Since the ancient time of the Greeks and Romans, bay leaves have been considered a valuable, medicinal herb. Although nowadays, we mainly use them as a spice in cooking, ages ago these leaves served a much different purpose.
As we typically burn sticks or cones of incense now, bay leaves were once (and in some places, still are) burned in homes and places of worship. Although some reasons were religious, some even fantastical, but rest were based on the true scientific fact that bay leaves contain a hodgepodge of chemicals beneficial to the body and relieve stress and anxiety.
Health Benefits of Bay Leaf
As per the history concerns, the bay leaf was highly prized by the Greeks and the Romans, who believed that the herb symbolizes wisdom, peace, and protection.
Try to burn freshly dried bay leaves, as these will produce more beneficial results. Some of the benefits of the burning the bay leaf in your house are :
1. Relieves Anxiety
Bay leaves contain an oil called eugenol, which has been shown to have calming and sedative effects. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, try burning a few bay leaves in your home to help you relax.
2. Reduction of fatigue
Feeling tired? Burn some bay leaves and see how your senses become alert once more. Some of the chemicals in bay leaves such as pinene, cineol, and elemicin fight feelings of tiredness.
3. Meditation
If you are one who practices meditation and finds it difficult to concentrate then instead of incense try burning some bay leaves. Already it helps in easing the fatigue and keeping the mind alert and calm. In many religious places bay leaves are burnt to encourage mindful meditation.
4. Reduction of inflammation
It acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and can help with joint pains
5. Relief from pests
Cockroaches, moths and many other insects find the smoke repelling and so burning bay leaves can actually act as good insect repellent.
6. Prevent Insomnia
If you’re having trouble sleeping, burning bay leaves may help. Bay leaves contain compounds that promote relaxation and calmness, and their sweet smell can help to lull you to sleep.
Caution
There are some precautions to keep in mind when burning bay leaves in your homes
- Never leave burning leaves or even the embers unattended.
- Make sure you completely extinguish the embers once the leaves have fully burned down.
- Keep an eye on pets and small children when burning bay leaves.
- Do not burn it near a smoke detector
- Don’t burn it near a window because wind might carry the embers into the house and could cause fire.
- Do not attempt if you get suffocated by smoke easily
- Do not burn piles and piles of it
