How do you make bay leaf tea with that lovely aromatic flavour for a calmer, healthier life? Unlike other complicated recipes with hard-to-find ingredients, this healthy drink is really an easy way to boost our health and skincare.
Hi, I’m Hazel
I gave up on skincare after years of issues with acne and sensitive skin.
But after going plant-based, my skin cleared up and even started to glow. Now I help women reveal their natural beauty with simple, delicious plant-based food.
I also used to be a nurse, and love nerding out on nutritional science (high-quality science, that is).
As usual, this post is based on the strongest nutritional evidence I could find with a focus on the simplest, most delicious foods
…because who has time to waste on actions that don’t work?
The quick version:
To make bay leaf tea, boil water and add 3-4 dried or fresh bay leaves. Let them steep for about 5 minutes before removing the leaves. Enjoy your soothing cup of bay leaf tea either hot or cooled.
What is Bay Leaf Tea?
Bay leaf tea is a soothing herbal drink made from the leaves of bay laurel tree, known scientifically as Laurus nobilis.
Traditionally valued for its medicinal properties and culinary use, this tea is a staple in many cultures for its health benefits.
If you’re browsing the aisles of your local grocery stores looking for something that could potentially ease digestion and calm your nerves, bay leaf tea might just be what you need.
The best part? It’s a popular choice among those who prefer a more natural approach to wellness and beauty.
Bay Leaf Tea Benefits
There are multiple potential health benefits of bay leaf tea that you might not be aware of.
- Antioxidants: This tea is rich in compounds that fight free radicals, providing powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it beneficial for reducing inflammation throughout the body – which is important to prevent premature ageing!
- Blood Sugar Regulation: It may help in regulating blood sugar levels, making it a great choice for those managing diabetes or looking to stabilise their glucose levels.
- Cholesterol Management: Regular consumption may aid in maintaining healthier cholesterol levels, which is essential for a healthy heart.
- Digestive Health: Bay leaf tea is known for its ability to soothe the digestive system and may help in treating digestive disorders like bloating, indigestion, and constipation.
- Respiratory Health: The natural compounds in bay leaves may help alleviate respiratory conditions, making breathing easier and helping to clear out congestion.
- Immune System Boost: With its natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, bay leaf tea supports immune system function, helping your body to fight off infections more effectively.
- Skin Health: For those interested in beauty benefits, bay leaf tea promotes clear skin with its antioxidants for overall skin health.
Incorporating bay leaf tea into your daily routine can offer these diverse health benefits, supporting everything from your immune system to your skin, making it a truly holistic addition to a health-conscious lifestyle.
Do You Use Fresh or Dried Bay Leaves?
Choosing betweenfresh bay leaves and dried bay leaves can affect the flavour and potency of your tea.
Fresh leaves offer a milder and somewhat fragrant leaves aroma.
Dried leaves provide a stronger flavour and are usually more accessible.
Depending on your taste preference and what you have on hand, both can create a delightful cup of bay leaf tea that carries all the wholesome benefits you’re after.
Whether you opt for fresh or dried, you’ll be setting yourself up for a relaxing, healthful experience.
You may also like:
Bay Leaf vs Curry Leaf: What’s the Difference?
How to Make Bay Leaf Tea
To make the perfect bay leaf tea recipe, start with boiling some hot water. Add 3-4 bay leaves—whether fresh or dried—and let them steep for about 5 minutes. This duration allows the leaves to release a subtle hint of sweetness and develop a stronger flavour.
Feel free to add a slice of lemon or a few cinnamon sticks if you enjoy a spicy taste.
This simple, quick method ensures that you can enjoy a soothing cup of tea even on your busiest days.
Enhancing Your Experience
To some different experiences, consider integrating natural sweeteners or spices that complement the earthy tones of bay leaf.
Adding a dash of honey can soften the naturally bitter taste of the tea, while a sprinkle of black pepper can give it an invigorating kick.
For an extra layer of flavour and health benefits, blend your leafy brew with a bit of green tea.
This combination not only enriches the tea taste but also amplifies the tea’s overall health benefits.
You may also like:
Green Tea Benefits For Skincare: Your Personal Beauty Brew
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When brewing bay leaf tea, it’s crucial to avoid a few common pitfalls to ensure the best taste and health benefits.
Avoid using large amounts of bay leaf tea leaves. You might be seeking a stronger flavour yet the bay leaf can overwhelm the delicate balance of flavours in your cup of tea.
Another major mistake is over-steeping, which can lead to a bitter taste and may lead to an upset stomach.
To prevent this, keep your steeping time to about 5 minutes—long enough to extract the flavours but not so long that the fragrant leavesbecome overpowering.
Integrating Bay Leaf Tea into a Healthy Lifestyle
Incorporating hot bay leaf tea into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to enhance your overall well-being.
It fits perfectly into a plant-based lifestyle, offering attractive benefits like enhanced skincare and inner benefits like the prevention of chronic disease.
Consider having a cup in the morning to kickstart your metabolism or in the evening to unwind after a long day. With each sip, you’re supporting and investing in your long-term health.
It will probably be easier to set up a daily (or weekly) routine with dried bay leaves, given they last so long in the kitchen cupboard!
Conclusion
Making bay leaf tea is not just about brewing a simple drink; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that prioritises your health and beauty. With its minimal preparation time and substantial health benefits, this tea is a perfect fit for anyone looking to enhance their daily routine.
References
Most references below will link to the original peer-reviewed study itself. However, sometimes I will link to a video over at NutritionFacts.org instead, which is by far the single best resource of brutally transparent nutritional evidence you will ever see. Dr Greger tells a great story about the realities of the science and if I think you will benefit more from one of his videos, the link will take you there instead.
Happy nerding!
- Khan A, Zaman G, Anderson RA. Bay leaves improve glucose and lipid profile of people with type 2 diabetes. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2009;44(1):52-56. doi:10.3164/jcbn.08-188
- Brinza I, Boiangiu RS, Hancianu M, Cioanca O, Erdogan Orhan I, Hritcu L. Bay Leaf (Laurus NobilisL.) Incense Improved Scopolamine-Induced Amnesic Rats by Restoring Cholinergic Dysfunction and Brain Antioxidant Status. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(2):259. Published 2021 Feb 8. doi:10.3390/antiox10020259
- Chaudhry NM, Tariq P. Bactericidal activity of black pepper, bay leaf, aniseed and coriander against oral isolates. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2006;19(3):214-218.