Top 15 Bay Leaf Benefits For Skin, Hair, And Health

Bay leaves are commonly known as Tej Patta in Hindi. The aromatic leaf is an essential ingredient in the kitchen. Bay leaves find extensive use in preparing perfumes. Despite the pungent and sharp flavor, there are many bay leaf benefits which make it very popular amongst people.

What Is Bay Leaf?

The leaves of the evergreen shrub, bay laurel trees found mostly in the Mediterranean are bay leaves. Bay leaf is a three veined leaf. The shape of bay leaves will be elliptical, smooth, and pointed. The taste and fragrance of bay leaves are similar to that of cinnamon barks.

On account of the bitter and pungent taste, bay leaves can’t be consumed directly. They can be used in the fresh, dried, roasted or even the powdered form.  Bay leaves find use in many dishes ranging from vegetarian to the non-vegetarian recipes. Many chefs use bay leaves in different cuisines such as India, Nepalese, Moghulai, Bhutanese, etc. The numerous bay leaf benefits make it very popular amongst people from various parts of the world.

General Uses Of Bay Leaves:

• Bay leaves are used in many recipes for the unique aroma and taste it imparts to the dishes.
• Bay leaves have the property of repelling flies, moths, mice, etc. because of the pungent and strong fragrance.
• Bay leaves uses are many, and there are numerous medicinal properties as they are antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and astringent qualities.
• Bay leaves slow down the aging process to a great extent.
• Hormonal changes in women during monthly cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can be well regulated by consuming bay leaves.
• Regular consumption of a decoction of bay leaves manages the blood sugar levels.
• Bay leaves alleviate numerous respiratory issues and help in guarding against common cold and flu.

Health Benefits Of Bay Leaves:

Bay leaf health benefits are many as it is loaded with numerous vitamins and minerals. Regular consumption of bay leaves will help in treating many health ailments in people of all age groups.

1. Treating Diabetes:

Bay leaves have significant benefits for treating Type 2 Diabetes. There is a reduction in the level of blood glucose, cholesterol, and the triglyceride levels by using bay leaves regularly. Most efficient way of treating Diabetes is to use the powdered form of the bay leaves for about 30days.

2. Facilitates Digestion:

Bay leaves help in promoting digestion by treating disorders such as heartburn, flatulence, constipation, bloating, acid reflux, irregular bowel movements, etc. A hot mug of water with bay leaves is an excellent way to treat digestive disorders. A decoction of bay leaves along with a piece of ginger and a teaspoon of honey turns out to be a great remedy for indigestion and bloating.

3. Appetite Stimulant:

Bay leaf is naturally composed of enzymes that enable the breakdown of proteins. Bay leaves are hence found to be an excellent appetite stimulant. During any illness, there will be a drastic decrease in appetite by the unwelcoming taste in the mouth. An effective cure to regain the lost appetite is by the regular consumption of bay leaves.

4. Cardiovascular Benefits:

Bay leaves are naturally made up of phytonutrients which protect the heart from many cardiac problems. The heart health of an individual will be boosted to a considerable extent by drinking bay leaves decoction.

5. Treatment of Viral Cough And Cold:

Bay leaves are very efficient in fighting symptoms of viral infections such as cough, cold and flu. One of the most remarkable bay leaf benefits is the reduction of fever. May people find effective relief from repeated sneezing, chest congestion, cough, and flu by regular consumption of a decoction of bay leaves.

6. Relieves Pain:

The bay leaves oil has anti-inflammatory properties and finds extensive usage in easing the pain. People suffering from sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, strains, general body pains, etc. find relief by regular use of bay leaves oil. Massaging affected areas with bay leaves oil helps in treating migraines and headaches caused by Sinusitis.

7. Anti-Cancerous Properties:

Bay leaves contain many chemo-protective properties to provide resistance against many kinds of cancers. It is an efficient way to protect yourself from cancer-causing infections by regular consumption of bay leaves. One of the most significant bay leaf benefits is the protection against cancer causing agents.

8. Beneficial During Pre-Conception Period:

Bay leaves are a rich source of folic acid which is very beneficial during the pre-conception period. Birth defects in the child will be prevented considerably by the intake of adequate folic acid.

9. Treating Menstrual Problems:

Bay leaves are well known for inducing regular and normal menstruation when taken orally. Many people find the oral intake of bay leaves efficient in curing vaginal discharge.

10. Inducing Sleep:

Regular consumption of bay leaves at bedtime helps in inducing proper sleep. Bay leaves provide a soothing and calming effect on the nervous system of the body which induces sleep naturally. Many people who were under medications for inducing sleep at bedtime have found effective relief by consuming bay leaves regularly.

11. Treating Nose Bleed:

Bay leaves find extensive usage in curing nose bleeds. People who suffer from nose bleeds can consume a decoction made of bay leaves regularly. Nose bleeds is a common problem faced by many people during summers.

12. Clean Teeth:

For sparkling white teeth, brushing with powdered bay leaves once is 3 days is found to be very effective. The overall dental health of an individual will improve by regular use of bay leaves in the powdered form.

13. Insect Repellent:

Bay leaves naturally contain lauric acid which is an excellent ingredient for getting rid of insects and bugs. An open bowl of bay leaves at home will help in warding off insects and mosquitoes. Topical application of crushed bay leaves with oil helps in providing relief from insect bites and insect stings. Bay leaf uses in medicine are mainly due to the unusual antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

14. Treating Kidney Problems:

Many kidney problems such as kidney stones can be efficiently dealt with by the regular consumption of bay leaves. People who suffer from burning sensation during urination and decreased urine output find relief by consuming bay leaves.

General Health:

Bay leaves are efficient in boosting the circulation of blood in the body. By regular intake of bay leaves, the general health of an individual will be maintained well. A person will feel healthy by regular consumption of bay leaves decoction.

Skin Benefits Of Bay Leaves:

There are many benefits of bay leaves for the skin as they are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Many skin care products use bay leaves as an active ingredient in it.

Bay leaves provide adequate relief to stressed out skin.

The occurrence of wrinkles and skin outbreaks will be reduced considerably by using bay leaves.

Bay leaves have excellent healing properties and hence find usage in treating snake bites, insect stings, bruises, etc.

Skin infections can be cured effectively by using bay leaves as they have antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Hair Benefits Of Bay Leaves:

Bay leaf for hair is very beneficial as it has immense nutritional value. Many people use bay leaves decoction for application on the head and the scalp to utilize the best benefits of it.

Bay leaf tea is considered to be an excellent remedy for treating hair loss.

Rinsing the hair with bay leaves will be effective in treating dandruff and dry scalp.

One of the best benefits of bay leaf is the effective treatment of head lice.

Many people use a mixture of bay leaves and bhringraj for making hair black, healthy, and lustrous.

The health of the hair follicles can be regulated by using bay leaves after shampooing the hair.

Nutritional Value Of Bay Leaves:

The various health benefits of bay leaves are associated with its high nutritional value. Bay leaf uses in medicine are many on account of the high nutritional content and antiseptic properties.

Bay leaves are a rich source of Vitamin C or ascorbic acid. It helps in boosting the overall immune system of the body .

The rich content of Vitamin A is vital for the visual health of an individual. It helps in the general maintenance of the skin’s health and the mucus membranes of the body.

Bay leaves are a rich source of folic acid which is very beneficial for women during the pre-conception period. Folic acid is vital in preventing the neural tube defects in the baby.

Bay leaves are rich in the vitamins of the B-complex group, niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid.

Bay leaves are a rich source of active volatile components.

Bay leaves have antiseptic and antioxidant properties.

Bay leaves are a rich source of minerals such as copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron, zinc, and selenium and hence health benefits of bay leaves are versatile.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Bay Leaves?

The most significant benefits of bay leaves is the ability of detoxifying the body, slowing down of the aging process of the skin, accelerating the wound healing, and maintaining the overall health of an individual.

Bay leaf is a term which is commonly used for many different plants around the world. The numerous health benefits of bay leaves are because of the high nutritional value. However, it is important to keep in mind that few varieties of bay leaf trees are toxic.

Bay leaf benefits and side effects both must be kept in mind before incorporating it into the daily routine. Allergies are very uncommon with bay leaves, but many instances of diseases such as Contact Dermatitis and Eczema have been known. It is best to try the bay leaves in a limited quantity to rule out any allergy and then include it for regular consumption.

It is paramount to understand that anything must be consumed in a limited quantity. Consuming anything in excess amounts can have detrimental effects on the health of an individual. You can decide upon the amount and frequency of consumption of the bay leaves that is within good limits on your own. So, check out the bay leaf benefits and side effects today!