Have you ever wondered what happens if you set a bay leaf on fire? It turns out that this popular spice can be used for more than just cooking.
Bay leaves can be lit right in your house or apartment. Why would you do this? When the bay leaf burns, it gives off a specific scent that can help in various situations:
Combats unpleasant odors
– for example, if the smell comes from your pet’s litter box or appears after cooking fish. If you light the bay leaf, the house will quickly be filled with freshness, and this effect will last quite a long time.
Calms
– bay leaves can have a calming effect on people, so that stress decreases and relaxation sets in. It is good to do this after a hard day’s work.
Relieves mild pain
– in addition to the calming effect, bay leaves also help combat painful sensations. Of course, it will not cope with severe pain, but if you have a mild headache, it can help just as well as a medicine from the pharmacy.
Normalizes the atmosphere in the house
– by lighting the bay leaf, you can improve the psychological atmosphere in the house and balance the relationships between family members.
Improves oxygenation
– in case of a suffocation attack, burnt bay leaf can help oxygenate the body.
Drives away insects
– ants, cockroaches and other insects hate the smell of bay, so they will definitely forget the way to your house.
Attracts good news to the house
– this property is attributed to the bay leaf in Chinese traditions.
Also, burnt bay leaf is widely used in various magical and esoteric rituals. It is believed that with this smell, wealth enters the house, and the aura of the inhabitants is cleansed of any negative energy.
How to properly light a bay leaf
At first glance, there seems to be nothing complicated. But you need to take into account a few important nuances.
First of all, you can only use dried bay leaves. Otherwise, they will not burn or will only produce thick smoke. For a medium-sized room, one leaf is enough.
The bay leaf should be lit over a container, such as a plate, using a match or lighter. When the leaf starts to burn, place it in the container and carry it around the room. After the procedure is complete, you will feel the calming effect.