A simple infusion of culinary bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) in hot water is a mild herbal beverage. Bay leaf contains aromatic compounds and polyphenols, but it is important to distinguish traditional use and laboratory findings from benefits demonstrated in humans.
Potential benefits
- Antioxidant activity: L. nobilis contains compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids that can act as antioxidants. Laboratory and experimental research suggests these compounds can help neutralize oxidative stress. However, the amount extracted into an ordinary cup of tea—and the resulting clinical benefit—has not been well established in humans.
- Possible digestive support: Traditionally, bay leaf has been used after meals for digestive discomfort, gas and bloating. Its aromatic compounds may have gastrointestinal effects, but there isn’t strong clinical evidence showing that bay-leaf infusion reliably treats indigestion or other digestive disorders.
- Possible effect on stress: This is one of the more interesting human findings. A small study of 30 healthy adults had participants drink an infusion made from 5 g dried L. nobilis leaves in 100 mL boiled water daily for 10 days. Cortisol and self-reported stress/anxiety scores decreased. However, it was a very small study with a short duration, so this is preliminary evidence rather than proof that bay-leaf tea reduces anxiety or stress.
- Possible lipid effects: Another study involving the same general population size found that 10 days of daily bay-leaf infusion was associated with a modest increase in HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol and triglycerides did not show statistically convincing improvements. The researchers themselves noted that larger, longer studies are needed.
- Possible blood-sugar effects: Bay leaf has demonstrated glucose-related effects in laboratory and animal research, which is why it is sometimes promoted as a diabetes-supporting herb. But there isn’t sufficient high-quality human evidence to say that an ordinary bay-leaf infusion meaningfully lowers blood glucose or treats diabetes. It should not replace diabetes medication or dietary treatment.
- Anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial potential: Extracts of L. nobilis have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in experimental studies. This is biologically interesting, but concentrated extracts are not equivalent to a weak water infusion, and these findings shouldn’t be interpreted as evidence that bay-leaf tea treats infections or inflammatory diseases.
What a cup realistically provides
For most people, the most defensible description is a flavorful, caffeine-free herbal drink with potentially useful plant compounds, rather than a medicinal treatment.
The evidence for dramatic claims such as “detoxes the liver,” “melts belly fat,” “cleans the kidneys,” “cures diabetes,” or “lowers cholesterol substantially” is not adequate.
A simple preparation
For a relatively mild infusion, you could use:
- 1–2 dried culinary bay leaves
- 250–300 mL (8–10 oz) hot water
- Steep covered for about 5–10 minutes, then remove the leaves.
The small human studies used a much more concentrated preparation—5 g leaves in only 100 mL water—once daily, so their results shouldn’t automatically be extrapolated to a normal household cup.
Important safety point
Use true culinary bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), not an unidentified “bay leaf” from another plant. Also, don’t assume that because bay leaf is a culinary herb, large amounts or prolonged medicinal use are automatically safe.
A particularly important recent finding is a 2026 case report of probable herb-induced liver injury associated with regular Laurus nobilis infusion. The person’s liver abnormalities improved after stopping the tea. A single case doesn’t establish that ordinary occasional consumption is dangerous, but it is a reason to avoid excessive or prolonged use and to take persistent symptoms seriously.
If you develop nausea, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of the skin/eyes, or other concerning symptoms after regularly drinking it, stop and seek medical advice.
Bottom line: occasional culinary-strength bay-leaf infusion is best viewed as a pleasant herbal beverage. There are promising antioxidant, metabolic and stress-related findings, including two small human trials, but the evidence is still too limited to regard bay-leaf tea as a proven treatment or supplement for any disease.