The Bay Leaves of The Laurel Tree
This plant is a complete pharmacy.
Following my habit of writing about Natural Medicine, today I am going to comment on the properties and benefits of bay leaves, so that my readers think twice before embarking on long and not very advisable chemical treatments, which in the end cure very little or nothing, but create another health problem due to the accumulated substances.
I have made it clear several times, I am not against our wonderful advances in Medicine, from drugs to technology, but I express my total opposition to alleviate small ailments or disorders based on chemistry, when they can be cured with plants, herbs, barks or roots without leaving a trace.
The Origin of the laurel tree.
What we call bay leaves belong to a large tree (laurel), which can reach almost 30 feet (about 9 meters), being native to the Mediterranean area, where it grows freely in humid areas with little sunlight. This plant is easy to grow and highly beneficial for the human body, so it is possible to find it in many parts of the world, where according to customs and beliefs it is used as a spice or condiment, as a medicinal plant, and even as a talisman to attract good luck.
The bay leaves are thick, sometimes large and greenish in color. The tree also has yellowish flowers, which give off a very pleasant aroma. Due to its aromatic qualities, the laurel tree is now highly appreciated in different industries, such as culinary and medicinal. In the first, it has been used as a spice since the beginning of our calendar, for which it is necessary to dry its leaves, otherwise they would be toxic.
Attention: fresh bay leaves are harmful.
The development of the medicinal plant industry also brought a great appreciation for bay leaves, undoubtedly due to their extraordinary components that improve health and cure many common gastric ailments, among others we will mention later.
On the Internet you can see a lot of information regarding the benefits of this plant, and you can buy pre-packaged products on various e-commerce platforms. However, I always try to look for herbs in small bags in herbalists to make my infusions when I want. Everyone knows what they like and what suits them best.
Bay leaves in the kitchen.
Among the many spices found in all kitchens, bay leaves -like other seasonings such as oregano, thyme, and cumin-, are an indispensable ingredient to give flavor and a pleasant aroma to many dishes of all types of food.
For those who eat meat and its stews with fat, there is good news: bay leaves convert triglycerides (1) into mono saturated fats. Excellent, isn’t it?
Bay leaves in Natural Medicine.
If in addition to being a pleasant spice, we regularly take an infusion of bay leaves, we will strengthen our health immensely, because having this plant at home is like owning a pharmacy.
Recent scientific studies have shown the laurel is a very beneficial plant, loaded with properties that greatly improve our health and a large accumulation of nutrients that benefit the body. With its help a person can get rid of many ailments and even serious diseases.
Regarding its nutritional value, we can say bay leave have protein, carbohydrates, fiber, water, essential oil and zero cholesterol; plus minerals such as iron, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium. We can add, in order of importance, vitamins B3, B2 and B1.
Let’s detail what bay leaves are good for.
Bay laurel is good for the digestive system. Two of its components, cineol and eugenol, are the ones that give the laurel its main property: to facilitate digestion. They also prevent heartburn and reduce gases present in the digestive tract causing so much discomfort. Additionally, these same active ingredients have the property of improving and stimulating the appetite, so the infusion of laurel is recommended before the main meal.
Bay laurel is good for the respiratory system. Its expectorant properties are a natural remedy to clear the airways due to flus and colds, and even helps to treat allergy and asthma problems, promoting good breathing. You can make a large infusion and inhale the laurel as you would eucalyptus or drink it in a cup calmly.
Bay laurel is good for the kidneys. This plant is also beneficial for the kidneys because it is diuretic and sudorific; that is, it favors the elimination of liquids. But, in addition, through the elimination of liquids we not only eliminate toxins, but also reduce the presence of uric acid in our body.
Bay laurel is good for the skin. As bay leaves has an oil rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, its topical use can favor the appearance of the skin due to its moisturizing effects. It can also be used to treat certain skin conditions caused by fungi, as well as bumps, burns, ulcers, abscesses or acne.
Bay laurel is good for the immune system. Being a source of antioxidants, bay laurel helps to increase defenses and protect the body against harmful external agents. This boosts the immune system.
Bay laurel is good for regulating menstruation, which helps women with the unpleasant monthly cramps. (I wish I had known this when I was younger). And to make it clear why the laurel is a whole pharmacy, this plant regulates blood sugar, so diabetics are in luck.
To finish, bay laurel has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and vasoconstrictive properties, which reduces inflammation and relaxes muscles; it eliminates bacteria, preventing infections; and it helps with circulatory problems and some liver ailments.
Other uses of laurel.
Some esoteric books mention that laurel has magical properties. For example, when bay leaves are burned, it cleanses negative energies around it. It is also supposed to activate clairvoyance.
I have read laurel is used for healing, protection, love, and success. In other words, it can be a good practice to carry some bay leaves in your wallet so you don’t run out of money; to go to a date or a job interview with these leaves in your pocket; or to have a laurel tree in your garden to protect your house. Also, as we have mentioned before, to take an infusion to heal some part of our body.
How to use bay leaves.
Besides using it to cook our favorite dishes, a laurel tea serves many purposes, from digestive to balance the body in many aspects.
It is normal to take an infusion of bay leaves at the time we feel like it, before or after eating, or when we sit down to watch TV or read. We can also sip a bay leaf tea while doing other activities around the house, from household chores to gardening.
As always, the infusion should be made by putting a cup and a half of water to boil and then add the bay leaves, leaving the boiling for a couple of minutes
Also as always, go little by little, feeling how our body reacts. You should start with 2 leaves, and if all goes well and you desire it, go up gradually to 5 leaves. An excess of an herb, flower, bark, or leaf can cause vomiting.
So, . . . moderation.
(1) Triglycerides are esters formed by glycerol and three groups of fatty acids. Triglycerides are the main constituents of natural fats and oils, and elevated concentrations in the blood indicate an elevated risk of stroke.
