Laurel has been used for medicinal purposes since the times of the ancient Greeks. Today, we mainly use it in cooking, often ignoring the dozens of benefits it offers for our health. Below we list 7 benefits of burning a bay leaf at home.
Relieves anxiety. Bay leaf contains chemical compounds that, when inhaled when the leaf is burned, calm the body and mind. The smoke produced by bay leaf contains chemical compounds like linalool, which reduce anxiety and stress after 10 minutes.
Relieves inflammation. The ability to reduce inflammation in the body is certainly one of the most important benefits of bay leaf. This property is due to eugenol, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Strengthens the immune system. Eugenol also has antioxidant properties, and bay leaves contain other nutrients that support the work of the immune system, thereby increasing defenses.
Prevents diabetes. Consuming 1 to 3 grams of bay leaves per day helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help prevent type 2 diabetes.
More mental alertness. Burning bay leaves has a calming effect but at the same time manages to wake up the brain. This is why it is an excellent remedy for chronic fatigue thanks to compounds like cineole and elemicin.
Opens the airways. The aroma of bay leaves helps remove mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract. Rather than burning them, soak them in hot water and breathe in their aroma.
Increases mindfulness. Bay leaves improve our state of calm and mental alertness, which is why burning them helps us achieve a state of meditation and mindfulness.