Cinnamon and bay leaf tea benefit a lot. Because cinnamon is a rich source of antioxidants that helps cleanse the body of toxins. Thus it helps in improving metabolism and also your digestion. Moreover, the antioxidant profile of bay leaf and cinnamon helps reduce blood sugar spikes.
Cinnamon And Bay Leaf Tea Benefits
Helps With Treating Diabetes
Both cinnamon and bay leaves offer potent insulation against diabetes. Participants in a 2009 study experienced reductions in serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides when using cinnamon. They also saw an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol levels.
And the results for diabetes management may get even better when you add a dash of cinnamon to the mix!
According to a 2012 systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of cinnamon as a pharmaceutical agent for diabetes management, cinnamon is a potential therapeutic agent for diabetes.
The benefits associated with cinnamon consumption in studies include weight loss, reduction of fasting blood glucose, and reduction of LDL (bad) cholesterol with an increase in HDL cholesterol.
Aids in Weight Loss
People around the world use cinnamon and bay leaf tea as a natural weight-loss supplement. Cinnamon has been shown to produce strong anti-obesity effects in animal studies. According to a 2017 study, cinnamon activates thermogenic and metabolic responses in mouse and human primary subcutaneous adipocytes.
Another study from 2020 found that cinnamon supplementation significantly affects obesity measures based on its positive impact on reducing body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass in adults.
While there hasn’t been much research put into bay leaves and weight loss, many people report that the digestive support provided by bay leaves assists with relieving bloating.
If you need help in weight management, I recommend that you also take a look at this guide with the most effective teas for suppressing appetite.
Good for Brain Health
A study published in 2009 found that cinnamon has protective properties that might help to keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay. In addition, research shows that cinnamon treatment upregulates neuroprotective proteins that may help to fight against Parkinson’s disease.
There’s also evidence to suggest that cinnamon consumption significantly elevates the level of sodium benzoate in the brain. This is important because sodium benzoate has many important positive effects on brain functions that are linked with everything from better cognitive performance to disease prevention.
Sodium benzoate produced after consuming cinnamon has been shown to increase levels of neurotrophic factors that are essential for both birthing and protecting neurons.
Bay leaves also have an interesting connection to brain health. Several cultures use bay leaves for seizures and brain disorders as part of ancient herbal medicine. However, research on the brain benefits of bay leaves is still emerging.
Can Protect From Cancer
There’s data to support the idea that bay leaves can help to reduce colorectal cancer cell growth. Studies also highlight the anti-cancer effects of cinnamon due to its impact on apoptosis-related pathways in cancer cells. One study released in 2010 found that cinnamon extract induces tumor cell death.
Natural Remedy for Menstrual Cramps
Cinnamon has emerged as a natural treatment for painful, disruptive menstrual cramps. In a 2018 study looking at the effects of cinnamon on primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), researchers found that cinnamon can reduce the intensity of cramps.
A different study from 2015 found that cinnamon consumption helped to reduce the intensity of both menstrual cramps and menstrual bleeding.
While there is less known about the link between bay leaves and menstrual cramps, the leaves have been used in ancient herbal medicine to assist with irregular periods.
Prevents Inflammation
Cinnamon is known as a powerful inflammation fighter. This herbal ingredient has antioxidant properties that may help inhibit cell damage caused by free radicals.
Cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties are so highly regarded that the Arthritis Foundation includes cinnamon on its list of foods to eat.
Bay leaves have also been found to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities that are believed to work using shared mechanisms.
Boosts the Immune System
Cinnamon is packed with antibacterial and antifungal properties that help the immune system fight off dangers. Cinnamon is also associated with wound-healing benefits.
Bay leaf is a great source of natural vitamin C that helps the body fight off infection by ramping up the production of white blood cells.
How to Make Cinnamon and Bay Leaf Tea?
Preparing this delicious herbal tea at home is easy. Of course, there are many versions so you can also add other ingredients for even more health benefits or simply for taste.
Here is what you will need for making 2 portions:
- 2 Large Bay Leaves
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 3 Cups of Water
Optional ingredients:
- Honey
- Ginger
- Black Tea
- Milk
Follow the steps below to prepare the tea:
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan or other vessel.
- Add the bay leaves and cinnamon and then simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Strain to mugs and enjoy!
I often prepare the tea with only cinnamon and bay leaves but sometimes I add honey to make it sweet. You can also add some ginger and other herbs to the mixture.
And if you drink the tea in the morning, why not mix in some loose-leaf black tea for a nice energy boost?
Cinnamon and Bay Leaf Tea Side Effects
Drinking moderate amounts of cinnamon and bay leaf tea is likely to have only positive effects on your health. But don’t swallow large pieces of the herbs since they can’t be digested and might even get stuck in your throat. Instead, strain them off.
This herbal tea doesn’t have any caffeine so you can drink it any time of the day without worries about losing sleep.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication, consult your doctor before starting to drink cinnamon bay leaf tea frequently.
Also, if you have a scheduled surgery, stop consuming bay leaves at least before it. Bay leaves can slow down the central nervous system and if you are getting anesthesia during the surgery the combination might have adverse effects.
