Bay leaf is a constant resident of the kitchen cabinet. After all, this Mediterranean spice is widely used in cooking: soups, stews, roasted meats, marinades and pickles, sauces, and pies are all much more flavorful when bay leaf—known as lavrushka in some cultures—is added.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that bay leaves are also a popular remedy in folk medicine, with an incredibly wide range of uses.
The fact is, this spice contains essential oils, phytoncides, tannins, and organic acids such as acetic acid and valeric acid. It’s essentially a natural antibiotic with a powerful anti-inflammatory effect!
Bay leaves grow in subtropical climates, absorbing a great deal of solar energy. Perhaps this is why they have such a remarkable effect on the human body… I now realize that many pharmaceutical drugs can be replaced by this simple kitchen staple.
When dried, the bay leaf retains all its beneficial compounds. The following remedies use dried bay leaves. To prepare them, always use ceramic or enameled dishes—never metal, as it may react with the active substances.
Benefits of Bay Leaves:
For Diabetes:
Bay leaf helps reduce blood sugar levels. Place 10 bay leaves into a thermos and pour in 3 cups of boiling water. Let it steep for 3 hours. Drink half a cup, 30 minutes before meals, three times a day. The treatment course is 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week break.
This remedy is not only helpful for people with diabetes but also for those who want to regulate carbohydrate metabolism!
For Weight Loss:
As a logical continuation of the first recipe—restoring carbohydrate metabolism helps with weight loss.
Crush 5–6 bay leaves, pour over 1 cup of cold water, and leave overnight. In the morning, boil for 15 minutes, then let the decoction steep under a lid for another 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink half a cup 30 minutes before meals, 3 times a day. The treatment course lasts 1 week, followed by a mandatory 2-week break.
To make the decoction tastier and enhance its effects, you can add spices such as ginger, fennel, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or even a bit of honey.
For Oral Health:
If you suffer from bad breath, stomatitis, gingivitis, or periodontal disease, simply chew a bay leaf between meals—either 1 hour before eating or 1 hour after. The effect is astonishing!
For Insomnia:
The scent of bay leaf is more calming than even valerian root. Sew a few leaves into your pillowcase, and you’ll fall asleep like a baby. This is especially helpful for children—such aromatherapy helps them sleep more soundly and wake up less during the night.
For Skin Conditions:
Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, bay leaf can be used to treat rashes, allergies, irritation, and bedsores.
Grind bay leaves in a mortar or coffee grinder until you get about 1.5 tablespoons of powder and small leaf fragments. Pour 1 cup of vegetable oil over the powder and let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for one week. Apply this bay-infused oil to the affected areas twice daily.
Bonus: this oil is excellent for removing eye makeup!
For Fungal Infections:
Bay leaf has antifungal properties and also reduces foot perspiration. Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over 10 bay leaves, then boil briefly. Use this infusion as a foot soak 2–3 times a week—you’ll notice a huge improvement!
For Kidney Issues:
Bay leaf has a diuretic effect and is recommended for preventing and treating kidney problems.
Take 1 teaspoon of crushed bay leaves, pour in 2 cups of boiling water, and boil over high heat for 2 hours. Then let the solution steep for 3 more hours. Drink 1 tablespoon, twice a day.
For Bee Stings:
Chew a bay leaf, apply the mash to the sting site, and cover with a bandage or gauze. Swelling and itching will quickly subside!
Wishing you good health!
