In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, the laurel was a symbol of success and honor. The leaf was revered by poets and personalities of all kinds. Nowadays we make more prosaic use of the bay leaf, using it as an aromatic ingredient in soups or sauces. But the laurel has many more possibilities.
Here we focus on one of them, a small gesture that consists of putting two bay leaves under the pillow to take advantage of some of its properties.
Types of bay leaf and which one to use
There are two main types of bay leaves:
- Mediterranean Laurel short and thick blade.
- California Laurel long and thin blade.
The leaves and the bay tree contain a unique combination of active ingredients:
- Flavonoids
- Tannins
- bitter substances
- Essential oils
Also There are some types of bay leaves that are poisonous. So you can’t put just any bay leaf under your pillow. Stick to the two types listed above.
From time to time you can accompany this small habit of putting bay leaves under the pillow with another simple ritual, which you can do during the day, which consists of burning bay leaves to spread its aroma throughout the house. We tell you in this video:
From health to spirituality to improved sleep
Traditional natural medicine includes the benefits and uses that have traditionally been attributed to laurel:
- Repels moths.
- Creates a relaxing atmosphere when used for setting.
- Reduce sweating.
- Prevents and relieves flatulence.
- Reduce stress
Why put a bay leaf under your pillow?
At first, you may not associate bay leaf with anything magical, mystical, or spiritual. On the contrary, you probably only relate it to the aroma it provides in the kitchen.
However, it has popularly been used as a means for spiritual protection, to attract money or love. In fact, Bay leaf is part of spiritual practices to enhance psychic abilities, invite dreams and increase positive energy.
Bedtime is very important from a spiritual perspective. It is the time when your conscious mind rests and your subconscious takes control.
It is the time of day when you have the opportunity to connect with the part of yourself that is beyond ordinary bodily awareness.
It is this spiritual and symbolic context that has led to the custom of placing bay leaves under the pillow.
1. Helps against insomnia
Several Disorders or illnesses can cause insomnia, such as anxiety, depression, some respiratory diseases, hyperthyroidism or restless legs syndrome, among others.
If you put your trust in the power of bay leaves, they will help you enjoy a restful night. Your stress levels and improve your mood.
2. Helps summon divination dreams
Traditionally it has been said that bay leaves under the pillow at night can influence the nature of dreams. Specifically, they are said to favor divination dreams.
Of course, these properties do not have any scientific proof. The laurel, in any case, could serve as a physical support within a mental conditioning ritual.
If you want your dreams to help you find answers, in addition to putting bay leaves under your pillow, Before going to sleep write specific questions. The dream may help you find solutions.
3. helps banish nightmares
If you are having nightmares, in addition to resorting to relaxation techniques and seeking psychological help if necessary, relying on bay leaves can help you. Put them under the pillow convinced that your dreams will be peaceful. Don’t underestimate the power of autosuggestion!
Other ways to benefit from bay leaves
You can also prepare a infusion:
- Pour 250 ml of boiling water over two dried bay leaves.
- Let the infusion rest for ten minutes. Then remove the leaves.
A cup after meals relieves digestive problems, such as bloating or flatulence. Thanks to its antibacterial effect, bay leaves are also suitable during respiratory diseases.