Laurel leaf - not only a seasoning, but also a medicinal product

Noble laurel is one of the relict evergreen trees( shrubs), which have a dense crown. In nature, the life span of these shrubs is hundreds of years. The bay leaf, which is now sold everywhere, is grown on special plantations. The native land of this plant is the Mediterranean coast.

Leaves are collected during the cold season( November-February).They are collected from plants that have reached the age of 3 years. The leaves are removed with a part of the branches and dried under canopies, laying out a thin layer. After their complete drying, the leaves are cut off and placed in bags. The bay leaf in dry and ventilated rooms is stored for several years. Essential oil is obtained from fresh leaves. It has found application in medicine and perfumery.

The Bay Leaf has a very rich chemical composition. Essential oil gives it a unique, specific flavor. The leaves contain many organic acids, such as valerian, kapron, acetic. They are also rich in phytoncides and fatty acids, so they have excellent antibacterial properties. They have tannins and various microelements.

The laurel leaf was used for medicinal purposes in antiquity, as it has antimicrobial, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, diuretic, soothing and astringent properties. Laurel is used to improve the digestive process and increase appetite. It enriches the taste and aroma of ready-made food.

In non-traditional medicine, such a tool as a laurel leaf will help to 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 such a procedure, one hour can not eat food and drinks.

Infusion from bay leaves is used as a means to lower blood sugar. This infusion is also recommended for rheumatoid arthritis( anti-inflammatory drug), for immunostimulation with tuberculosis, as an antibacterial agent for various diseases. For its preparation, three glasses of boiling water are poured into 10 leaves of the laurel. You need to insist for 3 hours. The infusion is 100 ml three times a day.

A very effective remedy for the treatment of acute pain in the ear is its instillation with the decoction of these leaves. To do this, 3 leaves are steamed 50ml of boiling water. The broth is insisted for 3 hours, and then instilled in the ear a few drops four times a day.

Laurel leaf will help to disinfect the premises where sick people are. Decoction of laurel leaves poured into a flat dish and left indoors for several hours. The phytoncidal substances released by the hot broth will completely clear the room of pathogens.

Homemade laurel oil can easily be made. To do this, 2 tablespoons of ground leaves must be mixed with 200 ml of vegetable oil. The resulting mixture is well mixed and insisted a week in a dark place. Constant oil is filtered, and then applied externally in the treatment of various skin diseases, pressure sores and diaper rash.

A laurel leaf is a good remedy for the elimination of severe sweating of hands and feet. To do this, prepare an infusion of 30 leaves, which steal 200ml of boiling water and leave to infuse for 3 hours. Ready infusion poured into a wide vessel with warm water, in which they make a bath for hands and feet.

Bay leaf, contraindications to use: can not be used in pregnancy, lactation, exacerbations of kidney diseases, heart disease and liver.