Bay Leaf
2026 January 07
Bay leaves are a mainstay of soup recipes everywhere—but have you ever wondered about the wellness benefits of this humble botanical?
Bay leaf basics
Bay leaves come from the Laurus nobilis tree, a.k.a. Laurel trees. The coarse leaves are pungent in flavor and highly aromatic. In recipes, they’re used whole as a flavoring agent and are not meant to be chewed and consumed. Bay leaves impart their distinctive flavor to a variety of global cuisines—from soup stocks and stews to pasta sauce and rice pilaf.
The Ayurvedic take on Bay leaves
From the standpoint of Ayurveda, Bay leaves are warming, and pacify both Kapha and Vata doshas while increasing Pitta. For this reason, they are often used in teas to help soothe the respiratory system and occasional indigestion.
Cooking Ayurvedically with Bay leaves
When it comes to flavor, Bay leaves combine well with pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. This combination of whole spices is often used to flavor basmati rice. Bay leaves can be added to stews, soups (like our Vegetable Barley Soup), dhals and curries while they are simmering—but don’t forget to remove them before serving.
Ayurvedic Beet Curry Recipe
Have you ever tried using Bay leaves in your veggie curries? Try our Beet Soup Recipe—a sweet and lightly spiced dish that looks as vibrant as it tastes.
© 1999, 2025 Maharishi Ayurveda Products USA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. MAPI does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See additional information.
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