Bay leaves are one of the most commonly used spices in cooking as they add a completely different flavor to dishes. But burning has other benefits. Let’s find out what it is.
In fact, they are one of the culinary secrets of Mediterranean cuisine .
Laurel plant: properties and curiosities
It is a plant that grows in bushes 1 to 3 meters high and has many branches. The leaves resemble sharp spears, have a leathery texture but are flexible and shiny. Its fruits are spherical, small and black. It grows particularly in hot, semi-arid, arid and temperate climates from 10 to 2900 meters above sea level.
Bay laurel is also often used in cleaning and beauty products and has a positive effect on our health in unexpected ways. Its main use is to relieve stomach pain and is recommended as an infusion.
However, bay leaves are known to have many other benefits. For example, it is known that this plant has a relaxing effect, has anti-inflammatory properties and strengthens the immune system thanks to all the minerals and vitamins it contains, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, eugenol and cineole, to just to name a few. Although it can be consumed in drinks, soups or stews, there is also another way to use it: burning the dried leaves themselves , which releases fumes that can help us feel better. It may sound strange, but it can actually do you more good than harm. So let’s find out why you can benefit from this remedy.
Benefits of Burning Bay Leaves at Home
Burning a few bay leaves and scenting your surroundings will improve your respiratory health. Given the expectorant properties of this plant, the fumes emitted when its leaves are burned could help clear the respiratory tract that causes discomfort, as it eliminates bacteria, purifies the environment and also improves brain capacity. The fumes from burned leaves should not be inhaled directly but released into the environment. Anyone who suffers from headaches can benefit from this plant, which, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, helps to combat the problem and relieve the discomfort caused by a bad mood. In fact, there are several studies that support the use of this plant to treat headaches.
This is due to the mixture of chemical substances in the leaves that can calm both the body and mind. Regular use of this plant helps reduce emotional states that cause discomfort and tension, thereby achieving a state of soothing relaxation. Recent research by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists has highlighted the presence of the substance linalool, which in large quantities can significantly reduce anxiety levels and whose effects begin as early as 10 minutes after inhaling the vapors.
In fact, the leaves are a popular remedy for congested airways and diseased lungs. They clear the respiratory tract of mucus and sputum that cause discomfort. However, in this case, you can not burn them, but put them in clean water or use the oil obtained from them as a humidifier.