Place a DAFIN twig next to the bed: it banishes nervousness, stress and insomnia

The laurel is an impressive medicinal plant. It has good effects on the stomach, liver and respiratory system. Less well known is its influence on the nervous system. In traditional medicine, bay branches – green or dried – are used as a remedy against stress, nervousness and insomnia. The aroma of bay leaves calms the nerves and induces a state of calm.
Nervous or stressed people may hold a twig or a few bay leaves in the workroom, and those who cannot sleep at night may place them next to the bed. Bay leaves can also be placed in the cradle or crib of a restless child who cannot fall asleep. For an even stronger sleeping effect, compresses with bay leaves soaked in hot water (a quarter of an hour) can be applied to the forehead and neck. It is well fixed with a scarf or a scarf. Some people burn bay leaves and inhale the soothing aroma emanating. There is also a scientific explanation for this. The slightly sedative properties of laurel are due to a compound called linalool, also found in other aromatic plants, such as thyme or basil. Studies have shown that this compound reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body and removes anxiety. For this reason, laurel essential oil can be used in aromatherapy to induce sleep and a state of calm, to treat mental asthenia and depression. A study by the Japanese on stressed rats showed that linalool regulated elevated neutrophil and lymphocyte levels following a stressful situation. Inhalation of linalool has also reduced the activity of over 100 genes that go into a state of hyperactivity under stress.

Blueberry also has analgesic effects, and relieves headaches and migraines. In addition to linalool, laurel contains many other volatile active compounds, which have antiseptic, antioxidant, digestive, antitumor and anticancer properties: a-pinene, B-pinene, myrcine, limonene, methyl chavicol, neral, α-terpineol, eugenol and chavicol.