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Bay leaves have also traditionally been used for:
- indigestion and other gastrointestinal complaints
- infection
- fever
- arthritis
- headaches
It’s not for everyone
Bay leaves are considered safe for most people, but you’ll want to use caution if any of the following scenarios applies to you:
- You have diabetes. Since bay leaves may affect your blood sugar levels, get approval from your healthcare provider before using them.
- You’re allergic. If you’ve ever had a reaction to bay leaves in food, avoid burning bay leaves or using essential oils containing them.
- You’re having surgery soon. Avoid using bay leaves for medicinal purposes 2 weeks before having surgery. They can affect the function of your central nervous system, especially when combined with the anesthesia typically used in surgery.
- You have asthma or other respiratory issues. Inhaling smoke of any kind can irritate your lungs and mucus membranes. If you’re interested in using bay leaves medicinally but have respiratory issues, consider using other methods, like essential oils.
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Again, since there isn’t any research about burning bay leaves, it’s best to check in with your healthcare provider first, just to be safe.
How to try it
First things first, you’re going to be burning dry plant matter in your home, so basic fire safety is a must. Before getting started, make sure you have a big glass of water nearby, just in case.
- Here’s how to burn bay leaves safely:
Collect your leaves. Use dried bay leaves, since fresh ones won’t burn easily. You can purchase bay leaves in the spice section of most grocery stores.
Use a fireproof bowl. An ashtray, glass, or ceramic dish will work well. Lining it with aluminum foil can help catch ash and keep your dish clean.
Carefully light the end of one leaf with a match or lighter. As soon as the flame catches, quickly blow it out. You want the leaves to slowly smolder, not quickly burn.
Place the leaf in the fireproof dish. Keep the burning leaf near you, out of reach of pets or children. Don’t let the leaves burn unattended.
Crack a window. This can prevent bay leaf smoke from setting off your smoke alarm. Just avoid setting the dish of burning leaves next to the open window. If it’s a windy day, the breeze might send bits of burning leaf or ash through your home.
Let the leaves smoke for 10 to 15 minutes. If the leaves stop burning, you can light them again. It may take a few tries to get a good smolder going, especially if your leaves are still a little fresh.
Dispose of the ash carefully. Let the ash completely cool before throwing it away or composting it. It never hurts to splash it with some water first.
