I Tried Sleeping with Bay Leaves Under My Pillow

I’ll admit it — the first time I heard about putting bay leaves under your pillow, I thought it sounded odd. Why would anyone do that? But the more I looked into it, the more I realized this simple tradition has history, spirituality, and even modern-day benefits. Low effort, slightly spooky, and kind of intriguing? Count me in.

So why do people tuck bay leaves under their pillows? Usually for one of three reasons: to enhance dreams, protect against negative energy, or attract good vibes. Let’s break it down.

A Leaf with History

Bay leaves come from the laurel tree. Ancient Greeks and Romans considered them sacred. Those leafy crowns you’ve seen on Olympic champions or Roman emperors? Laurel. They symbolized triumph, wisdom, and protection.

Bay leaves weren’t just decorative. People used them in rituals and ceremonies. They were believed to ward off bad energy, improve clarity, and even aid prophecy. Over time, placing them under your pillow became a way to connect with those ancient traditions in your sleep.

Boost Your Dreams

One popular reason to use bay leaves is to enhance dreams. Some say they make dreams more vivid, even prophetic. The Greeks linked bay leaves to Apollo, the god of prophecy.

People often write questions or intentions on a bay leaf, place it under their pillow, and hope for answers in dreams. I tried it myself. I didn’t wake up with magical insights, but my dreams felt slightly more vivid. Maybe it’s placebo — maybe not. Either way, it’s fascinating to experiment.

A Simple Shield

Bay leaves also symbolize protection. Historically, they were believed to guard against evil spirits and bad luck. Today, slipping a leaf under your pillow can feel like creating a small bubble of positivity.

Even if you’re not spiritual, this simple act can be comforting. It’s a tiny ritual that gives a sense of calm before bed.

Attract Luck and Love

Some people use bay leaves to attract good luck, love, or abundance. You can write a wish or goal on a leaf and keep it under your pillow to “manifest” it.

I tried this with a personal goal. Whether the leaf magically worked or not didn’t matter. The act of writing and focusing my intention felt grounding. It gave me a moment of reflection at the end of the day.

Tips for Trying It Yourself

• Use dry leaves from your spice rack to avoid staining your pillow.

• Clean and flat leaves work best.

• Write intentions if you want to combine the ritual with goal-setting.

Even if you’re skeptical, it’s a simple, harmless practice. It’s less about magic and more about creating a quiet moment before bed. Plus, bay leaves give off a gentle, calming aroma.

Why Not Give It a Try?

Whether you want more vivid dreams, a sense of protection, or just a small bedtime ritual, bay leaves can add a touch of history and mindfulness to your night. At worst, it’s a fun story to tell. At best, you might wake up feeling a little refreshed — or at least curious about what dreams await.