Bay
Bay is derived from the dried leaves of the bay laurel, or laurel, tree. It contains 1,8-cineol, which may be bactericidal, and parthenolides, which may help prevent migraine. Bay lowers the blood glucose level by helping the body use insulin more effectively. It’s available as berries, extracts, leaves, oils, ointments, and soaps.
Benefits And Uses of Bay
Bay is used as an antiseptic and a skin stimulant. It’s also used to treat the common cold, muscle spasms, and rheumatic conditions. Bay has an insect repellent effect. It’s found in some toothpastes because it may help prevent tooth decay.
Administration
Administration of bay isn’t well documented.
Side Effects of Bay
Although bay is primarily used topically, ingestion may be associated with hypoglycemia and asthma. Allergic reactions, which may be severe, may also occur with any mode of administration. Bay may exacerbate the intended therapeutic effects of conventional antidiabetic drugs.
Bay shouldn’t be used internally. Pregnant and breast-feeding patients should avoid use. Patients who are taking an antidiabetic should use bay with caution because it may exacerbate hypoglycemia, disrupting a previously stable antidiabetic regimen.
Clinical considerations
- Internal use may result in allergic reactions, including asthma.
- Monitor patient for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as confusion, dizziness, sweating, and trembling.
- If patient has diabetes, advise him to consult his health care provider before using bay because it can cause hypoglycernia.
- Advise female patient not to use if she’s pregnant or breast-feeding and to notify her health care provider if she be carnes pregnant during bay therapy.
- Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
The concepts behind the use of bay and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.
Tagged under:asthma bay bay bay bay benefits bay uses blood glucose level breast feeding Herbs tooth decay Posted by editor on August 26th, 2007 | Filed under Herbs
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