Bay leaves, commonly recognized for their culinary applications, also offer various health and spiritual advantages. The age-old custom of placing bay leaves beneath a pillow, a practice embraced by our grandmothers, may appear unconventional but yields numerous positive outcomes.
Health Benefits of Bay Leaves
Abundant in vitamins A, B6, C, and assorted minerals, bay leaves contribute to immune system strength and facilitate digestion. Beyond their physical health benefits, these leaves also possess therapeutic properties.
Why Put Bay Leaves Under Your Pillow?
Therapeutic Power: The fragrance of bay leaves is thought to induce a sense of relaxation and overall well-being, promoting peaceful sleep. Although lacking scientific validation, numerous individuals find the aroma to be calming and soothing.
Spiritual Benefits: Across various cultures, the burning of dried bay leaves is a ritual employed to repel malevolent spirits and dispel negative energies. Placing these leaves beneath your pillow is believed to dispel negative vibrations and draw in positive energy.
Energy and Luck: Bay leaves are considered to bring good luck and positive vibrations. Placing them under your pillow might help in attracting favorable outcomes in life.
Insect Repellent: Bay leaves can repel insects like bed bugs, fleas, and mosquitoes. Placing them under your pillow can help keep these pests at bay.
Dried or Fresh Bay Leaves?
When it comes to culinary applications, fresh bay leaves are the preferred choice. Yet, for spiritual and medicinal purposes, such as placing them under the pillow, dried bay leaves are deemed more effective.
Bay Leaf Infusion for Sleep
To harness the calming effects of bay leaves for better sleep, try a bay leaf infusion:
Boil 2-3 bay leaves in 250 ml of water.
Let it infuse for about ten minutes.
Drink this herbal tea before bed to promote relaxation and a good night’s sleep.
Types of Laurel
It’s important to distinguish between different types of laurel:
True laurel, or “Laurus nobilis,” is safe and used as an aromatic herb.
Oleander and cherry laurel are toxic and should only be used for ornamental purposes.
Bay leaves have been used for generations for their spiritual, physical, and therapeutic benefits. Embracing this natural remedy and continuing the knowledge of our ancestors can add a holistic aspect to our wellness routines.
Source: happy Cooking
