What Is Bay Leaf Good For?

I love the scent of bayleaf. Bayleaf is an aromatic herb that smells so heavenly. I regularly use it in my cooked cereals or herbal tea blends and sometimes in my gravies. I made a big bottle of the tea and put it in the fridge a couple of weeks ago. Along with its powerful scent bayleaf has powerful healing properties as well. Read on to find out all what bayleaf is good for.

photo credit: www.roseoil.in

Health Benefits of Bay Leaf

1. helps reduce a fever
2. good for respiratory infections, cough, cold and flu 
3. helps calm an upset stomach and reduce the symptoms of digestive disorders
4. helps to break down proteins
5. helps with indigestion, improves digestion and reduces flatulence 
6. helps reduce swelling and pain caused by strains, sprains and general aches and pains
7. relieves headaches and migraines
8. helps treat dandruff
9. helps normalize and maintain blood sugar levels
10. it is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
11. heals body aches
12. soothes aching muscles
13. reduces and cures arthritis pain including rheumatoid arthritis
14. cures skin infections
15. heals insect bites/stings, cuts and bruises
16. clears congestion
17. boosts appetite
18. lessens the severity of problems like celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
19. relieves respiratory and chest troubles such as bronchitis, and chest infections
20. relieves joint and muscle pains
21. helps protect the heart and lower one's risk of stroke or heart attack
22. has protective effects upon the immune system, shielding the body from negative effects of stress
23. helps to protect the body from many different kinds of cancer
24. good for hysteria
25. relieves colic pain
26. aids in irregular menstruation and menstrual cramps
27. helps with cases of dyspepsia 
28. contains caffeic acid, quercetin, eugenol and catechins, all of which posses chemo-protective properties
29. cures urinary problems and ease rheumatism
30. can help relieve backache
31. contains folic acid which can help prevent neural tube defects in the baby
32. helpful in maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin
33. helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers
34. helps with vision
35. helps in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function and regulating body metabolism
36. helps control heart rate and blood pressure
37. has insect repellent properties

Caution
As with most things excess is not promoted but especially in the case of pregnant women though bay leaf contains folic acid which is excellent they should avoid excess consumption of it as the chemical compounds in them may cause abortion.



http://www.ehow.com, http://www.natural-homeremedies.org, http://www.brighthub.com, http://www.herbreference.com, http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com, http://www.nutrition-and-you.com

 
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