Bay Leaf Herb Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients

Do not eat bay leaves unless and until you are sure, that what you are holding in your hand is Laurel Nobilus, as the other species of laurel can be poisonous.
Avoid use during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.

Bay Leaf is a tree.
It is an evergreen.
It grows in a temperate,sub-tropical climate.
It grows up to 18 M.
Best used for Debility.

Types of Bay Leaf :

1) Mediterranean bay Leaves ( Laurus nobilis lauraceae )- These are also known as Bay Laurel. These leaves have mild flavor.

2) California Bay Leaves ( Umbellularia californica ) - These are also know as California laurel. These leaves have strong flavor.

3) Indian Bay Leaf (Cinnamomum tamala, Lauraceae) - These leaves look similar to Bay Laurel but smells and tastes like Cinnamon.

4) Indonesian Bay Leaf( Syzgium polyanthum ) - These are also known as Indonesian laurel. These leaves are native to Indonesia.

5) West Indian Bay Leaf( Pimenta racemosa ) - These leaves are also known as Myrtaceae.

In TCM :
Bay Leaf Oil : Xiang Guo Zhi

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“An infusion of Antioxidants” The bay leaf is picked and dried from the bay laurel tree, a densely leafed evergreen that grows profusely along the Mediterranean Sea. It is a fragrant shrub with glossy leaves. And people have been picking it for thousands of years.

Bay Leaf is one of the most popular and well used spices in North American cooking. It adds aroma to soups, stews, beans, curries, biryani and fish boils.

Bay Leaf is generally used in savory dishes in both US and Europe-though the British like to add it to custards and puddings, too.

Indian bay is the dried leaf of the same tree that produces cinnamon, and West Indian bay leaves have a stronger flavor than bay laurel.

The woodsy, pungent aroma and flavor of bay leaf, with its slight hint of eucalyptus, is infused when it comes in contact with simmering liquid. The scent and flavor intensifies the longer it cooks, though if you leave bay leaf in the pot too long it starts to lose its aroma. It goes virtually with any food simmered in liquid, especially roasting meat and boiled seafood.

One or two medium-sized bay leaves are all that you need to flavor a dish for a family-size meal. Add it at the beginning of cooking. Make sure you discard the leaves when cooking is complete.

If you want to buy Bay Leaf then keep the following things in mind:

Look for leaves that are whole, uniform in size and color, and free of stems and bits of bark. The leaves should be clean and green. The darker the color and the larger the leaves, the better. Yellowing is a sign that they have been exposed to light for too long.

Bay Leaf is a well known Indian spice. It is commonly known as Tejpatta. It is used in almost all South Indian Dishes. It gives a mouth watering flavor to the most popular dish, biryani. Apart from its spice nature, it is a herb too. It possesses great medical properties.
Washing hair with Bay leaf water and bhringraj results in healthy, shiny and smooth Hair. Its oil extract is a good herbal remedy for treating Dandruff. Herbal tea prepared from its leaves is used to treat problems of Hair loss. Head lice can be removed by applying water extract of Bay Leaf on the Scalp.
It is an innate pain reliever. Its oil extract is massaged on the temples to cure Headache and Migraine.
It curbs problem of Insomnia.
A decoction prepared form its leaves is a good herbal remedy for Nosebleed.
Brushing Teeth with its powder whitens them.
It has several beneficial effects on the Skin. Breathing in steam made of its leaves, relaxes the Skin and helps in removing Wrinkles and Skin Outbreaks.
It has analgesic properties. It heals up Cuts and Bruises.
It comprises of Anticancer properties. Its leaves halt growth of Cancer Cells.
The antioxidants present in it are helpful for combating Diabetes.
Its oil extract has Anti Inflammatory properties. Applying this oil eases pain in the affected area which helps in curbing Rheumatic Pain, Arthritis, Strains, Sprains and other Inflamed Joints and Aches.
Bay leaves are good for treating Cardiovascular Diseases. The phytonutrients (parthenolide) present in it help in proper Heart functioning and alleviates problem of Heart Attack and Strokes.
It's leaves are used to alleviate Respiratory Ailments. Tea made from its leaves treat illness like Cough, Cold and Sneezing.
Its consumption is good for the Digestive System. It eases digestion. It helps in treating problem of Heartburn and Flatulence. Its herbal tea alleviates Digestive Disorders like Acid Reflux, Improper Bowel Movements, etc.
Consuming bay leaves in our food helps in removing Kidney Stones.
It is an advantageous herb for women. It provides required quantity of folic acid to the child during pregnancy. It alleviates congenital defects in the child.
Its consumption helps in proper Menstruation.
Bay Leaves possess Antidote attributes. A mixture prepared from its leaves is effective for treating Stings and Bites.

Caution : Excessive consumption of Bay leaves is harmful for pregnant women. Consult a Doctor before consuming it.

Keywords : Hair Problems, Brain Disorders, Oral Problems, Nasal Defects, Skin Ailments, Cancer, Diabetes, Rheumatism, Inflammation, Respiratory Disorders, Digestive Disorders, Pregnancy Problems, Menopause, Heart Problems, Kidney Problems, Stings and Bites.

Methods of Administration. How to Take
Infusion : Make a tea.
Put 2-3 dried Bay Leaves in one cup of hot water. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain and drink it.