Bay Leaf and Salt Bath for Spiritual Cleansing and Prayer

Bay leaf is the dried leaf of the bay laurel tree. In ancient Greece the laurel was sacred to Apollo and linked with purification at Delphi, which is one reason it still carries a meaning of cleansing and victory. Salt has its own long story in the Bible, from the covenant of salt to Elisha healing the waters of Jericho with salt in 2 Kings 2:21.

Put together, many people in Nigeria, Ghana and beyond use bay leaf and salt water as a prayer bath: to wash off heaviness, bad dreams or a feeling of bad luck, and to start fresh. This page explains how people prepare it, what they pray, and how to keep your skin safe.

What you need

• 5 to 10 dry bay leaves (the kind sold in markets and supermarkets for cooking)
• 1 to 2 litres of clean water
• A pot for boiling
• A pinch to half a teaspoon of salt (many prefer sea salt)
• A clean bucket or bowl kept for prayer baths
• A small strainer
• Your Bible, if you pray with scripture

How to prepare a bay leaf and salt bath

Most people boil the leaves, cool the water, add a little salt, then use it as a final rinse.

1. Rinse the bay leaves to remove dust.
2. Boil them in 1 to 2 litres of water for about 10 minutes. The water turns light brown and smells sweet.
3. Turn off the heat and let it cool until it is warm, not hot.
4. Strain out the leaves.
5. Stir in a pinch of salt. Some people pray over the salt before adding it.
6. Pour the bay leaf water into your clean bucket. Add plain water if you want more volume.
7. Have your normal bath with soap first, then rinse well.
8. Pour the bay leaf and salt water over your body from the neck down while you pray. Many people avoid pouring it on the face and eyes.
9. Many people do not rinse it off and let the body air dry, or pat dry gently with a clean towel.

Some people grind dry bay leaves into powder and soak the powder in hot water instead. Others leave the leaves to soak overnight. The method matters less to most believers than the prayer.

Bay leaf spiritual bath prayer

Pray in your own words, or use these as a guide while you pour the water.

"Lord, as this water touches my body, wash me from every heaviness and every evil word spoken over me. Let every bad dream and every bad luck around me be cleared away. Make me clean and new. In Jesus' name, amen."

"Father, You healed the waters by the hand of Elisha. Let Your word heal my life, my work and my home. Let favour follow me from today. In Jesus' name, amen."

"I receive peace, clarity and a fresh start. Every door that was closed against me, open by the power of God. Amen."

Psalms people read with a bay leaf bath

Psalm 51 is the most common choice because of its prayer for cleansing.

"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:7, KJV)

• Psalm 51: forgiveness and a clean heart.
• Psalm 23: peace and the Lord as shepherd.
• Psalm 91: protection.
• Psalm 121: help and keeping.
• Psalm 35: often read by people who feel under spiritual attack.

When to take a bay leaf and salt bath

There is no fixed rule. People choose times that mean something to them.

• Early morning, before the day starts
• The first day of a new month or a new year
• After a bad dream or a frightening experience
• Before an interview, exam, business meeting or trip
• After a funeral or a season of sorrow
• During a personal fast or prayer week

Many people bathe once, or for three or seven days in a row. Seven is popular because of its meaning of completeness in the Bible.

What people believe a bay leaf and salt bath does

These are beliefs people share, not proven effects.

• Clears a feeling of heaviness, dullness or bad luck
• Protects against evil eye and negative words
• Brings peace of mind and better sleep
• Opens the way for favour, open doors and success
• Marks a clean start after a hard season

What is certain is that the bath is warm, fragrant and calming, and prayer time itself helps many people feel settled.

Is a bay leaf bath safe for the skin?

For most people a weak bay leaf and salt rinse is mild, but skin can react to any plant. Take these simple steps.

• Patch test first. Dab a little cooled water on your inner arm and wait 24 hours. Skip the bath if you see redness, itching or rash.
• Keep salt light. A pinch is enough. Do not bathe in very salty water if your skin is broken, cut, or has eczema, because salt stings and can dry the skin.
• Check the heat. Let boiled water cool well before it touches you, especially for children.
• Keep it out of the eyes. Pour from the neck down.
• Do not drink it. It is for bathing only.
• Use fresh water each time. Throw away leftover bay leaf water after a day.

This is faith practice, not medical advice. If you are sick, or a rash does not go away, see a doctor.

Other cleansing baths people use

Bay leaf is one of many leaves used this way. You can read about scent leaf bath for protection, garlic and sea salt and how to wash away bad luck from your body. For prayer with salt alone, see how to pray with salt, candle and psalms.

Frequently asked questions

How many bay leaves do I need for a spiritual bath?

Most people use 5 to 10 dry leaves in 1 to 2 litres of water. More leaves give a stronger smell but are not needed.

Can I bathe with bay leaf and salt every day?

Some people do it daily for a set period, like seven days. If your skin becomes dry or itchy, stop and use plain water.

What do I say when bathing with bay leaves?

Pray in your own words for cleansing, peace and favour. Many people read Psalm 51 or Psalm 23 while pouring the water.

Should I rinse off after a bay leaf bath?

Many people let it dry on the body, while others rinse with plain water. If you have sensitive skin, rinsing is the safer choice.

Can I add other things to a bay leaf and salt bath?

Some people add scent leaf, a little honey or a few drops of lemon. Add one thing at a time so you know what your skin reacts to.

Is a bay leaf bath against Christianity?

Christians differ. Many see the bath as a simple point of contact while their faith is in God alone, and the Bible itself uses water, salt and hyssop as signs of cleansing.