The health benefits of Bay Leaf Tea
Bay leaves have been used for centuries for their wonderful flavour in cooking delicious
soups, sauces and stews.
Leaves are harvested from bay laurel, an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean, also known
as 'Laurus Nobilis'
These were used in Ancient Greece for their medicinal properties and were often boiled
in hot water to make a herbal tea.
In today's video we will share with you 17 facts and benefits of bay leaf tea, and a
simple recipe to use at home.
1. Fights Infections Drinking bay leaf tea on a daily basis can
help to protect the body against infections such as cold or flu. Studies show that they
contain high amounts of antioxidants and natural chemicals which can destroy salmonella and
E.Coli and many more pathogens.
2. Diabetes Bay leaves have been investigated and shown
to help those suffering with type 2 diabetes. The phytonutrients and essential oils found
in bay leaf tea helps to improve the function of insulin in the body, and help to control
blood sugar levels. Alternatively you can take 1g of bay leaf powder in capsules daily.
3. Respiratory Health Bay leaves are well known for their inviting,
warm and strong aroma. The aromatic compounds found in bay leaves tea helps to treat clogged
airways and lungs. This naturally helps to break up mucus and phlegm, helping those with
a cough, allergies or asthma.
4. Improves Blood Flow If you suffer with poor circulation, erectile
dysfunction or heart problems then bay leaves tea can help. The tea is loaded with caffeic
acid which helps to strengthen the capillary walls around the heart for better blood flow.
Drink this 2-3 times per day, or alternatively simply add fresh bay leaves to healthy soups
and stews.
5. Recipe Use 5 dried or fresh bay leaves. Add to a
pan with 1 litre of water and simmer for 15 minutes. Drink this tea hot , or simply allow
it to cool and save for later. Drink this 2-3 times per day for the best effects.
6. Digestion These leaves are also a wonderful source of
B vitamins which promote a healthy nervous system and metabolism. This helps your digestive
system to break down foods by producing natural enzymes. If you wish to lose weight, we recommend
adding a little cinnamon to this herbal tea to support fat burning.
7. Relaxation Many people use bay leaves to help relieve
stress and anxiety. They contain a high amount of B vitamins and cineole and other essential
oils that trigger relaxation and make you feel more peaceful.
8. Sleep Aid By helping to reduce stress and relax the
nervous system, bay leaves tea is also used as a remedy for insomnia. It helps to trigger
relaxation hormones like serotonin in the brain, which help you to sleep better at night.
9. Infusion Alternatively, you can mash the leaves with
a pestle and mortar and infuse in cold water. Store this in the refrigerators overnight
to make an infusion. This protects some of the delicate phytonutrients from heat damage.
10. Stomach Ulcers Bay leaf water is often drank to help soothe
stomach ulcers, colic or excessive gas. It's antiseptic properties help to soothe the digestive
system and internal skin naturally.
11. Insect Repellent The lauric acid found in bay leaves also work
as a natural insect repellent. Simply place a few bay leaves in a heatproof bowl and burn
them. This gives off an aroma which repels insects likes flies, ants and cockroaches.
12. Reduce Swelling If you suffer with water retention or swelling
in the feet and legs, then drinking this tea can help. This is a natural diuretic which
will help your body to flush out excess water. Be sure to avoid this however if you are taking
existing diuretic medications.
13. Wound Healing Traditional herbalists would often use bay
leaves to treat cuts, wounds and grazes, because they are antiseptic. Mash fresh bay leaves
with a pestle and mortar and apply the paste to wounds for fast healing. Drinking bay leaf
tea internally also speeds up the healing process.
14. Blood Sugars Studies show that bay leaves can also help
to naturally lower blood sugars by improving the function of insulin in the body. Drinking
herbal teas like this is very helpful for those with type 2 diabetes.
15. Heart Health By improving insulin sensitivity, bay leaves
tea was also shown to lower markers for heart disease. Bay leaves contain natural properties
which reduce inflammation in the artery walls.
16. Muscle Pain We highly recommend drinking this tea on a
daily basis if you suffer with muscular aches and pains. The natural components help to
reduce muscle pain, spasms and aches after exercise. The antioxidants in the tea also
aid in reducing stiffness in the joints for better flexibility.
17. Nutrients The leaves contain high amounts of beta carotene
(pre-vitamin A), Iron, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Calcium, and Potassium It also
contains small amounts of phosphorus, selenium, zinc, copper and manganese.
18. Eyesight The leaves contain an extraordinarily high
amount of beta carotene, which has an antioxidant effect on the body. This is converted by the
body into Vitamin A which can help protect the eyesight and vision, especially with age.
19. History Bay leaf was highly prized by the Ancient
Greeks and Romans, who believed that this herb symbolised protection, wisdom and peace.
By helping to relax the nervous system, and provide delicious flavour to stews, bay leaves
truly are one of nature's most precious gifts.
As you can see bay leaf tea is a fantastic herbal drink for relaxation, soothing digestion
and protecting against infections.
The best way to enjoy it's benefits are by consuming this in the morning on an empty
stomach.
Thank you very much for listening, a like is always appreciated and remember to subscribe
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