How to Make Bay Leaf Tea (and What Most People Get Wrong)

Learn how to make bay leaf tea the right way, plus its benefits for digestion, sleep, and the common mistakes to avoid.

Making a hot cup of tea has become a daily ritual for me, one that brings a sense of calm at the end of the day. Recently, I started experimenting with bay leaf tea, something I had only ever used in soups and sauces before.

The first time I made it, I didn’t quite get it right. The flavor was too strong, almost bitter and I nearly gave up on it altogether. But once I adjusted a few small things, it turned into a surprisingly soothing and useful tea, especially after meals or in the evening.

I still love collecting herbs on my walks, like lilac, elderflowers, yarrow, or dandelions and using what I have at home, like lemon balm or spices from the pantry. But bay leaves have quietly become one of the most interesting additions to my tea routine.

What is Bay Leaf Tea?

Bay leaf tea is a simple herbal infusion made by steeping dried or fresh leaves of the bay laurel tree (Laurus nobilis) in boiling water. As the leaves steep, they release a warm, slightly spiced aroma with subtle herbal and woody notes.

Unlike common cooking use, where bay leaves are added to soups and removed, making tea allows you to extract their flavor more gently and drink it on its own.

The result is a light, fragrant tea that can be enjoyed plain or enhanced with ingredients like lemon, ginger, or honey.

Important: Only use culinary bay leaves (Laurus nobilis). Other varieties, such as California bay, have a much stronger flavor and are not ideal for tea.

You can prepare bay leaf tea using whole dried leaves, fresh leaves, or even crushed leaves for a stronger infusion.

If You Enjoy Bay Leaf Tea, Try These Next

Ingredients To Make Laurel Leaf Tea

Bay leaf tea is one of the simplest herbal infusions, you only need:

• 1–2 dried bay leaves (or 2–4 fresh leaves)
• 1 cup of water

Dried leaves have a stronger, more concentrated flavor, while fresh leaves create a lighter, more aromatic tea.

Tip: Lightly crush the leaves before steeping to release more flavor.

Bay leaf tea benefits

Bay Leaf Tea Benefits (How It May Help Soothe Digestion and Relax the Body)

Bay leaf tea has been traditionally used for digestion, relaxation, and overall wellness. While more research is still needed, its natural compounds may offer several gentle benefits when used regularly.

1. Supports Digestion

Bay leaf tea is most commonly used after meals.

It may help reduce bloating, ease mild stomach discomfort, and support smoother digestion

This is likely due to compounds like eugenol, which can help relax the digestive system.

Best time to drink: after heavy meals

2. Promotes Relaxation and Better Sleep

Bay leaves contain aromatic compounds such as linalool, which are known for their calming effects.

A warm cup in the evening may:

• reduce tension
• support relaxation
• help prepare the body for sleep

Best time to drink: evening or before bed

3. Provides Antioxidant Support

Bay leaves contain natural antioxidants that help the body deal with oxidative stress.

While it’s not a “miracle drink,” it can be a simple addition to a balanced routine focused on long-term health.

4. May Support Respiratory Health

Bay leaves contain eucalyptol, a compound also found in eucalyptus.

This may help:

• ease mild congestion
• support clearer breathing

Especially useful during seasonal colds

5. May Help Support Blood Sugar Balance

Some early studies suggest that bay leaves may help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

However, this effect is still being researched, so it’s best seen as a supportive habit rather than a treatment

6. Contributes to Heart Health

Bay leaves provide small amounts of nutrients like potassium, which support normal blood pressure and circulation.

Combined with a healthy lifestyle, this can contribute to overall cardiovascular wellness. I personally find bay leaf tea most useful after a heavier meal. It’s not a strong or overpowering tea, but that’s exactly why I like it—it feels gentle and easy to incorporate into a daily routine.

A Quick Summary

Benefit	When to Drink
Digestion	After meals
Relaxation & sleep	Evening
Respiratory support	During colds
General wellness	Anytime

How to Make Bay Leaf Tea

First step: Prepare Bay Leaves.

Use 1–2 dried bay leaves (or 2–4 fresh leaves) per cup of water.

Gently crush or break the leaves before using them. This helps release their natural oils and improves both flavor and effectiveness.

Second step: Heat the water.

Bring 1–2 cups of water to a gentle boil in a small pot.

Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly before adding the bay leaves.

Third step: Simmer and steep.

Add the bay leaves and let them simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.

Cover the pot while steeping to keep the aromatic compounds from escaping.
The longer it steeps, the stronger (and slightly more bitter) the tea becomes.

Fourth step: Strain the tea

Remove from heat and strain out the leaves using a fine sieve or tea strainer.

Fifth step: Serve and adjust.

Pour into a cup and enjoy warm.

You can keep it simple or add fresh ginger for extra warmth, a slice of lemon or a teaspoon of honey.

Variations of Bay Leaf Tea at Home.

Once you have the basic recipe, you can easily adapt bay leaf tea depending on your mood or needs. Here are a few simple variations I like to use:

Citrus Bay Leaf Tea : Add a few slices of lemon, lime, or orange while the tea is steeping.

• Brightens the flavor
• Makes the tea feel lighter and more refreshing

Best for: morning or after meal

Calming Herbal Blend: Add a sprig of fresh mint and a pinch of chamomile flowers.

• Softens the taste
• Adds a gentle calming effect

Best for: evening or before bed

Spiced Bay Leaf Tea (Warming): Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, or cardamom pods.

• Creates a deeper, warming flavor
• Feels comforting in colder months

Best for: cold days or digestion

Ginger Honey Version (Soothing): Add fresh ginger slices and a teaspoon of honey.

• Adds warmth and mild sweetness
• Pairs well with the natural herbal notes

Best for: after meals or when feeling under the weather

Floral Bay Leaf Tea:  to enhance the tea with delicate floral notes add dried rose petals or lavender buds

• Creates a delicate, slightly floral tea
• Makes it feel more like a relaxing ritual

Best for: slow evenings or quiet moments

Do You Boil Bay Leaves for Tea?

No – bay leaves should not be boiled aggressively.

Instead, add them to hot or just-boiled water and let them steep gently for 5–10 minutes. This allows the flavor to develop without becoming bitter.

If you prefer a stronger tea, you can let the leaves simmer lightly, but avoid exceeding 10 minutes.

Are Fresh or Dried Bay Leaves Better for Tea?

Both fresh and dried bay leaves can be used to make tea, but they create slightly different results.

• Fresh bay leaves produce a lighter, more delicate and aromatic tea
• Dried bay leaves create a stronger, more concentrated flavor

For most people, dried bay leaves work better for tea because they are more consistent and easier to dose.

Fresh vs Dried Bay Leaves (Quick Comparison)

Feature	Fresh Bay Leaves	Dried Bay Leaves
Flavor	Mild, slightly floral	Stronger, more concentrated
Best for tea	Light, subtle infusion	More potent, traditional tea
Quantity	More needed	Less needed
Shelf life	Short	Long (up to 1 year)

What Does Bay Leaf Tea Taste Like?

Bay leaf tea has a warm, herbal flavor with slightly floral and subtly spiced notes.

It is mildly bitter, with earthy and woody undertones, and some people notice a faint natural sweetness.

The taste becomes stronger and more bitter the longer it steeps.

Is Drinking Bay Leaf Tea Safe?

Yes, bay leaf tea is generally safe when consumed in moderation.

However:

• drinking too much may cause mild digestive discomfort
• people with allergies or those taking medication should consult a healthcare professional before regular use

Does Bay Leaf Tea Have Caffeine?

No, bay leaf tea is naturally caffeine-free.

This makes it a good option for:

• evening routines
• those avoiding caffeine
• a calming alternative to black or green tea

How Bay Leaf Tea May Help Soothe a Cough and Support Sinus Relief

Bay leaf tea contains compounds like eucalyptol, which may help soothe a mild cough and support clearer breathing.
It can be especially comforting during seasonal colds or when dealing with mild sinus congestion.

Can herbal Bay Leaf Tea Help with Headaches or Migraines?

Some people find warm herbal teas like bay leaf tea helpful for relaxation, which may indirectly ease tension-related headaches.
However, its effect on migraines is not well established and should not be considered a treatment.

What is West Indian Bay Leaf Tea?

West Indian bay leaf tea is made from a different plant, Pimenta racemosa, native to the Caribbean.

It has a stronger, spicier flavor, often described as clove-like and more intense than traditional bay leaf tea.

While it shares some similar uses, such as supporting digestion and helping soothe mild discomfort, it has a distinctly different aroma and taste.

Browse our full collection of herbal teas here:

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