Bay leaf tea, made from the aromatic leaves of the bay laurel tree, has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. One of its well-known benefits is its potential to alleviate migraines. So how does bay leaf help migraines?
Bay Leaf Tea For Migraines
Bay leaves contain several active compounds, including eugenol1, cineol, and parthenolide, which contribute to its medicinal properties. Here are five science-based reasons why bay leaf tea can help with migraines:
Eugenol is the most dominant compound in bay leaves. This compound is responsible for the distinctive aroma and many of the health benefits associated with bay leaves tea.
How Eugenol Works
Because it is most abundant compound in bay leaves and it has various benefits, Eugenol is particularly effective for relieving migraines. Here are some of it properties.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Eugenol is well-known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce inflammation, a key factor in the development of migraines.
- Analgesic effects: Research shows that It acts as a natural pain reliever2. So Eugenol can help alleviate the pain associated with migraines.
- Antioxidant activity: Eugenol has strong antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, which can trigger migraine headaches.
- Antimicrobial effects: The compounds also has antimicrobial properties, contributing to overall health and potentially preventing infections that might exacerbate migraine symptoms.
- Anesthetic: Eugenol has pain relieving properties that block signals to the nervous system. The anethestic properties3 of Eugenol can reduce the intensity of migraines.
Traditional Bay Leaf Uses
Bay Laurel is native to Southeastern Asia. Ancient Greeks used bay leaves to add flavor to their foods. Today, especially in Mediterranean, the herb is still a prominent ingredient for flavoring stews, soups and other dishes.
Bay Leaves Tea: Historically, bay leaf tea has been used for its calming properties, aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and as a remedy for headaches and migraines.
Can you see a connection between traditional uses and what modern says about bay leaf tea benefits? However, these benefits of bay leaf tea are based on limited data. More intensive studies, including human trials, are needed to fully understand what bay leat tea does for the body.
How to Use Bay Leaf Tea For Migraines
Here’s how to make Mediterranean bay leaf tea to relieve your migraine headache,
- Steep 3-4 fresh or dried bay leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy. You may add honey to enhance the flavor.
- How often can you take bay leaf tea for migraines? The experts say it is safe to drink one cup of bay leaf tea up to twice a day. However, it’s best to start with small amounts to see how your body reacts before making bay leaf tea regular part of your diet.
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Bay Leaf Tea Side Effects
Possible side effects: Some individuals may experience mild side effects if they consume to much bay leaf tea. They include heart, indigestion and extreme drowsiness. You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these the side effects.
Who should avoid Bay Leaf tea
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with a history of allergies to bay leaves, should avoid consuming this tea. People who take sedative medications or medication to control blood sugar may also want to avoid or at least limit bay leaf tea consumption.
Related Article: You may also like Bissy Tea Benefits
Conclusion
Bay leaf tea offers a natural, science-backed option for those seeking relief from migraines. By incorporating this aromatic tea into your daily routine, you can enjoy a ton of benefits while potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
Remember, despite it benefits, bay leaf teaa may not be ideal for everyone. So enjoy it in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
References
- Kamkar Asl, Mina et al. “Analgesic effect of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of clove.” Avicenna journal of phytomedicine vol. 3,2 (2013): 186-92. ↩︎
- Sayyah, M et al. “Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf essential oil of Laurus nobilis Linn.” Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 17,7 (2003): 733-6. doi:10.1002/ptr.1197 ↩︎
- Nisar, Muhammad Farrukh et al. “Pharmacological Properties and Health Benefits of Eugenol: A Comprehensive Review.” Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity vol. 2021 2497354. 3 Aug. 2021, doi:10.1155/2021/2497354 ↩︎
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