The Laurel, digestive and anti-inflammatory species

The laurel leaf is a symbol of glory and triumph, used as a motif in the crowns of the Roman emperors, warriors and very outstanding athletes of ancient Greece, from ancient times. The laurel wreath was considered an amulet that protected the wearer from all kinds of evil forces.

The laurel belongs to the family of Lauraceae and can reach a height between 2 and 8 meters. It has flowers that are usually yellowish or white, and olive-like fruit.

Among the trees of its species, the laurel is related to others such as cinnamon and camphor. The part used is the leaves and fruit.

Culinary use

It is usually used in cooking, in combination with other herbs such as oregano, thyme and parsley. The laurel is one of the species most commonly used for seasoning, can be used to flavor meats, stews, soups and other spicy dishes. However, it is generally recommended to remove the leaf before serving the dish.

Properties of laurel

This spice contains essential oils such as cineole, pinene, linalool, gerianol, sabinene, limonene, camphene, and tannins, and lipids; lauric acid glycerides, oleic, palmitic and linoleic.

Thanks to its characteristics, this plant is considered as a powerful pain reliever, as well as anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic. Therefore, it is very common to use to treat sciatica pain, ankle sprains, strains, in which case it is recommended to rub the affected area with the essential oil.

On the other hand, it has excellent diuretic and digestive properties eliminating gases in digestive tract. That is why the laurel is recommended for sluggish digestion.

It is also antiseptic, expectorant, antispasmodic, digestive and appetite stimulant. Also useful is antihaemorrhoidal and worming.

Laurel oil is used as an inflammatory tonic that can be used to combat muscle aches, stiff neck, back pain, sciatica, and even bone pain.

Cosmetic use

The laurel is often used as an ingredient in creams. It is also used to prevent and control hair fall and dandruff problems, a way to use it is by massaging the scalp with essential oil.

Home Remedies

Infusion bay for digestion

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water
• 20 grams of laurel
• A handful of ripe fruits of laurel

Preparation:

1. Place leaves and ripe fruits in water.
2. Bring to boil for 10 minutes to prepare.
3. As an appetizer, a cup, 10 minutes before each meal, and as a digestive, a cup after meal.

Against rheumatism

Ingredients:

• A handful of ripe fruits of laurel
• 1 liter of water

Preparation:

1. Crush the fruit with a mortar.
2. Cover with water and bring them to boil for 10 minutes.
3. Then strain with a cloth and let the liquid cool.
4. Separate layer berries, resembling butter, and apply friction on the painful area.

For muscle aches

Ingredients:

• 30 grams of laurel
• 1 liter of olive oil

Preparation:

1. Let marinate the laurel leaves in the oil for days in the sun.
2. Then, strain the preparation and place in a sealable bottle.
3. Apply the preparation on the painful area, rubbing gently in a massage.

Contraindications

Laurel essential oil should not be taken pure, and much less in the case of pregnancy, lactation or by children. Avoid use if you suffer from gastritis, ulcers, and respiratory allergies. Its external use is considered safe.

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