Discover the 5 surprising reasons Why You Should Keep Bay Leaf in Socks. Check out the simple hacks to promote foot health and relaxation.
Bay leaf is a rich, aromatic herb popular in cuisines across the world. Replete with medicinal properties, it can be used dried, fresh in your food, or even in socks. You read that right! This natural remedy offers many benefits for many ailments, and here’s why you should keep bay leaf in socks!
Why You Should Keep Bay Leaf in Socks
1. Fight Anxiety and Stress
Bay leaves have been used in aromatherapy for years because of their soothing fragrance. When you keep them in your socks, the warmth of your feet can activate the oils in the leaf, which can help relax your mind and body.
This aromatic herb contains a compound known as linalool, which has been proven to reduce anxiety and stress. The warmth of feet is said to activate these essential oils, but further study is needed.
2. Sleep Well
Many struggle with sleeping issues that result in insomnia, oxidative stress, and other health problems. Keeping a bay leaf in your socks can help calm and relax you, giving you a better night of sleep.
In a 2021 study, researchers exposed rats to bay leaf smoke for five minutes daily for 22 days. They found that it helped with memory and improved brain function. However, studies on animals don’t always apply to humans, although they can still provide valuable clues!
Some say bay leaf in a sock even improves dreams, but don’t take our word for it—best test it out yourself!
3. Natural Foot Deodorant
Bay leaves are famous for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. If you suffer from smelly feet, putting bay leaves in your socks might help reduce foul odor. The leaf can also act as a natural deodorizer and kill odor-causing bacteria.
4. Boost Blood Circulation
These aromatic leaves contain nutrients that may support healthy blood flow. Though bay leaf in socks won’t provide a strong dose of these nutrients, it is believed that even mild contact with the skin could stimulate circulation.
This could benefit people who experience cold feet or poor circulation, but clinical trials are required to prove its worth for this hack.
5. Relieve Foot Pain
In alternative medicine, bay leaves were used to treat rheumatic and arthritic pain, swelling, soreness, and irritation. When you keep bay leaf in your socks, you may benefit from these mild pain-relieving properties.
Bay leaf essential oil comprises an aromatic plant compound called cineole, which reduces inflammation and pain when applied topically. You can benefit from this compound by placing fresh bay leaves in your socks while sleeping.
How It Works
- Pick a fresh bay leaf over a dried one, as it may release more oils.
- Place it in either of your socks or both. Before putting them on, slip a few bay leaves into your socks below your heels.
- Wear them in the night before you go to sleep!
While bay leaves are generally safe, some may be allergic. Stop using it immediately if you notice redness, itching, or discomfort. Also, don’t depend on bay leaves to cure medical conditions. Consult a healthcare professional if you have ongoing foot issues.
That’s it! Do this a few times and share how it improved your sleep, muscle pain, anxiety, and overall well-being via the comments below. Meanwhile, check out this list of items to keep under your pillow for good sleep!
