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If you’ve only considered bay leaves as a spice to enhance the flavor of your stews and soups, you might be surprised by their other benefits. Often overlooked in the spice rack, bay leaves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health issues, from respiratory problems to digestive discomfort.
For those dealing with bronchitis or asthma, bay leaves can be particularly beneficial. The leaves contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. This can ease breathing and relieve asthma and bronchitis symptoms. To harness these benefits, try inhaling steam from boiling bay leaves. Simply add a few leaves to a pot of boiling water, let it simmer, and carefully breathe in the steam to help clear your airways.
Besides respiratory benefits, bay leaves may also relieve colic or digestive issues. The essential oils in bay leaves are known for soothing the stomach and reducing gas, bloating, and discomfort associated with colic. A tea made from these leaves can be a soothing remedy after a meal. Steep crushed bay leaves in boiling water for about 20 minutes and sip slowly.