Laurel: properties and benefits of the plant sacred to the god Apollo
Many foods and plants or herbs that are normally used in cooking also have a beneficial effect on our body. In fact, there are foods whose properties are able to provide us with benefits that we often do not even know exist. These benefits can benefit both our health and our beauty.
In this list of super food, could not miss the laurel, which with its leaves and berries proves to be a powerful ally of the intestine and beyond.
A little history of the laurel
The Laurus nobilis, commonly called laurel, is a plant known since ancient times. It is part of the family of Lauraceae and is native to Asia Minor, although it spread very soon also in Europe, especially in the Mediterranean regions. It was well known in Greece because it was considered the sacred plant to Apollo, in honor of his impossible love with the nymph Daphne who became a laurel for escape the courtship of the god. Furthermore, it was said that its leaves had divinatory power and that they were able to keep diseases away. It is therefore not surprising that the priests of Delphi, seat of the oracle of Apollo, used the leaves of laurel to establish communication with the gods.
Even in ancient Rome, laurel boasts a long tradition. It represented victory, glory and triumph. It was the plant with which the crowns to be given to the victorious generals and commanders were intertwined, but also the one used to celebrate the great poets. Not surprisingly, even today, the laurel wreath has remained as a symbol and emblem of those who graduate , a word that recalls the term "laurus". Whoever graduates, in fact, is as if he reached a great goal equal to a victory, that is, that of the conclusion of the course of study.
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Its properties
As already mentioned, since ancient times the laurel has not only represented a symbol, but was also considered as a beneficial plant with extraordinary healing properties. Thanks to in-depth modern studies, it was found that the laurus nobilis is a real ally for our body for its nutritional and active principles.
First of all, it is good to say that 100 grams of bay leaves contain about 310 calories, but we do not consume it by eating its leaves or berries. Its traditional use is as an aroma in various recipes, but which is then promptly removed from dishes before being served. However, to take on its properties you can use an infusion or a decoction based on laurel or its oil.
In fact, both its leaves and its berries are rich in vitamin C, which is not only able to increase the defenses of the immune system but is also one of the most effective natural antioxidants. These substances act against free radicals and protect against cellular aging.
Furthermore, laurel has a high content of essential oils, such as eugenol and eucalyptol, which have antiseptic, digestive and anticancer properties. Their action is combined with that of vitamin A, which promotes the health of skin, eyes and mucous membranes. , and mineral salts such as potassium, zinc and iron which work to the advantage of the nervous system, the balance of blood pressure and metabolism.
Finally, the only characteristic of this plant is lauric acid, which has repellent properties useful against insects and parasites.
The health benefits of laurel
Given all these properties, it is easy to understand why laurel is so used in the field of medicine and herbal medicine. Now let's see specifically all the healing benefits of this plant for our health.
- Useful for digestive disorders
Surely, bay leaf is known above all as one of the best natural remedies when you have problems related to digestion and intestines. In fact, an herbal tea or an infusion made from its leaves is effective in the case of stomach pain, food poisoning, intestinal pain, colic and flatulence. This beneficial action is made possible by lauric acid, capable of fighting viruses and bacteria.
- An ally against menstrual pain
Since the Middle Ages, laurel was consumed in the form of an infusion or decoction by women during the menstrual period. In fact, the folic acid contained in the leaves of this plant has a calming effect on menstrual pain and also plays a very important role in women in pregnancy, because it promotes DNA synthesis during the gestation period.
- Effective in case of respiratory disorders
Some active principles of laurel have proved useful in the treatment of flu symptoms affecting the respiratory tract. In fact, this plant has expectorant and diaphoretic properties that act in the case of nasal congestion, phlegm, cold, bronchitis, fever and cough. The best way to get all these benefits contained in bay leaves is through a hot drink, especially an infusion.
- A natural remedy for stress
The relaxing properties of laurel are not only beneficial when there are painful disorders caused by the menstrual cycle or other causes. They can also help in periods of strong stress and nervousness, where there is the risk of a strong somatization. In these circumstances, you can choose either a decoction based on laurel or its essential oil, to be added to dishes or for external use, used very often for massages or to aromatize the water in the tub, to make your own an authentic revitalizing cure-all.
- An insect repellent
Always for external use, or in the form of oil obtained from its berries, laurel is used as a natural repellent against insects and parasites. Thanks to lauric acid, a few drops are enough to keep away the annoying insects that risk ruining our days in the open air. In addition, when applied to a sting or a wound, this oil facilitates healing, giving immediate relief from itching.
The cosmetic benefits of laurel
The benefits of laurel do not concern only our health, but also the external well-being of our body. A product that is obtained directly from its fresh berries is oleito, used very often in cosmetics for various treatments.
This particular oil is very effective on hair and irritated scalp. It performs a rebalancing action of the skin's pH, fighting and preventing the onset of irritation and dandruff. By doing this, the scalp will breathe regularly and prevent hair loss. This mask is really simple to make: you will need to keep it on for about 20 minutes and then rinse it thoroughly with hot (not boiling) water.
The same calming effect can also be found in the treatment of oily skin, where laurel oil can control excess sebum and decrease the impurities that cause acne and other imperfections.
Always for the well-being of the skin, laurel is the basis of the recipe for a traditional beauty product, namely Aleppo soap. Prepared together with olive oil, water and sodium hydroxide, Aleppo soap has soothing and antibacterial properties that protect the skin from external agents and moisturize it without weighing it down or greasing it.
How to consume laurel
Laurel is certainly known as an ingredient in cooking recipes. We have already said that its primary use is as an aromatic plant, because it is perfect for giving an extra touch of flavor to numerous savory dishes. However, to make the most of its benefits , it is preferable to take it through the preparation of hot drinks. The most famous is that of the infusion with bay leaves.
Infusion with laurel
The recipe for laurel infusion is obtained with its leaves and a few other ingredients. What makes it special is its placebo effect with respect to stomach pain, colic, meteorism, flu states, headaches and can also help in cases lack of appetite or stress.
Ingrediants:
- 3-5 bay leaves (fresh or dried)
- 1 cup of hot water
- Zest of 1 lemon (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of honey (to taste)
After bringing the water to the boil, infuse the bay leaves for about 10-15 minutes. Then, strain the infusion and let it cool. It is advisable to add a teaspoon of honey to combat flu symptoms, such as coughs and colds, or to relieve anxiety and stress, while it is better to prefer a little lemon zest to ease intestinal pain.
Contraindications and side effects
Laurel has no particular side effects unless it is taken in high doses. In this situation it could lead to drowsiness, diarrhea, intestinal disorders and even dermatitis. Under normal conditions, natural laurel remedies can work for everyone except children and pregnant women.
Finally, remember that the laurus nobilis it is a kind of edible and non-poisonous laurel. The situation changes for the variety of cherry laurel that contains hydrogen cyanide and is used above all as an ornamental plant. This last specimen is toxic and can never be consumed either for internal or external use.
For more information, consult the Humanitas website.
