Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis)

There are several types of plants called bay leaves, but the only true Bay Leaf is Laurus nobilis, which is a well-recognized herb since the earliest of times. The Bay Leaf tinctures contain many notable compounds, minerals, and vitamin that are essential for optimum health and wellness. These compounds are known to have antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic, digestive, antioxidant, and even thought to have anti-cancer properties. It is a rich source of natural vitamin C, which has anti-viral effects for fighting the symptoms of common colds and flu. Bay leaf extracts are a good source of folic acid, important during the preconception period. The extract of Bay leaf is a good source of minerals, as well as B-complex groups of vitamins. These can be helpful for enzyme synthesis, nervous system function, and for regulating body metabolism. Bay leaf is also an excellent source of vitamin A, essential for healthy eyes. The lauric acid in the bay laurel leaves has insect repellent properties. Components of the extract have also been used in the treatment of arthritis and muscle pain. Traditional herbalists knew that the Bay leaf poultice or wash could help heal wounds, but modern science has also discovered just how well this herbal remedy works.  Bay leaves have been found to have antimicrobial activity against some of the most common pathogens, including Staph, Strep, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. It is being researched for the effects on blood sugar, and because diabetes increases your risk of heart disease, the leaf has shown encouraging results.

 

Experts warn that other "bay leaves" do not have the same health benefits, and some can even be toxic. The Kalmia latifolia is a relative of the Bay leaf and even looks similar, but according to the Herb Society of America, it is poisonous. California bay leaves, California laurel, are often sold as California bay leaves, but experts say these are damaging to the central nervous system and cause respiratory difficulties when inhaled.

 

Bay leaf contains chemoprotective properties which provide resistance against different types of cancer. They also contain phytonutrients which have been shown to have specific effects restraining the proliferation of cervical cancer cells.

 

Tinctures of Bay leaf are reported to have a very soothing effect on the stomach, for relieving colic and flatulence. The herb has also been used traditionally for stomach ulcers, and a study found that, along with eight other traditional herbs, the Bay leaf was able to reduce the amount of urease in the body. Bay leaves are an excellent herb remedy for heartburn, acid reflux, constipation and irregular bowel movements. The enzymes of the herb enable the breakdown of proteins, and it also acts as an appetite stimulant when recovering from illness.

 

Powerful phytonutrients in Bay leaf provide protection against cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. They contain valuable compounds of rutin, salicylates, caffeic acid, which boost heart health and improve function. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, Bay leaf was given to type 2 diabetics daily and they showed significant reductions in blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. And because it is so promising, it is now believed to actually boost heart health, thereby helping to prevent heart attacks and stroke. Potassium, contained in the herb, is an important component which helps to control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for red blood cell production, and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidase enzymes.

 

The Bay leaf has anti-inflammatory properties which can ease the pain of strains, sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, as well as general aches and pains. The herbal supplement contains both salicylates and caffeic acid, which are known to be extremely effective for pain.  Massaging temples with the extract of Bay leaf in a carrier oil may relieve your headache and migraines rather quickly.

 

Ancient texts have referred to the herb as a treatment for seizures. In a recent animal study, it was found that the extract of Bay leaves was effective in protecting against the occurrence of seizures because of the extract's unique chemical components. It is being researched for people diagnosed with epilepsy. The tincture of Bay leaf with water has been consumed at bedtime for relaxing your nerves and inducing sleep.

 

Bay Leaf extracts are said to be very helpful for preventing and easing kidney infections. The herbal remedy has also been shown, when consumed twice daily, to help stop the formation of kidney stones.

 

Bay leaf has been used in tea and oil as a remedy for treating dandruff, hair loss, head lice and for nourishing the scalp. Bay leaves are also an excellent source of vitamin A and recommended for its antioxidant effects for healthy eyes, as well as for maintaining mucous membranes and skin health. It is also rich in vitamin C, which helps in preventing free radical damage. Inhaling the fumes of Bay leaf tea can help to de[stress your skin, preventing the occurrence of wrinkles and skin outbreaks of pimples, blemishes, acne, and rashes.

Consumption of natural foods that are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C are been found to help protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. For sparkling white teeth, brush them with an addition of Bay leaf tincture once in 3 days. It contains anti-bacterial properties which act as a cleansing agent, for obtaining healthy oral hygiene and teeth. Bay leaf contains lauric acid, anti-infectives, which can be applied to stings and bites for a speedy recovery.