Laurel: Discover All Its Properties
Laurel is a plant that is used to flavor our dishes. The aroma of its leaves is extremely pleasant, therefore it is ideal to accompany our recipes.
However, bay leaves also possess beneficial properties for our health. Today we discover some that will make this plant an essential element of our diet.
Properties of bay leaves
Bay leaves, as we have said, have many properties. Today we will discover 7. We advise you not to miss the recipe we have prepared for you at the end. It will be of great help to you.
1. Laurel reduces anxiety
According to this study, the substances present in the smoke produced by burning bay leaves have a calming effect on the body and mind.
However, it must be done with caution and after consulting a doctor. In fact, inhaling laurel smoke regularly could even cause hallucinations.
2. Reduces inflammation and promotes muscle relaxation
Bay leaves contain eugenol, a substance that acts as an anti-inflammatory remedy.
Thus, by using the leaves, we can reduce inflammation throughout the body, especially in the joints.
Given its vasoconstrictive effect, it helps regulate blood circulation and relaxes nerve impulses. It is ideal if we suffer from migraines or celafea. It can also relieve neck or shoulder pain.
We can also use it as an oil for a massage on the temple or directly on the affected area. In addition, it plays an important role as a neuroprotector.
3. Strengthens the immune system
Our body needs vitamins and minerals to function well. The eugenol present in laurel acts as an antioxidant and strengthens the immune system.
For this purpose, you can season your recipes with bay leaves, both pulverized and whole, especially when cooled.
4. Helps control diabetes
According to the results of a research conducted in the United States, the consumption of 1-3 grams of bay leaves per day could alleviate some symptoms of type II diabetes.
5. Facilitates the proper functioning of the airways
With the leaves you can prepare a good expectorant remedy, useful for clearing the airways. If you have asthma or allergy problems, it can be of great help.
To achieve this effect, the vapors of the essential oil must be inhaled. But we remind you that inhalation can also lead to complications.
6. Benefits of laurel for the skin
It is an ideal essential oil for skin care : it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Therefore it is prefect for drawn rashes.
7. Helps lower fever
In the presence of a cold, the vapors could be a good solution or alternatively also apply compresses of this oil on the chest. However, there are no scientific studies that support its antipyretic effect.
Laurel oil recipe
Now that you know some of the properties of the leaves, we share with you a recipe for making bay leaf oil yourself. In cases where you wish to strengthen the immune system, you can take it as an infusion.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of bay leaves (5 g)
- 1 cup of sweet almond oil (which has great healing power) (200 g)
utensils - 1 glass jar with a capacity of 200ml
Preparation
- The first thing to do is to wash the glass jar well.
- Then insert the leaves of, making sure they are clean.
- Once the leaves are in place, add the sweet almond oil.
- Close hermetically and leave to macerate for 40 days.
We hope this remedy will be of great help in relieving migraines, poor circulation in the legs or problems with inflammation. Use it as an infusion or as an oil. The benefits will not be long in coming.
