Purpose of Bay Leaves

Cooking

• The slightly bitter and savory flavor of bay leaves are often used in rich dishes typically cooked slowly. Use bay in soups, stews and sauces that can be emboldened by its Mediterranean flavor. Tuck one or two in the pot when cooking seafood or chicken. Beware: Bay leaves should be fished out of dishes before serving.

Decorating

• Take a page from the Greeks, who garlanded their heads with laurel -- bay leaves -- and create a garland to hang in your kitchen. The dark green leaves of fresh bay, which grows in warmer climates, such as California and Florida, are ideal since they have a slightly aromatic scent. When they dry naturally, they'll turn a dusky matte green. Plus they're a natural deterrent to household pests such as ants. Keep in mind that California bay (Umbellularia californica) is not the same as Laurus nobilis. Use it for ornamental purposes, not for cooking.

Medicine

• In the Middle Ages, bay leaves were considered a panacea, and were even used to induce abortion. Today, bay leaves are helpful in treating gastric ulcers and migraines, but according to Healthline, there is little research that points to the medicinal efficacy of bay leaf in treating these particular ailments. On the flipside, though, the United States Department of Agriculture cites research where bay leaves have improved the glucose and lipid profiles in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Other Uses

• Got ants? Get rid of them. The lauric acid in bay acts as an insecticide. Simply crumple up some bay leaves and place them in ants' pathways to repel them. Place some bay leaves in the bottom of your garbage can to deter curious insects and other vermin. Make pomander of bay leaves to hang in the closet to repel moths. Drop a leaf or two in your flour to keep the creepy crawlies at bay.