The health benefits and uses of bay leaves.
1. Bay leaves are well known as an alternative medicine, and have been used for thousands of years by many cultures.
2. They come from the bay laurel. This is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean, also called Laurus Nobilis
3. They are most commonly used as a spice in flavouring delicious meals, they also give off a wonderful aroma.
4. Bay leaves are antiseptic, and can be used on cuts and wounds to prevent infections.
5. They are contain anti-oxidants which provide the human body with a great range of health benefits. This leaf is very rich in vitamin C.
6. They contain a high amount of folic acid, which helps to prevent DNA changes which cause cancer.
7. They possess vitamins including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine, These promote a healthy nervous system and optimal metabolism. Also helping to break down foods by producing natural enzymes
8. Bay leaves can also be burned in the home, and used as a relaxant. Please see our video on burning bay leaves to learn more.
9. When eaten regularly, they have been shown to soothe stomach ulcers and settle stomach aches including colic.
10. If you prefer, you can make bay leaves tea. Simply add 3-5 bay leaves per litre of water and simmer for 15 minutes. You may drink this hot, or allow to cool and save it for later.
11. If you would like to lose weight, I would recommend adding a cinnamon stick and drinking this tea on a daily basis for at least 2 weeks. You will notice your bowel movements increasing, and this will aid you in shedding those extra pounds.
12. Also, be sure to drink the tea as early as possible in the day for the best effects.
13. Bay leaves are also used to add delicious flavouring to gravy, soup, pates and stews.
14. The berries on this particular tree can also be eaten and are commonly dried and used as spices.
15. Eyesight and ocular health may be improved due to the large contents of vitamin A in the leaves. This also helps to protect the lungs and mouth from cancer.
16. If you would to dry bay leaves yourself, you can simply pick the leaves in the middle of the summer, place them in a warm shady area and leave them for 2 weeks.
17. This allows you to keep bay leaves for long term storage, and is still suitable for herbal teas, cooking and spicing.
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