bay leaves are very good for purification spells, banishing of spirits, and deposession. Bay leaves are best used crushed and dried, used in one of three methods: sprinkling crushed leaves around the area, burning leaves over charcoal as an incense, or casting them into boiling water for an infusion, which can either be left as is, or the infusion spread around the area. a branch of bay hung over a door can keep evil from entering.