Bay leaf is commonly known as Tejpata, an Indian spice that is commonly used throughout India. Besides this, it is also known for its medicinal value in Ayurveda.
It is a spice that brings the taste of the different foods, in addition to food taste it also stimulates the digestive enzymes, which improves digestion of food by bioavailability process of the nutrients and boost the digestion process in the intestine.
According to Charaka Samhita, the Ayurveda text, Bay leaf or so-called Tejpata help to reduce AMA toxins in the body. The Bay leaves are a little pungent in taste and are highly aromatic. They are warming in nature and pacify Kapha and Vata doshas while increasing Pitta. It has been used in many ailments such as digestive health problems like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flatulence, asthma, common cold, etc.
To take advantage of the benefits of bay leaves for our health, it is important that they are dry, since fresh they can become toxic.
Properties Of Bay Leave That Benefits
However, bay leaves have many beneficial properties for our health. Today we will discover some of them that will make this plant an essential part of our diet.
1. Strengthen the immune system
For the body to function properly it needs both vitamins and minerals. The bay leaf tree contains properties like eugenol that also acts as an antioxidant and strengthens the immune system. So bay leaves, whether burnt or whole, can be added to dishes. This is also recommended in case you have a cold.
2. Good for the skin
The oil of the Bay leaf tree is very suitable for skincare. It is an oil that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, so you can give your dermis the care it deserves. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. It is also perfect for treating skin rashes.
3. They reduce anxiety
According to this study, bay leaves would help reduce anxiety thanks to the chemical compound in smoke that is produced by burning them. This ends up having a calming effect on both the body and the mind. However, It is not recommended, much less without consulting a doctor before. You must be careful while inhaling smoke as it some time may lead to hallucinations.
4. Good for fighting diabetes
According to data from research carried out in the United States, consuming 1 to 3 grams of bay leaves a day could alleviate some symptoms that usually appear among people with type II diabetes.
5. They reduce inflammation & promote muscle relaxation
Tej Patta has properties known as eugenol, this acts as an anti-inflammatory remedy. The people suffering from problems of some type of inflammation can be an effective natural remedy for that.
Thanks to the eugenol of bay leave to reduce inflammation throughout your body as well as your joints, or even relieve neck or shoulder pain. The vasoconstrictor effect of bay leaves can also help to regulate blood circulation as well as to relaxes nerve impulses momentum.
It can also deal with the problems of suffering celapheas or migraines. The use of an oil can be very easy just give a message to the temples area when needed. In addition to all this, it helps in the preservation of the neuronal structure, implies a reduction in the rate of neuronal loss over time
6. They facilitate the proper functioning of the respiratory system
If you are dealing with respiratory problems, bay leaves can be the best ayurvedic medicine. It naturally treats clogged and backup respiratory systems, removing nasty mucus and phlegm due to hot in nature. To do so just inhale the oily vapors and be sure to be cautious while doing
7. Do they help lower the fever?
It is believed that, if you have a cold, steaming with Bay leaf oil would be a good solution, or that you could also choose to apply poultices moistened with this oil on the chest. However, there are no scientific studies that support its supposed valid use to help lower fever.
8. It helps in healing wounds quickly
Bay leaf has natural anti-bacterial, antiseptic properties, and anti-fungal properties that can help to heal wounds and skin infections faster. Due to these amazing properties in it, it is also used for insect bites, cuts, bruises, scars, and many skin allergies. The other reason bay leaves are good for skin is that it has vitamins A & C.
Note: Generally Bay leaves or so-called are safe to be consumed. But be cautious with certain Bay-like leaves that look the same are toxic in nature. They are commonly known by name as Mountain Laurel and Cherry Laurel.