Bay leaves are one of the most commonly used spices in cooking because they give a completely different flavor to food. But burning them has other benefits too. Let’s find out what they are.In fact, they are one of the culinary secrets of Mediterranean cuisine  .

Laurel plant: characteristics and curiosities

It is a plant that  grows in bushes 1 to 3 meters high and has many branches.    The leaves resemble pointed spears, have a leathery texture but are flexible and shiny. Its fruits are spherical, small and black. It grows especially in hot, semi-arid, dry and temperate climates from 10 to 2900 meters above sea level.

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, it is known that bay leaves have many other benefits. For example,  this plant is known to have relaxing effects, 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 name a few. Although it can be consumed in drinks, soups or stews, there is also another way to take advantage of it:  burning the dried leaves themselves  , which release vapors that can help us feel better. It may sound strange, but it can actually bring you more benefits than harm, so let’s find out why you can benefit from this remedy.

Benefits of burning bay leaves at home

Burning some bay leaves  and scenting the environment will improve the health of your respiratory system. Given the expectorant properties of this plant, the vapors emitted when burning its leaves could help clear the airways that cause discomfort, as they eliminate bacteria, purify the environment and also improve brain capacity. The vapors from burnt leaves  should not be inhaled directly, but released into the environment. Those who suffer from headaches can benefit from this plant, which thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties helps combat the problem and  relieve the discomfort caused by 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 the mind. Regular use of this plant helps reduce emotional states that cause discomfort and tension, thus  achieving a state of beneficial 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 just 10 minutes after inhaling the vapors.

In fact, the leaves are  a popular remedy for congested airways  and diseased lungs. They clear the airways of mucus and sputum that cause discomfort. In this case, however, you can not burn them, but place them in clean water or use the oil obtained from them as a humidifier.