions. Apply it on the chest area and leave it overnight.
Inhaling the steam from bay leaf extract also has an effect similar to aromatherapy and can loosen phlegm and eliminate harmful bacteria that may be trapped in your respiratory tract, thanks to its natural antibacterial qualities.
Promotes Hair Health & Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
3. Improve Hair Health
The third benefit of dried bay leaves can help improve hair health. Anecdotal evidence suggests that bay leaves work great for treating dandruff and reducing hair loss problems.
If you want to improve hair follicle health and get rid of dandruff, the natural method or way is to soak dry bay leaves in water and then rub it on your scalp after shampooing.
The chemicals and volatile ingredients in it can help get rid of dry skin and dandruff. Even so, much more research is still needed to prove the benefits of bay leaves for hair.
4. Have anti-inflammatory properties
The fourth benefit of dried bay leaves is that they contain anti-inflammatory properties. One of the most important properties of bay leaf is its ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This was confirmed by a study published in the research journal Phytotherapy.
Bay leaves contain a unique phytonutrient, called parthenolide, which can quickly reduce inflammation and irritation when applied to affected areas, such as sore joints or areas affected by arthritis. This effect can also be achieved through normal consumption of the bay leaf spice.
Protect Heart Health & Reduce Stress and Anxiety
5. Protect Heart Health
The fifth benefits of dried bay leaves are to help protect heart health. Caffeic acid and routine are important organic compounds, which are found in bay leaves. Both are known to improve heart health.
Rutin is a compound that strengthens capillary walls in the heart and extremities of the body, while caffeic acid can help remove LDL or bad cholesterol from the cardiovascular system.
6. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
The sixth benefits of dried bay leaves are to help reduce excessive stress and anxiety. Linalool is often associated with thyme and basil leaves. However, it is also in bay leaves.
These compounds can help lower the level of stress hormones in the body, especially when used in aromatherapy. Excessive stress hormones can be harmful to long-term health, so bay leaves can help you to calm down and stay relaxed even when you are anxious.
Manage Diabetes & Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar
7. Manage Diabetes
The seventh benefits of dried bay leaves are to help manage your diabetes. Research shows that bay leaves have been linked to improved insulin receptor function and regulated blood sugar levels.
For patients who are at risk of developing diabetes or for those who have developed the condition, regular consumption of bay leaves can significantly reduce the chances of having a diabetes episode.
While these findings are promising, more studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to support existing and outstanding research.
8. Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar
The eighth benefits of dried bay leaves are to help maintain healthy blood sugar. A study found that taking bay leaf capsules can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Bay leaves can play a useful role in glucose metabolism. These beneficial properties can also make it interact with blood sugar medications. Therefore, if you are on medication for high blood sugar, consult your doctor before consuming bay leaves.
More research is needed to determine whether this effect exists when people consume much smaller amounts of bay leaf. So, it is better to take precautions with prior consultation.
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