I was making up grandmother’s bed and found a few bay leaves under her pillow.  At first, I thought they were accidentally there.  But then I found out that every night before going to bed, grandmother places a bay leaf under her pillow. 

Honestly, I was shocked, but it turns out that a simple bay leaf helps grandmother a lot.  Follow the link in the comments to learn what the bay leaf is used for. 

Bay leaf under the pillow. What is it? A superstition? A ritual? Or maybe just a tried-and-true life hack for a good night’s sleep? Let’s find out.

 Bay leaf: from ancient Greek legends to our pillows

The bay tree has long been considered sacred. In Ancient Greece, the bay became a symbol of victory thanks to the myth of the beautiful nymph Daphne.

When the god Apollo fell in love with her, she begged the earth to hide her, and she transformed into a bay tree. Since then, Apollo has worn a laurel wreath, and the plant became associated with glory, strength, and protection.

 Why place the bay leaf under the pillow?

Our grandmothers knew a lot about natural magic and folk medicine. Placing bay leaves under the pillow is not just a superstition. This practice had concrete benefits:

• Better sleep: Bay has a mild sedative effect. Its aroma calms the nervous system and helps you fall asleep faster.

• Sleep without anxiety and nightmares: It was believed that the bay repels bad dreams and night fears.

• Attracting luck and success: The symbolism of the bay is victory, luck, and well-being. According to the belief, if you make a wish and place three bay leaves under your pillow, the wish may come true.

• Remembering dreams: Bay helps not only to have vivid dreams but also to remember them.

 Modern bay leaf life hacks

If you’d like to try the old practice in the 21st century, here are a few tips:

• Aromatic sachet: Instead of just a leaf under the pillow, you can sew a small pouch with dried bay leaves and add a few drops of bay essential oil.

• Bay bath: Add a few bay leaves to the hot bathwater in the evening.

• Meditation with bay: Hold a leaf in your hands during meditation or breathing exercises. Imagine how anxiety fades away with the aroma.