Phenotypic description of Bay
Bay tree is a small evergreen
tree or shrub, variable in size. Its height sometimes reaches 7-18 meters, bisexual.
Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Each flower is pale
greenish-yellow, about 1 cm in diameter, and borne in pairs alongside the leaf.
The leaves are smooth, 6-12 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, with an entire edge. On
some leaves, the edge is wavy. The fruit is a small, shiny, blackberry-like
seed, about 1 cm long, and contains one seed.
The bay leaf is an aromatic leaf
commonly used in cooking. It can be used whole, dried or ground.
Using bay leaves in cooking
In Indian cuisine, bay leaves are
sometimes used in place of Indonesian bay leaves, although they have a
different flavor. Bay leaves are often used in rice dishes. Such as: Biryani,
as one of the components of Garam Masala, which in Hindi means hot mixture. It
consists of a mixture of ground spices common in India and elsewhere.
In the Philippines, dried bay
leaves are used in many Filipino dishes. Such as: Menudo, which is a
traditional stew, made of meat and liver slices in tomato sauce with carrots
and potatoes. It is also used in beef pares. It is a slow-cooked Filipino soup
with garlic fried rice. Bay leaves are also used in preparing Dobo dishes. It
is a popular Filipino dish consisting of meat, seafood or vegetables marinated
in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves and black pepper, which are prepared
in oil and mixed with broth.
Bay leaves are an essential
ingredient in the cooking of many European cuisines [particularly Mediterranean
cuisine]. It is used in the Americas, in soups, stews, salty drinks, meat,
seafood, vegetable dishes and sauces. The leaves also give a distinctive taste
and flavor to many classic French and Italian dishes.
The leaves are often used whole
and removed before serving. Whole leaves may cause harm to the digestive
system. Crushed bay leaves give a more pleasant scent than whole leaves. But
they are difficult to remove and are therefore often used in a muslin bag or
tea strainer.
Bay leaves are also used in
cooking jerk chicken, also known as jerk chicken. It is a method of cooking
chicken traditionally used throughout the Caribbean and is often associated
with Jamaica in particular. In this method, chicken or beef, seafood, and even
vegetables are coated with spices and cooked slowly over a fire. In the Caribbean,
bay leaves are soaked and placed on the cool side of the grill. Then sweet
pepper sticks [Pimento sticks] are placed on top of the leaves, and the chicken
is placed on top of it and smoked. Bay leaves are also added whole to soups,
stews and other Caribbean dishes
Health benefits of bay leaves
- Improving digestive health
An infusion of bay leaves helps
treat those who suffer from loss of appetite, heartburn, irritable bowel
syndrome, or indigestion. It also works to treat abdominal pain and bloating,
digestive system infections, constipation and diarrhea. This is because it
contains chemical plant compounds, including essential oils that have mild
anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
- Urinary tract disorders
Bay leaf infusion helps stimulate
diuresis, thus ridding the body of toxins. It also stimulates vomiting if toxic
substances are consumed.
- Protection against cancer
Bay leaf extract protects the
body from cancer, especially colon and rectal cancer. It has an inhibitory
effect on the growth of cancer cells.
- Improving respiratory health
Bay leaf extract helps treat
coughs by placing it on the chest overnight, or inhaling its vapor to treat
sinusitis and influenza. And in alleviating respiratory symptoms such as cough.
Bay leaves are used in natural treatments for various types of infections. It
contains compounds that have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Bay leaf
oil is used to treat colds and influenza. It is also used to treat nasal
congestion due to its ability to remove phlegm and mucus. Treating congestion
in the respiratory tract by inhaling it after putting a little of it in an
incense burner.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
The essential oils found in bay
leaves contain some anti-inflammatory substances, especially eucalyptol. This
is why it is traditionally used to treat minor infections
- Improving oral and dental health
Applying Bay oil to the gums and
teeth is considered one of the best ways to prevent and resist tooth decay.
This is due to the presence of the chemical cineole, which disinfects and
protects against infections, especially infections that affect the mouth.
- Regulating blood sugar
Bay leaves help reduce the risk
factors of type 1 diabetes. This is because it contains flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes,
and glycosides, which work to improve insulin function in the body.
- Improves memory and concentration
Bay leaf extract enhances human
cognitive function. It prevents the formation of amyloid plaques, which are
responsible for damage to nerve cells in the brain. It also helps protect the
brain from stress-related damage and increases longevity. Adding regular bay
leaves to meals helps improve memory and concentration
- Improving the mood
Bay leaves contain linalool,
which reduces levels of stress hormones in the body. It stimulates a positive
mental state. Bay leaf essential oil is used in aromatherapy to improve mood,
reduce anxiety, relax and improve sleep quality.
- Relieve joint pain
Rubbing the body with Bay oil
helps relieve joint pain. Massaging the forehead with it also helps relieve
headaches caused by migraines. This is due to the presence of pathanolides,
which have an effect on soothing and relieving pain.
- Weight loss and slimming
Bay leaves are one of many herbs
that promote weight loss. It contains a high content of calcium and dietary
fiber, which helps improve bowel movement and improve digestion. Proper
digestion is essential for weight loss because it helps absorb nutrients more
- Treating hair problems
Bay leaves help promote hair
growth, strengthen hair follicles, reduce itching in the scalp, and treat
dandruff.
- Skin care
The antioxidants in bay leaves
help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals that cause cell
damage that leads to premature aging. It also reduces inflammation and soothes
irritated skin. This is why it is included in many cosmetics.
References
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X1701200519
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