Medicinal and Magical Properties of Herbs and Spices – Bay Leaves

Beautiful Bay Leaf Image by The Joy Of Colour

The second installment of my medicinal and magical properties of herbs and spices series is all about Bay Leaves. 


Medicinal: Bay leaves contain compounds called parthenolides that can help in the treatment of migraines. They have also been shown to help the body process insulin more efficiently- leading to lower blood sugar levels. Bay leaf oil, when used as a lotion, is a great anti-inflammatory. So just rub it on and wish away aches and sprains.

Magical/ Superstitious: Pagans believe bay leaves can help with wishes, so if there is something you really want, write it down, put a bay leaf on top of the piece of paper, fold three times and put it in a safe place. When your wish comes true, burn the paper and the leaf. Here’s to hoping! 


Random: When you’re putting away clothing and linens, put some bay leaves among the piles to help chase away bad smells and insects, or you could just wish for no moth holes!

If you want to check out the rest of the posts in this mini series chek it out here.