Bay leaf and tea: uses and benefits
Used in a variety of dishes such as soups, tea and sauces, bay leaf provides health benefits
Edited and resized image of Erol Ahmed, is available on Unsplash
Laurel tea is a popular drink in Brazil, but this leaf is also used as a seasoning and as a concentrated product in capsules. Understand its properties what it is for.
The bay leaf comes from the laurel, a tree that reaches up to ten meters in height and is scientifically known as Laurus nobilis. Bay leaves can be harvested and used throughout the year. Its fruits, however, similar to small dark olives, are harvested only during two months of the year. Being from the Mediterranean, the laurel is widely cultivated in several gardens in Italy, but it is also possible to grow it in Brazil.
Widely used in cooking in various dishes such as soups, vegetables, tea and sauces, bay leaf provides health benefits, such as controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels, treating wounds, among others. Check out:
Benefits of Bay Tea
Potential for use against cancer
One study concluded that bay leaf extract is a natural option capable of eliminating cancer cells, aiding apoptosis (programmed cell death).
A solution for diabetes
According to another study, taking capsules every day containing one to three grams of bay leaf can help lower and control blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. This is probably because bay leaves contain polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. This promising information indicates that the bay leaf can help regulate and even prevent diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases.- Diabetes: what it is, types and symptoms
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can treat wounds
Some studies have shown that the healing properties of bay leaf extract can reduce wound inflammation. Although these experiments were carried out in rats, scientists imagine that in humans the effect is similar. If so, the ancient tradition of using bay leaf to heal wounds finally has scientific proof.
treat kidney stones
One study looked at the effect of bay leaf extract on kidney stones and found that, along with eight other traditional medicinal herbs, bay leaf was able to reduce the amount of urease in the body. This means that it has the potential to help treat kidney stones.
Assists Seizure Treatment
Ancient texts refer to the bay leaf as a remedy for seizures. A study carried out in rats showed that this practice may have scientific support, as the bay leaf extract was effective against seizures.
Laurel tea for the stomach
Bay infusion is used to relieve stomach pain or colic as it promotes digestion and helps expel gas from the gastro-intestinal tract.
Use three to four leaves to prepare bay tea. Leave the bay leaf in boiling water for about ten minutes and drink between two or three cups a day.
Uses of laurel in the kitchen
The main function of the bay leaf in the kitchen is to season the most diverse dishes, but it also provides the benefit of making your recipes more digestible, avoiding the risk of abdominal bloating. This aromatic herb particularly combines with tomato sauce, beans, chickpeas chickpeas, lentils, stir-fries and tea .
But it is important to know that the bay leaf should not be eaten, and should be removed after preparing the meal.
Contraindications
When consumed in excess, laurel can cause drowsiness, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and headaches. Topical use can cause skin rashes and dermatitis in people who are hypersensitive to the plant. Daily consumption of laurel, and above all natural remedies that use laurel in its composition, are contraindicated for pregnant women, as they can encourage abortion. Natural laurel remedies are also not recommended for children.
Adapted from Healthline
