Magical uses of bay leaves

No spice collection is complete without Bay leaves.

For thousands of years, humans have used it in food because of its digestion-enhancing, respiratory-enhancing, anti-inflammatory properties.

Besides seasoning, there's another useful function, you can burn them with match sticks for soaking up the benefits of the bay leaf. This intense fire will work much faster than a simmer to release the active compounds from the bay leaves. 

Benefit 1#

By burning them and inhaling the scent(not the smoke directly), you open yourself up to a host of impressive benefits. Here are two benefits:

Bay leaves contain a compound called linalool. A study by the American association of nurse anaesthetists found that linalool decreases anxiety. In less than 10min. after sniffing a burning bay leaf, linalool starts to work.

Benefit 2#

Bay leaves contain myrcene and eugenol. Both compounds have excellent anti-inflammatory properties and are in fact, widely used in tension-reducing therapy.

When you burn a bay leaf, these compounds spread into the air. Once inhaled, they will reduce any respiratory inflammation. This world wonders if you suffer from allergies or have a bad cold.

Benefit 3#

Do you feel lethargic? Burn some bay leaves and observe how your senses return to normal. Some of the compounds found in bay leaves, help to combat fatigue.

Benefit 4#

If you practice meditation and find it difficult to concentrate, try burning some bay leaf instead of fragrance. It already aids in reducing weariness and keeping the mind awake and relaxed. Bay leaves are burned in many religious locations also to induce focused meditation.

Take a dry leaf and place it in a small tray. Leave the leaf on fire and leave the room for few minutes. If possible, close the room door for the aroma to fill it.

When you come back, blow out the embers and breath deeply.

Precautions to take while burning Bay leaves at home :

There are some precautions to keep in mind while burning bay leaves at home:

• Never leave burning leaves unattended.
• Once the bay leaves have completely burnt down, carefully extinguish the embers.
• It should not be burnout near the smoke detector.
• Keep an eye on kids and pets,
• Don't burn near the window, since the wind might blow the embers into the house and could cause a fire.
• Do not attempt if you get choked by smoke.

What did you think of the idea? Have you ever burned bay leaves? Share your experiences through the comments!