Noble bay is one of the relict evergreen trees (shrubs) with a dense crown. In nature, the life expectancy of these shrubs is hundreds of years. Bay leaves, which are now sold everywhere, are grown on special plantations. The birthplace of this plant is the Mediterranean coast.
The leaves are harvested in the cold season (November-February). They are collected from plants that have reached the age of 3 years. The leaves are removed with part of the branches and dried under awnings, laying out in a thin layer. After they have completely dried, the leaves break off and are placed in bags. Bay leaves in dry and ventilated areas are stored for several years. Essential oil is obtained from fresh leaves. It has found application in medicine and in perfumery.
Bay leaf has a rich chemical composition. Essential oil gives it a unique, specific aroma. The leaves contain many organic acids, such as valerianic, caproic, and acetic. They are also rich in volatile and fatty acids, therefore they have excellent antibacterial properties. They have tannins and various trace elements.
Laurel leaf for medicinal purposes was used in ancient times, as it has antimicrobial, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, diuretic, soothing and astringent properties. Laurel is used to improve the digestion process and increase appetite. It enriches the taste and aroma of the finished food.
In alternative medicine, a tool such as bay leaf will help get rid of various problems, since even after drying all its medicinal properties are preserved. The problem of an unpleasant odor or inflammatory process in the oral cavity (gingivitis, stomatitis) can be solved by periodically chewing a piece of bay leaf. After this procedure, one hour you can not eat food and drinks.
Bay leaf infusion is used as a means to lower blood sugar. This infusion is also recommended for rheumatoid arthritis (anti-inflammatory agent), for immunostimulation in tuberculosis, as an antibacterial agent for various diseases. To prepare it, pour 10 cups of laurel with three glasses of boiling water. You need to insist 3 hours. Reception of the infusion is made 100 ml three times a day.
A very effective tool for the treatment of acute pain in the ear is its instillation by a decoction of these leaves. To do this, 3 leaves are steamed 50 ml of boiling water. The broth is insisted for 3 hours, and then instilled in the ear a few drops four times a day.
Bay leaf will help for the disinfection of rooms in which sick people are. A decoction of laurel leaves is poured into a flat bowl and left in the room for several hours. The phytoncide substances secreted by the hot broth completely clear the room of pathogenic microbes.
You can easily make homemade laurel oil. To do this, 2 tbsp. Ground leaves need to be mixed with 200 ml of vegetable oil. The resulting mixture is well mixed and insisted for a week in a dark place. The infused oil is filtered, and then used externally in the treatment of various skin diseases, pressure sores and diaper rash.
Bay leaf - a good tool to eliminate severe sweating of the arms and legs. To do this, prepare an infusion of 30 leaves, which are steamed with 200 ml of boiling water and left to infuse for 3 hours. The finished infusion is poured into a wide vessel with warm water, in which they make a bath for hands and feet.
Bay leaf, contraindications: can not be used during pregnancy, lactation, exacerbations of renal diseases, heart and liver diseases.