Overview
Bay leaf is an herb that is commonly used in cooking. It comes from the bay tree (Laurus nobilis), which is commonly found in the Mediterranean region.
Bay leaf is also used in folk medicine. Chemicals in bay leaf might affect blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
People use bay leaf for diabetes, common cold, high cholesterol, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
We currently have no information for BAY LEAF overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Bay leaf is commonly consumed in foods. Bay leaf that has been ground into powder is possibly safe when used as medicine, short-term. But if you cook with whole bay leaf, remove it before eating. Eating the whole, intact leaf is likely unsafe. The leaf can't be digested, so it remains whole while passing through the digestive system. This means it can become lodged in the throat or pierce the lining of the intestines.
When applied to the skin: Bay leaf extract is possibly safe when used in cosmetics. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Bay leaf is commonly consumed in foods. Bay leaf that has been ground into powder is possibly safe when used as medicine, short-term. But if you cook with whole bay leaf, remove it before eating. Eating the whole, intact leaf is likely unsafe. The leaf can't be digested, so it remains whole while passing through the digestive system. This means it can become lodged in the throat or pierce the lining of the intestines.
When applied to the skin: Bay leaf extract is possibly safe when used in cosmetics. It might cause allergic reactions in some people. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Bay leaf is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if bay leaf is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Surgery: Bay leaf might slow down the central nervous system (CNS). When combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery, this might slow down the CNS too much. Stop using bay leaf as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions ?
Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with BAY LEAF
Large amounts of bay leaf might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking bay leaf in large amounts with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with BAY LEAF
Bay leaf might lower blood sugar levels. Taking bay leaf along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
Bay leaf is commonly used in foods. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of bay leaf might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
FAQs
BAY LEAF: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews? ›
Bay leaf might interfere with blood sugar control and may not be safe to use during diabetes. Bay leaf might slow down the central nervous system (CNS). There is a concern that it might slow down the CNS too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery.
What are the side effects of bay leaf? ›Bay leaf might interfere with blood sugar control and may not be safe to use during diabetes. Bay leaf might slow down the central nervous system (CNS). There is a concern that it might slow down the CNS too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery.
Do bay leaves interfere with any medications? ›Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with BAY LEAF. Large amounts of bay leaf might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing.
Who should not eat bay leaves? ›Bay leaves are NOT dangerous to eat. This is an extremely common myth but holds no merit. It is believed that this myth began because there are leaves that look strikingly similar to the bay leaf (mountain laurel and cherry laurel leaves) that are poisonous to humans and animals.
What are the uses of bay leaf? ›Generally, they are used as ingredients for cooking purposes or taken out of cooked food before eating. Its essential oils are also used in cooking. Several studies showed that the leaves possess antioxidant, anti-cancer, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Does bay leaf tea raise blood pressure? ›Bay leaves can help you lower your blood pressure. It has potassium and antioxidants, which are essential for your heart health, as it helps lower blood pressure. In addition, it helps lower the bad cholesterol and removes excess sodium from the body, thus managing blood pressure.
Is bay leaf good for kidneys? ›Being a natural diuretic, Bay leaf can reduce the load of kidneys and help in natural detoxification. According to studies, the bay leaf also reduces the amount of urease in the body- and can potentially prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Does bay leaf help high blood pressure? ›Bay leaf tea is good for your heart, this is because of its powerful combination of potassium, antioxidants, and iron. These nutrients help with cardiac rhythm as well as lowering blood pressure.
Is bay leaf anti-inflammatory? ›Bay leaves are found to possess anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, all of which can help to manage certain health conditions. Even Ayurveda considers this herb as an effective home remedy to cure various ailments.
What happens if you use too many bay leaves? ›The aroma of the smoke is claimed to be calming. Don't use too much or too many – bay leaves can make things way too pungent and bitter.
Why should you not eat bay leaves? ›
Bay leaves are completely safe to cook with, but because of their texture, they're almost impossible to chew. The biggest danger from eating bay leaves is that you could choke or get one stuck somewhere in your digestive system.
Is bay leaf bad for liver? ›One of the constituents of the bay leaf is linalool, which guards against stress and boosts the immune system. The bay leaf is a digestive, and thought to be beneficial in liver, kidney and digestive disorders. Other health benefits associated with bay leaves are boosting immunity and blood sugar levels.
Can bay leaves cause stomach problems? ›The most common side effect is heartburn or indigestion. This is because bay leaves can relax the lower oesophagal sphincter, which can allow stomach acid to escape and cause irritation. If you suffer from GERD or other digestive problems, it's best to avoid bay leaf tea. Another potential side effect is nausea.
Can too much bay leaf make you sick? ›Bay leaves are completely safe to cook with, but because of their texture, they're almost impossible to chew. The biggest danger from eating bay leaves is that you could choke or get one stuck somewhere in your digestive system.
How much bay leaf is too much? ›Don't use too much or too many – bay leaves can make things way too pungent and bitter. Four fresh is my limit in a stew or braise, but usually I'll use just one leaf to infuse a milk or cream base and two or three in more robust dishes such as Bolognese.
Is too much bay leaf toxic? ›Bay leaves aren't poisonous or toxic. However, if you bite into a bay leaf, you'll immediately want to expel it from your mouth because it's nearly impossible to chew or swallow, no matter how long it's been cooked.
What does bay leaves and cinnamon do for the body? ›Thus it helps in improving metabolism and also your digestion. Moreover, the antioxidant profile of bay leaf and cinnamon helps reduce the blood sugar spikes. Also, the fiber content of the spices helps keep you full for longer periods of time which makes it easier to reduce weight.