THE BAY LEAVES MAGIC

If you have ever entered a yoga studio, you may have noticed that these places sometimes have a very special smell.

This is because many of these places regularly purify, a tradition of Indians that uses the smoke of sacred herbs to cleanse the room. This ritual is like incense burning.

While the practice of purify is usually associated with salvia, there are other herbs that you can use with more specific benefits that you can enjoy.

Why should we purify with bay leaves?

Bay leaves are not only used in food, the herb is usually used as a flavouring ingredient in creams, lotions, perfumes and soaps.

Traditionally, the leaves are used as a sedative, analgesic, anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory. The herb also has antibacterial and antifungal properties and lowers both blood pressure and heart rate. It is often used to treat insomnia, chronic stress and mood swings.

As a culinary herb, the bay leaf can help control glucose levels and cholesterol levels in people with diabetes and prevent kidney stones. Taken as tea, the bay leaf may prevent the growth and spread of leukaemia and cause apoptosis in other cancer cells.

If you feel stressed or have a bad mood, just light a leaf or two in an aluminium plate in your room or office and exit for ten minutes. Make sure the windows are closed and keep the plate away from flammable objects and make sure you do not burn it under a smoke detector.

When you return to the room, the herb's smoke will make your mind and your muscles more relaxed, and it will make it easier for you to focus on your task. When finished, discard the ash.