Medical expert of the article
New publications
Laurel leaf in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

In Ancient Greece, laurel was considered a sacred plant; its branches were used to weave a wreath of a winner, a triumphant. Nowadays, it is a spice, the pleasant smell of which, due to the presence of many essential oils, makes it a desirable seasoning in cooking: preparing first courses, meat dishes, side dishes. In alternative medicine recipes, it is positioned as a remedy for various pathologies, increasing appetite, relieving pain. Diabetes develops with a deficiency of the enzyme insulin in pancreatic juice. It is assigned the role of a vehicle for delivering glucose to tissue cells, providing them with energy, otherwise it accumulates, harming human organs. Does bay leaf help diabetics and how does it affect hormone synthesis?
Benefits and medicinal properties of bay leaf for diabetes
Laurel contains a lot of essential, fatty oils, resins, tannins, mucus, bitterness, organic acids, it contains vitamins A, B2, B6, B9, C, trace elements: calcium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc. The medicinal properties of the plant have been known since the Middle Ages. It was used to stop contractions during labor, they rubbed the body with it for paralysis, it was used for coughs, fever, neuralgia, rheumatic pain, bruises, for healing wounds. Due to its good disinfectant properties, the prepared product helped with lubricating insect bites, as a preventive measure against malaria, cholera and is still considered effective against inflammation, viruses, microbes. The seasoning is present in mixtures for flu, sore throat, viral infections, inflammation of the oral cavity, skin diseases, joints, ligaments, food poisoning. In diabetes, it is valuable because it slows down the absorption of carbohydrate-rich food, normalizes the functions of the pancreas that produces insulin, and increases immunity, which is especially important because the disease is dangerous due to many complications.
How to brew bay leaf for diabetes?
To prepare potions, some sources recommend taking only green leaves, because dried ones lose many healing properties, others assure the effectiveness of both. It is not at all difficult to grow a plant on a windowsill and have fresh ones all year round. There are different ways to brew bay leaves for diabetes, here are some:
- bay leaf decoction - 10 pieces are put into a container with water (250-300 ml), after boiling for five minutes, they are left to infuse for another hour or two. Another option is to place the liquid from the fire in a thermos, after 4-5 hours you can drink it;
- bay leaf infusion - 300 ml of boiled warm water is enough for 15 leaves, here you will need a longer time for infusion (12-14 hours), it is convenient to do this at night;
- bay leaf tincture - the leaf is crushed (you can just break it), placed on the bottom of the jar and filled with vodka. The ratio of the components should be 1:5. Then the container is tightly closed, put in a cupboard for a week, and filtered before use.
How to take bay leaf for diabetes type 1 and 2, tips
The advice on treating diabetes with bay leaf includes the following: if the glucometer shows up to 10 mmol/l, then a quarter of a glass (maximum 100g) of the prepared product 2-3 times during the day is enough, half an hour before the main meal. Glucose readings above this mark indicate an increase in a single dose to 200 ml. A procedure for constant sugar monitoring is mandatory, if necessary, the volume is adjusted. The course of treatment lasts up to three months, then a month-long break is taken. Alcohol tincture is used only after consultation with a doctor, since it can greatly affect glucose levels and even lead to hypoglycemic coma. How much to drink depends on individual influence (on average, 1-2 spoons at a time).
Contraindications
Bay leaf is not as harmless as it seems at first glance. It can cause harm to those with poor blood clotting, those who suffer from constipation. It is undesirable for pregnant women, because it can cause muscle contraction and can lead to miscarriage. Peptic ulcer disease, severe diabetes will also become a barrier to its use. Alcohol tincture is contraindicated in alcoholism.
Reviews
People who have tried the course of treatment for diabetes type 1 and 2 note that sweating and glucose levels decrease, excess weight is lost, tone increases, and overall health improves.