Health Benefits of Bay Leaves

By carolynne

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Peixoto LR;Rosalen PL;Ferreira GL;Freires IA;de Carvalho FG;Castellano LR;de Castro RD; 'Antifungal Activity, Mode of Action and Anti-Biofilm Effects of Laurus Nobilis Linnaeus Essential Oil against Candida Spp.' Archives of Oral Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27771586
• 2. (BASc, John Staughton, et al. 'Top 7 Benefits of Bay Leaves.' Organic Facts, 23 Apr. 2021, www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/bay-leaves.html
• 3. Zhong, Yu, et al. 'Sedative and Hypnotic Effects of Compound Anshen Essential Oil Inhalation for Insomnia.' BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, BioMed Central, 11 Nov. 2019, link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12906-019-2732-0
• 4. Khan, Alam, et al. 'Bay Leaves Improve Glucose and Lipid Profile of People with Type 2 Diabetes.' Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, The Society for Free Radical Research Japan, Jan. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2613499
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Bay leaves are synonymous with cooking food to enhance the flavor. The aromatic leaves are usually picked and then dried in direct sunlight. It contains a host of plant compounds with potential to help manage various ailments and boost immunity.

Bay leaves are a remedy that can be used not only in cooking but also on the skin and hair, too. The leaves are either used in tea or crushed up into a paste. Essential oils are extracted for aromatherapy purposes. Not all bay leaves are palatable, and many varieties are available. Bay leaf usually refers to bay laurel, scientifically known as a Laurus nobilis.

May Fight Infection

Lab studies indicate that bay leaf extract from the bay laurel contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. One bay leaf contains a multitude of powerful disease-fighting nutrients, a few of which include vitamin A, potassium, iron, eucalyptol and polyphenols.¹Peixoto LR;Rosalen PL;Ferreira GL;Freires IA;de Carvalho FG;Castellano LR;de Castro RD; ‘Antifungal Activity, Mode of Action and Anti-Biofilm Effects of Laurus Nobilis Linnaeus Essential Oil against Candida Spp.’ Archives of Oral Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27771586

The leaf is frequently used in natural medicine to help fight infections and can either be applied as a topical ointment or added to meals. Recent findings suggest that bay leaves can also be used as a poultice for wounds to help reduce inflammation. However, more research is needed to prove its effectiveness.