Hot Bay Leaf Tea

You may have used bay leaves in cooking but have you ever had hot tea made from bay leaves? Known for the subtle flavor it adds to soups, stews, and curries, we don’t often hear much about the benefits of bay leaves. 

You may be surprised to learn that bay leaves are a good source of vitamin C, and have antibacterial properties that can help to keep infection at bay (no pun intended).

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In addition to keeping us infection-free, bay leaves can also lower our stress levels – something everyone can benefit from. Let’s take a closer look at these magical leaves. We’ve also included a recipe so you can give them a try the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious cup of tea.

What Is The Bay Leaf and Where Is It From?

Bay leaves are native to the countries bordering the Mediterranean, and are often used for pickling, marinating, and to flavor soups, curries, and stews. They are used in many countries and cuisines as a staple spice. When we purchase bay leaves, the label simply says ‘bay leaf’, but there are actually different kinds of bay leaves with different flavor profiles. That’s where bay leaf tea comes in.

Bay Leaf Tea Benefits

In addition to being a good source of vitamins A and C, bay leaves:

• are rich in iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium
• are useful in the treatment of migraines
• help to break down proteins and digest food faster
• can help to prevent coughs, colds, and the flu
• reduce blood pressure
• improve blood circulation
• decrease cholesterol levels
• accelerate metabolism and help to promote weight loss

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bay Leaves
• Cinnamon Stick
• Boiling Water

How to Make Bay Leaf Tea

1. Bring water to a boil.
2. Add the bay leaves and cinnamon stick to a tea pot. 
3. Pour the hot water into the pot and cover.
4. Steep for 8 to 12 minutes (longer steeping times will give a more robust flavor). 

Tips for Making the Best Bay Leaf Tea

• Try different bay leaves: 

Make your own flavor blends by using a variety of bay leaves like West Indian which have a spicy taste, Californian with its slightly minty flavor, or Turkish bay leaves which are more subtle. Each type of leaf adds its own flavor profile. 

• Steep longer for a stronger flavor:

If you prefer a stronger tasting tea, let the leaves steep for a longer period of time. Check for strength and continue steeping as needed. 

• Add flavor to your tea: 

If you love the flavor of cinnamon, add a cinnamon stick while the tea is steeping.

Variations

• Bay Leaf and Cinnamon Tea: In addition to its delicious flavor, this tea can improve digestion, boost your immune system, and help you lose weight! In fact, used together, cinnamon and bay leaves can help improve your health in numerous ways. Check out the recipe below for delicious cinnamon bay leaf tea.
• Sage and Bay Leaf Tea: Often used as an herb to flavor meat, sage is also refreshing as a tea. Similar to bay leaves, sage can help treat many ailments including sore throats, fevers, digestion problems, and muscle spasms. Steep it with mint leaves, lemon, cloves, and cinnamon, for a deliciously spicy and flavorful tea.
• Lemongrass and Bay Leaf Tea: Filled with lemony sweetness and subtle bay leaf flavors, this tea is perfect to have in the morning. Also known as fever grass tea in the Caribbean, this tea can help to reduce fevers. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should You Boil Bay Leaves for Tea?

Similar to regular tea, you’ll develop your perfect cup of tea with a little practice. As a guideline, boil the leaves for about 3 minutes, add any optional ingredients, remove from heat, cover and steep for at least 5 minutes, taste, and continue to steep as needed. The tea will be stronger the longer it steeps.

What Does Bay Leaf Tea Taste Like?

The flavor depends on the type of bay leaves you’re using, the optional ingredients you’ve added, and the amount of time the tea steeps. If you love lemon or mint, add them to the pot for a delicious cup of tea! 

What Are the Side Effects of Bay Leaf Tea?

Because of its calming effect, bay leaf tea can cause you to feel sleepy. If you’re taking medication to reduce your blood sugar, check with your doctor to ensure that it’s safe for you to consume bay leaf tea, which can also aid in reducing blood sugar.

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