Many people’s spice cabinets include bay leaves. There are many uses for dried green leaves in cooking, including sprinkling one or two into a soup or stew. But there are other ways to use the benefits of bay leaves’ besides using them to enhance your meals’ flavor. For example, you can burn the leaves of this aromatic herb to release active compounds found in it. These compounds are antibacterial, detoxifying, cardiovascular and respiratory health-enhancing. They even contain aging-delaying properties. So, burning and vaporizing bay leaves at home can give you all these health benefits.

How to go about it

• You can use any fire-resistant dish or tray to light one end of a dried bay leaf to flavour your dish.
• Once it’s lit, blow out any remaining flames and securely place them on the container. Don’t inhale directly if you don’t want to inhale the smoke.
• Instead, try to inhale the vapours it creates as if it were the fumes of burning incense.

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You will feel calm and at ease

You should be able to feel the calming effects once the leaf has burned itself out and the smoke clears. You’ll feel more at ease, and your thoughts will be more focused. Burning a bay leaf will help you feel more awake and less drowsy at the same time!

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What can this natural remedy be used for

The natural remedy known as bay leaves can be used to treat lungs and respiratory passages that are congested or obstructed. This natural remedy works to break up and remove the mucus and phlegm that’s causing all those issues. Burning and vaporizing bay leaves can be done as an alternative to steam inhalation therapy to decongest your nasal airways. Needless to say, it smells good and is extremely therapeutic.

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You can even use a humidifier to vaporize the leaves

Instead of burning the leaves, use a humidifier to create a steamy vapour that you breathe in, or use fresh leaves soaked in clean water. Respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma can be relieved by simply boiling the treated water or rubbing bay leaf oil on your chest.

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It helps you relax by reducing stress, anxiety, and fatigue

Compounds such as cineol, pinene, and elemicin, are present in bay leaves. These compounds are known to have both calming and energizing properties when heated. Breathing in the stimulating effects of these chemicals, released into the air, has been described by many as having a slightly psychedelic feel to it. If you feel tired, worn-out/fatigued? Try burning some bay leaves to reawaken your senses. Pinene, cineol, and elemicin help alleviate weariness.

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Improves immunity

Vitamin C, which is found in bay leaves, aids in the development of a healthy immune system. Additionally, it includes zinc and vitamin A, both of which are beneficial to the eyes, nose, throat, and digestive tract. So, you can enhance your overall immunity by adding them to your meals and by inhaling their fresh aromatic scent as well.

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It boosts cardiovascular health

There is a natural organic compound in bay leaves called caffeic acid, which helps to strengthen and support the heart’s capillary walls. Caffeic acid has also been shown to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the cardiovascular system. The heart-healthy benefits of bay leaves can be gained by simply eating the delicious food prepared with them, besides burning or inhaling the treated steam.

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Can treat bronchitis, arthritis, and muscle pain

In many traditional treatments, essential oil components can treat arthritis, bronchitis and flu symptoms. In the same way, burning and vaporizing bay leaves can treat bronchitis. Joint problems can also be alleviated because of the leaves’ anti-inflammatory properties.

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Works as a pest repellent

Bay leaves can be used as insect repellent since cockroaches, moths, and other insects find the scent of its smoke unpleasant. This can be an excellent way to freshen up your home while keeping it pest-free.

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Improves concentration during meditation

Burning bay leaves instead of incense can help you meditate more effectively if you struggle to focus. It helps alleviate weariness and keep the mind focused and relaxed as a first step. Burning bay leaves is a common practice in religious settings to promote concentration.

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But this therapy isn’t for everyone

Generally speaking, burning and vaporizing bay leaves are safe for most people. Still, if any of the following situations apply to you, you should exercise caution.

The fact that you have diabetes should not be ignored. Bay leaves may harm your blood sugar levels if consumed often. Before thinking about burning bay leaves, be sure to speak with your doctor or other healthcare providers.

• If you are allergic to bay leaves, avoid using or burning bay leaves or other essential oils containing them as an ingredient.
• If you have an upcoming surgery or had one recently- Two weeks before surgery, avoid using bay leaves medicinally. They can affect your central nervous system, especially when anaesthesia is administered to you.
• You suffer from a respiratory condition. Any kind of smoke can irritate your lungs and mucous membranes when inhaled. Essential oils are a good alternative. If you want to use bay leaves medicinally, like burning and vaporizing them like a steam therapy, but have respiratory concerns, consult your doctor first.
• You’re either expecting a child or are currently breastfeeding a child. It’s best to check with your doctor before burning bay leaves at home.

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