“I found bay leaves under her pillow—and she put them there on purpose.” 🌿💤 My grandmother’s quiet ritual turned out to be more than just superstition. From calmer sleep to clearer dreams, this old trick might be the bedtime secret you never knew you needed. Full story and how to try it yourself — in the article below 👇
While helping my grandmother make her bed one day, I found a few bay leaves hidden under her pillow. At first, I thought it was a mistake — maybe they just ended up there by accident. But then she told me she puts them there on purpose, every single night before going to sleep.
Honestly, I was surprised. But it turns out a simple bay leaf really helps her — and not just in some symbolic way.
Bay Leaves Under the Pillow — Old Belief or Smart Habit?
What is it exactly — a superstition? A ritual? Or maybe a clever trick passed down through generations?
The laurel tree, where bay leaves come from, has been considered special since ancient times. In Greek mythology, it became a symbol of strength and protection after the story of Daphne — a nymph who turned into a laurel tree to escape the god Apollo. From then on, Apollo wore a laurel crown, and the plant was seen as a sign of honor and power.
Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers often knew things modern science is just now catching up with. Putting bay leaves under your pillow isn’t just about old beliefs — it actually has a few interesting effects:
Better sleep – The scent of bay leaves can have a calming effect on the nervous system. It helps you relax and fall asleep more easily.
Fewer bad dreams – People used to believe bay leaves protect from nightmares and negative energy.
Good luck and wishes – Laurel is a symbol of victory and success. Folklore says if you make a wish and place three bay leaves under your pillow, it might come true.
Dream recall – Some believe the smell helps you not just dream more clearly, but remember what you saw when you wake up.
If you’re curious to try this out yourself, here are a few updated ideas:
Aroma pouch – Instead of putting loose leaves under your pillow, sew a tiny cloth pouch with a few dried bay leaves. Add a drop of bay essential oil for extra scent.
Bay leaf bath – Add a couple of bay leaves to your hot bath in the evening. It smells great and may help you relax.
Meditation tool – Hold a bay leaf while meditating or doing deep breathing. Imagine your stress fading away with every breath.
Thanks for reading! Have you ever tried a remedy or ritual passed down from your family? Tell us in the comments — maybe your tip will help someone else sleep better tonight!
