I chewed a dried bay leaf.....and i felt something I cannot explain,euphoria?

Question

This was probably why this leaf was used by the ancient Greeks as the cure for all?

Answer 1

I have never chewed a bay leaf before. I've used them so many times but have never felt this "euphoria" feeling before. You have me intrigued now. I'll try it. Thanks!

Answer 2

There are two different types of Bay leaves in the market. There are:

Mediteranean Bay Leaves:Laurus nobilis Is typically found in the, say it with me now, Mediteranean area of the world. They've been around for quite some time, having been popular in Greece and Italy. In fact, the wreaths of laurel that adorned Olympic winners were made of these little leaves.
California Bay Leaves: California bay tree produces this leave and is also known as 'California laurel', 'Oregon myrtle', or 'pepperwood'. It is similar to the Mediterranean bay, but has a stronger flavor. It's genus name is the Umbellularia californica.
The most common form of bay leaf as an herb is the dried whole leaf. Dried leaves are typically less bitter than those fresh off the tree.

There's some who think that Bay Leaves are poisonous, but this is simply not the case. Whole Bay Leaves are often removed from dishes, as the sharp edges of the leaves are reputed to cause intestinal distress.

After having a taste, I can describe it's flavor as a very bitter flavor, with a hint of an earthy mint tea. It's a flavor that goes well when pared with artichokes, beet, celery root, chicken, corned beef, fish, potatoes, duck, roast pork and tomato sauce. Use them in soups, sauces, marinades and stews.

Technorati Tags: Herbs, Bay Leaves

Answer 3

I don't know about the euphoria part, but eating the dried leaves is not good for you. Just like eating raw pasta.. the sharpness doesn't have enough time to soften up in your stomach before it goes into your intestines.. it can poke a hole in your intestines and you can get peritenitis.

Answer 4

A Bay leaf is a type of Laurel, and is mildly toxic if eaten. You are OK to put them in a soup/stew, but I would not recommend eating them

Answer 5

Ive never heard of that. Are we talking about he same leaf? Ive put it in soups and haven't had that high your talking about. Now Marijuana on the other hand....................I would fully expect that type of question from that but not Bay leaf.

Answer 6

I recently brought a bag back from Trinidad where they grow wild and use them in everything from porridge to tea to miso soup. I chew them too to suck out what's left. Don't swallow though. They have lots of medicinal value

Answer 7

I always add bay leaves to my spaghetti sauce and my ex husband always used to say, "be sure you take those leaves out...they're poisonous and aren't edible." Of course I believed him. To this day I don't know if it's true or not, so maybe they are poisonous and the euphoria you're feeling is....well....poison??!!

Answer 8

Chewing Bay Leaves