You have probably already heard of this trend that has been all the rage for several years: putting a bay leaf under your pillow before sleeping to benefit from peaceful and restorative sleep. This technique comes directly from ancient Mediterranean traditions where the miraculous effects of laurel were recognized. And although this may seem surprising, there is indeed a rather interesting phenomenon explaining the benefits of this practice. In this article, we will address the subject of the virtues of the bay leaf placed under the pillow in order to give you all the relevant information to fully understand this phenomenon.
The exceptional properties of bay leaf
Before discovering why putting a bay leaf under your pillow can be beneficial, let’s take a look at the many properties of this plant, highly prized by the Greeks and Romans in Antiquity.
A powerful antioxidant
Bay leaf is rich in natural compounds called flavonoids. These substances are well known for their antioxidant effect, capable of regulating and neutralizing free radicals harmful to our body.. Indeed, free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and contribute to the development of degenerative diseases or premature aging. Thus, regular consumption of foods rich in antioxidants, such as bay leaves, is recommended to preserve our health.
An ally for good digestion
Bay leaf also has digestive properties to facilitate the digestion process and relieve mild gastric disorders. Indeed, the active compounds present in bay leaves act by stimulating the digestive system and promoting the production of gastric juices. This explains why this plant is a key ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, bringing not only flavor to dishes, but also benefits for our digestive health.
Place a bay leaf under your pillow: the incredible benefits
Now that we know the health benefits of speaking in general, let’s take a closer look at what happens when you place a bay leaf under your pillow.
The soothing scent of bay leaf to help you fall asleep
The first obvious benefit of this practice is the pleasant and relaxing scent emanating from the bay leaves. The smell of bay leaf releases aromas that will act on your nervous system and relax you.. Thanks to this soothing atmosphere, you will have less difficulty falling asleep and will enjoy a restful rest.
Improved sleep and stimulation of dreams
Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of the aromas emitted by bay leaf on the quality of sleep. Not only would they reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, but they would also improve the overall quality of sleep, by promoting a state of deep relaxation.. Additionally, people who pay attention to their dreams believe that they seem to be more intense and memorable when a bay leaf is placed under the pillow.
How to use bay leaf for better sleep?
Are you convinced and want to try this tip to enjoy more restful sleep? Here are some simple tips for putting this method into practice:
- Place a dried bay leaf under your pillow, just before going to sleep. Make sure it stays in place and does not disturb your comfort during the night.
- Change the leaf regularly (approximately every 2 weeks) to fully benefit from the relaxing aromas and benefits of the plant.
- Combine this practice with other relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation) to boost the soothing effects of bay leaf and optimize your sleep.
It seems that putting a bay leaf under the pillow is an interesting technique to make it easier to fall asleep and improve the overall quality of our sleep. Thanks to its antioxidant and digestive properties, bay leaf is a plant with many virtues that it would be wrong to neglect. So why not try it tonight?
