In 2024, it’s a total no-no to put a bay leaf with the maids. There’s a simple reason for that.

In our country, the bay leaf is the name given to the fragrant leaves of the laurel. And in our kitchen, it’s a great helper that we use all the time. We know it adds flavour to our sauces and soups, but we may not be aware of all its other benefits.

Bay leaf is great for healing wounds and getting rid of dandruff.

It can also help with wound healing and lowering sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. It can also help to reduce “bad” cholesterol levels and promote digestion. It’s also great for preventing kidney stones, boosting your appetite and helping you to urinate.

You can use the water you expel the bay leaves in to get rid of dandruff. This broth is also great for burning fat because it speeds up your metabolism. Soaking your hands or feet in water with laurel helps to relieve pain in these areas caused by arthritis, sprains or minor bumps.

It can help you to fall asleep.

Its antimicrobial properties make it an effective aid in fighting infections. You can also use laurel leaf oil to treat skin diseases. Bay leaf tea has a calming effect, so it’s a great way to unwind before bedtime, especially if you’re struggling to fall asleep.

Are you wondering whether it’s better to use fresh or dried leaves? The good news is that you won’t get more benefits from fresh leaves. All the beneficial substances are better absorbed from their dried and crushed form. Fresh leaves are also more expensive.

Your maids will love it!

Laurel is rich in iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A and C. This mix also makes it a great fertiliser that your houseflies will especially appreciate. Just leave five bay leaves to infuse in a litre of hot water until it cools down. That’s all there is to it. You can then use this solution to water your plants, spray or rub their leaves, or wash their roots. You’ll get all the trace elements and anti-fungal properties that laurel leaves have to offer.

Good for people, bad for pets

If you would like to grow laurel in your garden, keep in mind that it hates cold and chill, but also direct sun. It would therefore do best in a pot indoors, where you can give it plenty of light and water. Remember, however, that its leaves are poisonous to cats and dogs. It’s also repellent to insects.