All about bay leaf > Medicinal properties

Bay leaf is an excellent antiseptic with digestive, stomachic, carminative and apertive qualities.

In an infusion, it can be used to treat abdominal cramps. It is good to drink the bay infusion with honey, which cuts the bitterness of the bay and makes it more pleasant to drink.

It is an excellent diuretic and has stimulant qualties for the body.

In Maghreb, it is used as a repellent. Bay leaves are rubbed in the hair to keep away flies and other pests. Occasionally the leaves are powdered and sniffed through the nose to ease migraine.

Its other medicinal qualities include: astringent, sudorific, emmenagogue, antispasmodic and expectorant.

Infusion

Macerate about 15 g of bay leaves in 1 liter water. Drink 2-3 cups a day after meals to promote digestion and reduce flatulence.