The dried leaf of the Bay Laurel tree is a lesser known culinary ingredient with different associations and uses. A native of Asia Minor, it spread to the Mediterranean countries which have a similar climate.
There are many interesting stories linked to it. It is said that the Delphic oracle in ancient Greece went into visionary trances by chewing bay leaves or sniffing the smoke of burning bay leaves. Olympic champions in ancient Greece were honored with laurel garlands, and wreaths of bay leaves are given to Grand Prix winners even today. Some ancient tribes believe that the bay leaf affords protection from deities responsible for thunder and lightning. Apart from these associations, the bay leaf has a number of uses.
Contents of the Bay leaf
The bay leaf contains a number of essential nutrients, plant compounds, vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and C. The fresh leaves are especially rich in vitamin C, as well as folic acid.
There are some vitamins of the B complex group: niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine and pantothenic acid.
Moreover, it has other antioxidants like quercetin, eugenol and catechins, as well as the phytonutrient parthenolide. It also contains some minerals: iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, copper, selenium, zinc and potassium. The essential oil contains cineol.
Health Benefits of the Bay Leaf
The bay leaf is an astringent, diuretic and antiseptic, and has a number of health benefits. The antioxidants in the leaf impart it with anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, these phytonutrients protect against cardiac problems. The antioxidant vitamin C gives the bay leaf anti-viral properties; it also boosts immunity, heals wounds and neutralizes the harmful effects of free radicals. Vitamin A is required for healthy skin and membranes, good vision.
The vitamin B complex vitamins enable metabolism, healthy functioning of the nervous system and synthesis of enzymes.
Folates are important during pregnancy, as they are important for the development on the foetus. Potassium controls the heart beat and blood pressure. Iron is required for blood production.
One of the constituents of the bay leaf is linalool, which guards against stress and boosts the immune system. The bay leaf is a digestive, and beneficial in liver, kidney and digestive disorders. It helps to reduce flatulence and aids digestion. Finally, it helps to break down and digest foods like proteins, and also maintain blood sugar levels.
Uses of the Bay Leaf in Home Remedies
Herbal practitioners use the bay leaf to treat some conditions like headaches and migraines. A cloth soaked in water boiled with bay leaves is placed on the chest to alleviate flu, coughs and chest infections like bronchitis. The bay leaf essential oil can be massaged to relieve swelling, sprain, backache, arthritic and rheumatic pain. Finally, a rinse of bay leaf water is said to remove dandruff.
Culinary Uses of the Bay leaf
The bay leaf is a popular ingredient for adding extra flavor to dishes like soups, sauces and stews. It is used in pickling solutions, marinades for fish and meat. Finally, it is added to milk for preparing milk puddings and rice puddings.
The dried leaves are sometimes used to make herbal tea, while the essential oil of the bay leaf is used in the confectionary industry.
Bay leaves are anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. They have many health benefits like boosting immunity, controlling digestion and blood sugar levels and acting as an antiseptic. They are used in home remedies and as a culinary ingredient.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
- http://www.helpwithcooking.com/herb-guide/bay-leaves.html
- http://www.medicinal-herbs-and-spices.com/benefits-bay-leaf.html
- http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/bay-leaf.html
- http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-bay-leaf-7544.html
Nita Mukherjee - I have 25+ years of experience in education and tutoring in English, and 12+ years in writing. With a post graduate degree (B.Ed) in ...
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