Know the health and beauty benefits of bay leaves

Bay leaves cannot be eaten directly, but can be added to dishes to enhance flavour. The herb is also used for making perfumes and essential oils that can be used for various medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Experts have found bay leaves to contain vitamins, minerals and plant-based compounds that  kill bacteria, relieve inflammation, promote diuresis and bestow many other benefits for overall health and beauty.

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To stimulate digestion and proper assimilation of nutrients, add bay leaves to the dishes you’re cooking. Bay leaves have traditionally been used to treat issues like flatulence, indigestion and heartburn. They are also used to spice up dishes and enhance appetite.

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Respiratory infections are uncomfortable and their symptoms irritating. The antimicrobial properties of bay leaves can aid in finding relief from cold and flu. Boil a few leaves in water to make an infusion which can be applied on the chest or can be consumed.

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Bay leaves contain huge amounts of plant-based compounds such as catechins and so they help cease development of various types of cancer. According to studies, such compounds with antioxidant properties also have the power to stop cancer cells from multiplying.

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Plant-based compounds in bay leaves neutralize free radicals that hasten formation of wrinkles and fine lines. You can use bay leaves to prepare a homemade anti-ageing solution–take steam from a pot of water boiling with bay leaves.

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Boil water with bay leaves, cool it off and rinse your hair with it. This infusion will put an end to dandruff. Another hair problem that bay leaves can help you with is hair loss that makes hair thin. You may also massage balding spots with bay leaf essential oil.

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