Bay leaf is also known as ‘Tejpatta’. It belongs to the evergreen bay laurel tree. It is most commonly used in cooking. It is somewhere similar to the Cinnamon bark in taste and flavor. It is widely used in dried or powdered form. Bay leaves mostly used in Indian kitchen as a mixture of spices called ‘garam masala’. It has medicinal properties as well due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, diuretic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory. Apart from health benefits Bay leaf has skin and hair benefits too. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals, hence offers various skin and hair benefits.
Alleviate stressed skin– Bay leaves are expert in de-stressing your skin by reducing the occurrence of wrinkles and skin outbreaks. Try to follow the simple remedy by boiling 5 bay leaves (dried form) with water (2 cups) and cover the container with the lid. Then pour the water into a large bowl. Now inhale this steam by covering your head with a towel. This simple formula relaxes your skin and muscles. It is recommended to use ayurvedic skincare products only.
Excellent healing properties– it is also known for its healing properties. It is best for treating cuts and bruises. Because of the anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of bay leaf oil can cure no. of infections. The application is topical.
Get rid of head lice– boil about 50 grams of dried and crushed bay leaves in 400 ml of water. Boil until 100 ml water remains. Now strain out the water and apply the remains on all over hair. Keep it on for approximately 4 hours and rinse off with fresh water and mild shampoo.This will definitely help you to remove head lice.If you want, you can add bhringraj to the water along with bay leaves to get black and shiny hair.
For dandruff and hair loss– bay leaf oil works as a tonic for treating hair with dandruff. Boil some bay leaves in water. Let it cool down and then wash your hair with this water. Your hair should be properly washed before you rinse your hair with this bay leaf water. it will effectively solve the problem of dandruff hair.
Itchy scalp– grind some dried form of bay leaves and mix them with coconut oil. Apply this paste on to the scalp to treat itchy scalp. Wait for 30 minutes and wash with Luke warm water.
Let’s talk about health benefits of using bay leaves
• Aids digestion
• Relieves pain
• Promotes heart health
• Soothes an irritated throat
• Treats kidney stones
• Hastens wound healing
Bay leaves are not recommended to pregnant women as it can cause uterine contractions. And if you are undergoing any surgery then you should stop eating bay leaves.
Take care!