Laurel has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient Greece. Today it is mainly used in cooking, often ignoring the dozens of benefits it offers for our health. Below we list 7 benefits of burning a bay leaf at home .
Relieve anxiety . Bay leaf contains chemical compounds that, when inhaled when the leaf is burned, calm the body and mind. The smoke produced by bay leaf contains chemical compounds such as linalool, which reduce anxiety and stress after 10 minutes.
Relieves inflammation . The ability to reduce inflammation in the body is certainly one of the most important benefits of bay leaf. This property is due to eugenol, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Strengthens the immune system . Eugenol also has antioxidant properties, and bay leaf contains other nutrients that support the work of the immune system, increasing defenses.
Prevents diabetes . Consuming 1 to 3 grams of bay leaves per day helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help prevent type 2 diabetes.
More mental alertness . Burning bay leaves has a calming effect but, at the same time, manages to wake up the brain. This is why it is an excellent remedy for chronic fatigue thanks to compounds like cineol and elemicin.
Opens the airways . The aroma of bay leaves helps eliminate mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract. Instead of burning them, soak them in hot water and inhale the aroma.
Increase mindfulness . Bay leaves improve our state of calm and mental alertness, which is why burning them helps us achieve a state of meditation and mindfulness.