How to Use Bay Leaves to Relieve Stress Anxiety Instantly
The bay leaves you used to improve the flavor and scent of food have an abundance of health benefits. Bay leaves, also known as Laurus Nobilis in botanical terms, are rich in iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. This well-known spice also has enzymes that aid in digestion and the breakdown of proteins. Bay leaves are also thought to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, alleviate migraines, relieve gas, dandruff, joint discomfort or boils, cancer, and other conditions. But there is one more fantastic benefit of bay leaves, which you may not have heard about till now. Burning bay leaves to relieve stress and anxiety is an ancient practice popular in different parts of the world.
Stress is one of the most common complaints among people amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Burning bay leaves and releasing their fumes cleanses the air and lightens the mood. The compounds found in bay leaves - eugenol and myrcene - have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Because of these compounds, when you burn bay leaves, the smell helps relax the nerves of your brain, which in turn relieves tension. The herb also contains a unique element called linalool, which is known to reduce anxiety levels. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists also acknowledges that linalool emitted after burning bay leaves is a great stress reliever.
RELATED: HOW TO MANAGE STRESS: STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
How to use bay leaves to relieve stress and Anxiety
- Take a few bay leaves, 3-4 should be enough.
- Make sure the leaves are clean and dry.
- Put the leaves in an aluminum tray, or any heat-safe plate and burn them.
- The room should be closed so that the fumes stay confined.
- Exit from the room after burning the leaves and allow the smoke to fill the room.
- Enter the room 5-7 times and take a deep breath. Soon, you will feel lighter.
- However, don't inhale the smoke directly by bringing it near the nose.
- Let the smoke spread in the surrounding environment and smell a slight smoke.
- You can also burn bay leaves to remove bad odor from the house, instead of using chemical-laden artificial air fresheners, which are harmful to your health.
Other known benefits of bay leaf smoke
Apart from relieving stress and anxiety, the chemicals released while burning bay leaves can have a number of other health benefits. The smoke can calm your body and mind. (5 Foods That Help Reduce Anxiety: Tips To Get Rid of Anxiety)
The anti-inflammatory properties of eugenol can help reduce inflammation in the body, especially the joints. This chemical can also boost your immune system.
Inhaling bay leaf smoke can also boost your energy after a long tiring day. The energy-boosting effect is due to the release of chemicals such as pinene, cineol, and elemicin in the fumes. If you're prone to allergies or colds, the smoke from burning bay leaves can reduce the inner swelling of the nose and throat.
Bay leaf smoke can also create a suitable environment for practicing meditation.
Another approach to benefit from bay leaves is to include more of them in your diet. Linalool, a compound found in bay leaves, is thought to reduce the body's level of stress hormones, soothe the mind, and lessen the effects of depression.