Herbs In Ghana: Bay Leaves

Today's post brings out another common herb found easily in the market. It is mainly used in preparing soups and stews and has a very strong sweet aroma.

Description
Bay leaves are about 1 to 3 inches long and are oval with pointed ends. The leaves are shiny with dark green tops and are a lighter green underneath.
For Dandruff
For the divas searching for a remedy for dandruff, use Bay leaf tea.

1. Boil a quart of water, the remove the pot from the stove and add about 3 teaspoons of crushed bay leaves. 
2. Cover the pot and steep until cool.
3. Pour some in the hair after shampooing and rinsing, and massage into the head for a few minutes.
4. For best results, leave it in for an hour before rewashing hair.Each time you wash your hair you can use the bay leaf mixture as a soothing rinse that will help eliminate dandruff. 

Bay Essential Oil

• Aides in hair growth
• Provides dull, lifeless hair with luster and shine.
• Curbs dandruff problems.

Bay Oil Infusion

1. Wash and dry all the leaves carefully.
2. Put half of the bay leaves and all the oil in a container with a tight lid. (I use glass jars that are hermetically closed with a rubber seals.
3. Put the container in a pan, and fill the pan up to 2cm from the top of the jar/container
4. Bring to the boil and simmer slowly for 2 hours. Allow to cool slightly and strain. Discard the used bay leaves
5. Refill the container with the fresh bay leaves, cover with the strained oil, replace the lid tightly and return to the bain marie. Top up the water as necessary. Simmer gently for another 2 hours.
6. Cool slightly, and pour through a strainer (Any watery green liquid at the bottom of the oil must be separated and discarded, or it will spoil the oil).
7. Then pour the oil into clean bottles or jars(make sure they are sterilised), and label and date them. Store in a cool, dark place and it will keep for a year.

Where To Buy Bay Leaves
Your usual spices sellers have this product (They also call it Bay leaves).

CAUTION: If you are pregnant, consult with your physician first before using any herb.



References:
http://www.ehow.com/facts_7569960_properties-bay-leaves.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/185905-essential-oils-for-black-hair/
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1479642/infused-bay-oil