Overview

Bay leaf is an herb that is commonly used in cooking. It comes from the bay tree (Laurus nobilis), which is commonly found in the Mediterranean region.

Bay leaf is also used in folk medicine. Chemicals in bay leaf might affect blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

People use bay leaf for diabetes, common cold, high cholesterol, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Bay Leaf overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Bay leaf is commonly consumed in foods. Bay leaf that has been ground into powder is possibly safe when used as medicine, short-term. But if you cook with whole bay leaf, remove it before eating. Eating the whole, intact leaf is likely unsafe. The leaf can't be digested, so it remains whole while passing through the digestive system. This means it can become lodged in the throat or pierce the lining of the intestines.

When applied to the skin: Bay leaf extract is possibly safe when used in cosmetics. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Bay leaf is commonly consumed in foods. Bay leaf that has been ground into powder is possibly safe when used as medicine, short-term. But if you cook with whole bay leaf, remove it before eating. Eating the whole, intact leaf is likely unsafe. The leaf can't be digested, so it remains whole while passing through the digestive system. This means it can become lodged in the throat or pierce the lining of the intestines.

When applied to the skin: Bay leaf extract is possibly safe when used in cosmetics. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Bay leaf is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if bay leaf is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Surgery: Bay leaf might slow down the central nervous system (CNS). When combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery, this might slow down the CNS too much. Stop using bay leaf as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Bay Leaf

    Large amounts of bay leaf might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking bay leaf in large amounts with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Bay Leaf

    Bay leaf might lower blood sugar levels. Taking bay leaf along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

Bay leaf is commonly used in foods. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of bay leaf might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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