No spice collection is complete without the bay leaves. In addition to flavoring soups and stews, and soften hard meat (yes!). There are other ways to harness the power and benefits of bay leaves. Some people also use them for their health benefits, simply by burning some of them.
Bay leaves have been part of natural medicine for a long time. Their anti-inflammatory and soothing medicinal properties have been recognized and widely used even by the Greeks and Romans who attributed to them several therapeutic virtues.
Even today, many natural medicine practitioners recognize the extraordinary health benefits of bay leaves, including reducing high blood pressure, protecting against insomnia and stress, and controlling cholesterol levels in the body. the blood.
The bay leaves are recommended if you are in a bad mood or if you feel stressed and tense. Just burn them to achieve their effectiveness.
How to burn laurel leaves?
1. Make sure the leaves are completely dry. Otherwise, you can dry them in the sun or in the oven for a few minutes.
2. Use a heat-resistant bowl to burn the leaves, avoid plastics and paper.
3. Fire the leaves. Then leave the room for a few minutes. If possible, close the door behind you to allow the laurel aroma to fill the room. Once the leaf has burned out and the smoke has dissipated, you should soon be able to feel their soothing effects.
The benefits of bay leaves
Respiratory relief
The bay leaves contain myrcene and eugenol. Both of these compounds have excellent anti-inflammatory properties and are in fact strongly used in the treatment of inflammation reduction. Once inhaled, they will reduce any respiratory inflammation. This can work wonders if you suffer from allergies or have a bad cold. According to one study, bay leaf can help eliminate excess mucus or phlegm, making it easier to breathe.
Anti-stress effect
Laurel leaves contain compounds called pinene, cineol and linalool, which when burned produce a relaxing and energizing effect. A study by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists found that linalool reduces anxiety and improves social interactions. Another study showed that rats that inhaled linalool had reduced levels of anxiety. The researchers determined stress reduction in rats by testing their blood cells and gene expression, which means that linalool is so potent that it can affect blood cells and genes
In less than 10 minutes after feeling the smoke of a bay leaf, linalool begins to act. Some even described the effect as slightly psychedelic.
If you are experiencing a lot of social anxiety, try to burn the bay leaves before your guests arrive. This will help you feel comfortable and keep the conversation going smoothly.
And to help you relax, consider incorporating hot bay leaves into your meditation session. It will also help you open your mind to new revelations.
Incorporating bay leaves into your diet can help you relax after a stressful day and heal a number of other ailments. You can exploit this powerful spice in many ways, from burning the leaves to cutting them into a poultice. Whichever method you prefer, be sure you will eliminate stress in no time, as long as the bay leaves are part of your life.