Bay Leaf: The Aromatic Herb That Nourishes You

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

Laurus nobilis 

Laurus nobilis or as it is commonly called bay leaf is one the medicinal herbs that has long been used by humans since ancient civilizations. This medicinal herb has been utilized for the prevention of certain illnesses, in cooking and in wound healing treatment.



Bay leaf comes from the Lauraceae family and thrives in wet, sandy soils and moist environments. It can be grown in partial sunshade weather but will not survive warm and freezing temperatures. Laurus nobilis grows as a shrub between 6 and 8 metres long and has smooth, thin brown bark. The leaves are around 30 cm long and highly fragrant.




The flowers are also scented and usually in white. Bay leaves are cultivated in Southeast Asia countries such as Malaysia, India and Indonesia; the Mediterranean regions, Western Europe, Southern Europe, Australia and the US. 




7 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Bay Leaf
1. Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is the process where your body fights off and removes harmful stimuli, through your immune system so healing can occur. It can be either acute or chronic.



Acute inflammation occurs instantly and becomes severe shortly after. Examples of acute inflammation are microbial invasion and tissue damage due to trauma. Chronic inflammation materializes after several months to years of continuous acute inflammation.



The symptoms of chronic inflammation are frequent infections, body pain, chronic fatigue, and acid reflux. Several studies concluded that bay leaf has a promising effect on oedema and inflammation-related pain. 

2. Antioxidant properties
Oxidative stress affects your body in the long term and damages important organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain. Nourishing your body with food that is packed with antioxidant properties is crucial. Bay leaf contains several plant compounds rich in antioxidant properties to fight free radicals in the human body.




3. Prevents cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease globally. Cancer can happen in any part of the body due to abnormal or damaged cell growth. Several factors contribute to the development of cancer such as poor diet, environmental hazards and unhealthy lifestyle. Several studies done on bay leaf display that bay leaf can prevent breast, lung and colon cancer. 



4. Regulates sugar and cholesterol levels
Unhealthy food and lifestyle choices can increase cholesterol and sugar levels in your body. Subsequently, humans can develop chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. According to studies, bay leaf has the potential to regulate sugar and cholesterol levels in healthy people. Similarly, bay leaf can also manage cholesterol and sugar levels in people suffering from dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes. 

5. Prevents neurological disorders
Neurological disorders affect the brain, nervous system and spinal cord. Although these disorders are not the number one cause of mortality, they still impact the population around the world. The risk factors are mainly stress, trauma, nutritional deficiencies and infections. The most common disorders are epilepsy, cerebral palsy and strokes. Numerous studies show that bay leaf has anti-convulsant properties.

6. Anti-microbial properties
Your body is constantly susceptible to attack from microorganisms that tend to live around humans. Exposing yourselves to unclean environments and practising unhygienic habits leads to microbes invading your body. This affects the physical and mental health of a person. According to studies, bay leaf tends to inhibit microbial activity of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus intermedius and Candida species. 



7. Wound healing
During ancient times, plant concoction has always been used to treat wounds. Ancient Egyptians applied a paste of honey, lint, and grease on a wound to remove pus and encourage healing. Indians also used honey paste for an open wound. On the other hand, the Greeks stressed the importance of cleanliness. They washed the wound with clean water (often boiled and cooled down), vinegar, and wine.

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Modern medicine came to light only after the 18th century, introducing surgery and the use of antiseptic for wound healing treatments. Studies concluded that bay leaf can assist in wound healing. Besides that, bay leaf tends to increase tissue regeneration and remodelling. 
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Incorporating Bay Leaf in the Diet

So, how you can incorporate bay leaf into your daily diet? You can use the fresh leaves or the dried ones in your cooking. However, it is not advised to eat them directly as the leaves are bitter.



You can flavour foods like soups, sauces, pickles and rice. Apart from that, you can also use it as a stuffing for fish and meat products. If you fancy something sweet, bay leaf can also be used in cakes, custards and puddings. In addition to that, you can also drink bay leaf tea if you are a tea person. 







All in All
Bay leaf is one of the medicinal herbs that have been used since 1000 years ago to treat various ailments, heal wounds and flavour savoury or sweet dishes.



Nutrition Takes explores how bay leaf can nourish your body from the inside and outside as well as giving you ideas on how you can integrate this medicinal herb into your diet.



Share in the comments section what you think about the bay leaf or if you have used them in your life. Alternatively, if you are new to medicinal plants, I’m so glad you came to read my article regarding the health benefits of bay leaf. It is my mission to bring awareness to the abundance of medicinal plants in this world.












 
Reference
1. Keith S (2021); Bay Leaf: Potential Health Benefits; Nutrition Today; 56(4): 202-208.
2. Salma B et al (2020); Bay Leaf; Journal of Functional Foods; 63-74.
3. Rajesh S et al (2023); Unlocking the potential of bay leaf: exploring its role as a nutraceutical carrier through ethnomedicinal and
    pharmacological insights; Drug and Pharmaceutical Science Archive; 3(1): 13-23.
4. Wildan D.P. et al (2023); The Potential of Bay Leaf as Anti-diabetic Agent; International Journal of Nutrition; 4(2): 63-70.
5. Prathiksa P et al (2023); Indian Traditional Plants: Medicinal Properties and Human Health; Journal of Nutrition; 10(1): 6170 – 6179.
6. Charles S (2023); Why Cook With Bay Leaf?; International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science; 33: 100766.