Bay laurel (Bay Leaves, Laurus nobilis) is used in many traditional medicines to treat migraine, headache, arthritis, rheumatism, bruises, sprains, muscle pain and bronchitis.
Bay leaves are used for treating headaches. The leaves contain compounds, called parthenolides, which have effects to treat migraines. The essential oil of bay laurel is used in aromatherapy to relieve migraines and headaches.
Bay leaves or bay oil can be used to treat bronchitis.
Bay leaves or bay oil are also used to alleviate arthritis, rheumatism, bruises, sprains and muscle pain.
Here are how to use bay leaves or bay oil:
1. To treat migraines and headaches
– Rub a few drops of bay leaf essential oil into the temples to relieve headaches and migraines
– Or use a few bay leaves to make a tea, and drink it
2. To treat bronchitis
– Use fresh bay leaves to make a poultice
– Or mix dried leaf powder with water to make a poultice
– Apply the poultice to the chest
– Cover with a cloth
– This remedy is said to relieve the congestion of bronchitis
– You may rub a few drops of bay oil into the chest, instead of using a poultice
3. To treat arthritis, rheumatism, bruises, sprains, and muscle pain
– Rub a few drops of bay oil into the affected area, gently massage it
– Or use bay leaves to make a poultice, then apply to the painful area, cover it with a cloth
Please note, bay leaf is said to induce abortions, pregnant women should avoid it. And bay oil is a strong warming oil, when using it in massage, it may irritate the skin, so you should use it with caution on the skin. Consult a healthcare provider before using it.
For more information about natural remedies for migraine, go to Natural Remedies Center: http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/treat/migraine/