Here’s what happens if you burn a bay leaf at home and wait a few minutes
When I think of spices from the Mediterranean, bay leaf definitely comes to mind! It’s larger size and shape make it hard to miss in your spice cupboard, as though it can be made into a spice, it is often used whole.
Culinarily, bay leaf is often associated with the “bouquet garni” which is a signature bundle of aromatic herbs and veggies consisting of thyme, sage, savory, celery, and basil that is often used in a variety of dishes both in the stove and in the pot. Bay leaf can also be added as an ingredient in a variety of sauces, brewed as an herbal tea, and even used to flavor sweet dishes including custard!
Medicinally, bay leaf has astringent, diuretic, and appetite stimulating properties as well as often applied in a number of topical ways. Certainly bay leaf is a useful leaf, and here some of its KEY health benefits!
Bay leaf can accelerate healing!
A 2006 study in the “BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine” journal had found that rats that had been given 200mg of bay leaf extract per kilogram of bodyweight experienced accelerated healing and wound closure over the course of a 10 day period. Later it was determined that bay leaf is anti-microbial against some of the most common pathogens including staph and strep!
Bay leaf may improve insulin function!
In a 2009 study concerning the effects of bay on those coping with type 2 diabetes, it was found that those who received 2-3 grams of bay a day, over the course of 30 days, experienced a drop in blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. More research would have to be done, but the results are promising considering that patients experienced better insulin levels and reduced markers for heart disease!
