The Wild Leaf of Vietnam: Unassuming Herb Becomes a Global Sensation with a 300% Export Surge, a Rare Medicinal Treasure Few Nations Can Boast.

According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, the country’s export turnover of various leaves in Q1 2025 reached $3.4 million, a 62.5% increase compared to Q1/2024. Notably, Vietnam earned $598,000 from exporting bay leaves, witnessing a triple-digit growth of 332% year-on-year.

Bay leaves, originating from the Mediterranean, are the leaves of the laurel tree. The tree is native to India, Pakistan, other Southeast Asian countries, some Pacific islands, Australia, the Mediterranean shores, and Southern Europe, including Greece, Portugal, France, Turkey, Spain, Algeria, Morocco, Belgium, Central America, Mexico, the Southern United States, and the Canary Islands.

Bay leaves are consumed in various ways and serve multiple purposes. Apart from fresh leaves, other popular forms include dried whole leaves, frozen leaves, powder, and essential oil extracts. Bay leaves can be harvested at any time of the year from a fully mature tree. Fresh bay leaves have a bitter and pungent taste, so they need to be dried before use.

Bay leaves are not unfamiliar to many Vietnamese, as they are used in the broth of pho, a popular traditional dish. With a spicy, bitter, and aromatic flavor, bay leaves are commonly used for marinating, stir-frying, seasoning, and removing the fishy smell from meat and fish. In cooking, bay leaves help stimulate the taste buds and enhance the flavor of stews, soups, and curries.

Moreover, bay leaves are an essential ingredient in tea, oil, cheese, and wine, and their essential oil is utilized in the cosmetics industry for soap, perfume, processed foods, beverages, and dental products.

In terms of health benefits, bay leaves contain two anti-inflammatory components, mycrene and eugenol, which easily vaporize when exposed to fire. Therefore, burning bay leaves and inhaling the smoke can help reduce respiratory inflammation. The essential oil of bay leaves cleanses the lungs, reduces lung congestion, clears the airways, and facilitates smooth breathing. People with asthma, allergies, or respiratory problems can burn and inhale bay leaves to improve their condition.

In the domestic market, dried bay leaves are sold by agricultural companies, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms, ranging in price from VND 50,000 to 80,000 per 100 grams. Meanwhile, in American supermarkets, bay leaves are priced between VND 500,000 and 2,000,000 per kilogram.