by Sudeep Chitnis

Created on: November 14, 2009   Last Updated: November 16, 2009

"Laura nobilis" in Latin is also known to a layman as Bay leaf, which has been known as a spice and herb for time long. Originating from the Indian subcontinent it is said that it spread in Europe and not only has it entered the cook books, but also even as home remedy for some diseases.

In the ancient system of Ayurveda medicine, the bay leaf has been used for many purposes thus suggested as a home remedy. The best way to use this herb is in the form of the leaves itself either in cooking or just plain powder of the leaves. In recent years one can use oil base too too.

Recent studies have found have agreed to the basic use of this leaves as astringent, anti bacterial, anti fungal, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic and stomachic properties. Here some of the basic issues where bay leaves are used in herbal medicine.

Bay leaf and Diabetes:

Recent animal studies have confirmed the work of this leaf on blood sugar. Studies published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition have shown that bay leaf has the property to work not just in helping in diabetes, but also for prevention of, if in healthy subjects. It is said that this herb helps the body process insulin which leads to lower blood sugar level.

Bay Leaf, Migraine and Headaches:

The leaves of this plant have a special chemical called as "parthenolides" known to work on migraines and headaches. It is been said that although the mechanism of this is not clear, it appears that the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin from the platelets plays a causative role.

Dandruff and Bay leaf:

Many naturopaths suggest the use of this leaves for dandruff as some kind of a herbal shampoo. Water is boiled and then 3 parts of bay leaves powder are added. This combination is applied after cleaning the hair first with plain water. This simple method works really well to clean all the dandruff from the hairs.

Other than this major use of this herb, one can use this herb for other issues too like:

1] From medieval time this herb has been used to induce abortion.
2] Poultice of this leaves are used for patients who suffer from bronchitis and asthma.
3] If one has tooth decay, use the oil of this herb, it has powerful bacteria killing chemicals {1,8 cineole} that is said to work on tooth decay .
4] Many herbalists have suggested the use of this herb for body odor with other group of herbs.
5] Anti oxidant property of this herb have too been confirmed in recent studies.
6] Anti inflammatory property of this help one to use it against rheumatism too.

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