«The laurel it is one of the most powerful medicinal plants that exist: I'll tell you this to make you understand better.” Plants and the plant world are truly Dr.'s passion Ciro Dressedphytotherapeutic doctor, who in his latest book Small botanical pharmacypublished by BUR Rizzoli, explained the natural remedies for the most common ailments.
After asking him about the benefits ofgarlic and gods legumesthis time we wanted to explore together the virtues oflaurelperennial shrub very widespread in the Mediterranean scrub, native to Southern Asia, already known at the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, when it encircled the heads of the winners in sporting events or distinguished the wise and learned. Hence, the custom of placing it on the heads of those who completed their academic and university studies, calling them graduates (from Laurus nobilisLatin name of the laurel or better known as laurel).
«You must know that a few centuries ago, when ours farmers in Puglia harvested olivesthey built pyramids of it – says Vestita – If the neighbor wasn't on good terms or wanted to do a big prank, it was enough for him throw a few bay berries into the pile to waste several quintals of harvest. This is to make you understand the power of the essential oils contained in this plant.”
Usually, of thelaurel the leaves and berries are used. Bay leaf has a spicy, bitter flavor and contains flavonoids, tannins, eugenol, citric acid, carbohydrates, steroids, alkaloids, triterpenoids and essential oils. Note that a low caloric value. It is also known as a good source of vitamin A and many mineral salts. 30 grams of bay leaf can provide 54 calories, of which: 1–1.2 g of proteins, 12–13 g of carbohydrates, a trace of fat, 1–1.5 mg of iron (Fe), 51–53 mg of calcium (Ca), 2000–3000 IU of vitamin A, 14-15 mg of vitamin C and a small amount of potassium.
There are a number of curious beliefs associated with the historical use of bay leaf. For example, it is said that the roof of the temple of Delphi, dedicated to Apollo, was made of laurel leaves and that the priestesses should eat it before pronouncing their oracles, a custom related to slightly narcotic properties of the laurel.
Not only that: the ancient civilizations that developed in the Mediterranean claimed that this tree radiated protective power and prevent misfortunes; for this reason, it was planted near houses to keep lightning away.
The ancient Greeks and Romans not only used it to award a prestigious recognition to their respected citizens, poets, heroes and priests, but they slept with bay leaves around their heads to encourage psycho-creative activities during sleep.
Even in eastern cultures, laurel was recognized as a plant with superpowers: i Chinese they believed that for remove negative influences, the decoction based on bay leaves could be used, while keeping some leaves in the mojo protection bags can help to keep away negative interference from other people.
Laurel is a plant rich in antioxidant properties: a small quantity is enough to immediately obtain immediate benefits. «Ancient civilizations already knew about them diuretic and digestive properties: it was enough to get one bay leaf herbal tea to deflate tired legs and drain excess liquids – explains Vestita – For example, here is an easy recipe to give relief to hands and feet with a maniluvium it's a foot bath to do at home. Take a large saucepan and fill it with water, about 3 litres. When it boils, add a handful of bay leaves to obtain a decoction, which you will leave to macerate for about 20 minutes. When the water has an acceptable temperature for you, immerse your hands first and then your feet: you will feel immediate benefits to your limbs, they will feel lighter and deflated, due to the substances that penetrate through the skin. Laurel decoction is also very powerful forExternal treatment of arthritis».
Other immediate uses, known and recognized since ancient times? For cure headaches, Enough bring a bay leaf close to your nostrils or tuck one into a hair band to ease the pain. Traditionally, it has also been used for treatment of gastrointestinal problems such as digestive disorders, flatulence, belching and epigastric bloating: enough toadd a few bay leaves or berries to the dishes to give more taste, but also to aid the digestion of food.
Laurel and its uses in the herbal and food fields are safe for most people in modest amounts. If ingested, the entire bay leaf cannot be digested, therefore remains intact during passage through the digestive system.
There is scientific evidence of interference in two cases: bay leaf could hinder blood sugar control and may not be safe to use during diabetes treatment. Furthermore, there are fears that it might slow down the central nervous system too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Hence, it is recommended to stop using bay leaf as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
In the end, there is not enough reliable information on the safety of taking bay leaves during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to consult your doctor to understand if it can be a valid therapeutic aid.
Source: Vanity Fair
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