Bay leaf - therapeutic properties and contraindications

During its many centuries of existence, bay leaf has gained a huge number of fans and a good reputation. Basically, the leaves of this noble subtropical shrub are associated with the preparation of delicious dishes, although laurel in ancient times was used not only in culinary business.

Due to its unique composition, bay leaf is widely used in medicine. Medicinal preparations based on it help in the treatment of lung disorders and complex pathologies. Moreover, such methods are supported not only by traditional medicine, but are also recognized at the official level. Many of the components of laurel, for example, essential oils and volatile production, are present in medicines that are produced by the pharmaceutical industry.

Special composition

Bay leaf has a very beneficial effect on the human body. And due to the enormous utility of this representative of the plant world of its unusual composition.

Laurel leaves contain:

• a whole vitamin complex (PP, A, C);
• a set of essential trace elements, among them zinc with magnesium, a large amount of calcium;
• powerful phytoncides;
• amino acids useful for the body, including salicylates, which thin the blood;
• tanning components;
• valuable essential oils;
• proteins with carbohydrates, as well as fats.

This truly impressive composition provides a lot of properties that are beneficial to human health.

List of useful qualities of laurel

Bay leaf can have a therapeutic effect and restore the normal functions of many systems and organs.

1. Digestive system. Laurel increases appetite and generally has a positive effect on the digestive process due to its own enzymes that contribute to the breakdown of heavy foods. As a result, the rapid withdrawal of processed products is carried out in a natural way.
2. The immune system. Increases the body's resistance, saturating it with vitamins and minerals.Especially effective is laurel in the treatment of respiratory infections.
3. Musculoskeletal system. The use of compositions based on bay leaf activates the removal of excess salts from the body, localizes inflammation, relieves pain.
4. Genitourinary system and reproductive functions. Spice is equally useful for both women and men. Due to the presence in its composition of zinc, laurel maintains the level of sexual activity in men. In the female body, it is due to vitamin “B9” (folic acid) has a beneficial effect on reproductive capacity. Many women planning conception are advised to take healing formulations in which the main active ingredient is bay leaf. However, with the onset of pregnancy, it is necessary to stop consuming laurel altogether so as not to provoke a miscarriage.
5. The skin. Baths with the addition of a decoction of bay leaf help to cope even with psoriasis and severe types of dermatitis. Means well helps with local allergic reactions.

What diseases are treated with bay leaf

On the basis of the bay leaf, mainly decoctions and infusions are prepared, which help in the treatment of:

• arthrosis and arthritis, as well as many problems of the spine;
• stomatitis and gingivitis;
• cholecystitis (provides an outflow of bile);
• nervous disorders (sedative effect);
• hypertension, even in severe form (helps stabilize blood pressure);
• edema;
• wounds and bruises (relieves pain, disinfects the wound surface, if the wound is open);
• hemorrhoids (stops bleeding, relieves puffiness);
• colitis, enterocolitis.

In addition, bay leaf is constantly used as a powerful antiseptic and insecticide. This spice is an excellent antioxidant, and therefore quite often healing compositions are used to cleanse the body of toxins.

Other uses

Medical cosmetology
Bay leaf has long been widely used in cosmetology. On its basis, various cleansing and nourishing products are manufactured on an industrial scale. Due to the unique set of essential oils and phytoncides in the laurels, it is possible to solve such skin problems:

• eliminate acne;
• get rid of youthful acne;
• smooth fine lines;
• neutralize dandruff;
• get rid of age spots;
• strengthen the hair structure.

Bay oil, which is found in large quantities in this spice, softens the skin of the face and eliminates dryness. A vitamin "A" stimulates the regeneration of problem areas, thus providing a rejuvenating effect.

Cleansing the body
Laurel is best suited for gentle detoxification of the body. Healing compounds without detriment to health remove excess salts, toxins and other decomposition products. Simultaneously with the cleansing, the normalization of the body's metabolic functions takes place.

Weight loss
Above it was mentioned that laurel has a pronounced diuretic effect. This property of spicy leaf is widely used for mild weight loss. When excess fluid is excreted from the body, unnecessary kilograms leave. This technique is very effective if it is strictly implemented and combined with a specially designed diet. Otherwise, the weight will very quickly return to the previous state.

Under what conditions is not recommended to apply laurel

Of course, the beneficial properties of bay leaf have a positive effect on human health. This can not be denied. But at the same time, laurel in some situations may prove to be from the negative side. Therefore, it should be very careful to use it for medicinal purposes.And it is best to insure against unexpected consequences and consult a doctor.

Bay leaf is contraindicated:

• Persons who have previously had an increased sensitivity to this spice;
• expectant mothers and lactating women;
• people suffering from constipation;
• patients with gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer;
• those diagnosed with urolithiasis and other renal pathologies;
• people with poor blood clotting;
• diabetics.

Important: It is strictly forbidden to season with bay leaves dishes intended for feeding the children of the first three years of life.

Useful folk recipes

Bay leaf is one of the most popular funds donated by nature itself. It is always used by traditional healers, do not deny its ability to provide a therapeutic effect, and representatives of traditional medicine. A few simple but very effective recipes are quite suitable for home treatment.

Composition for bathing newborns
The skin of babies is very vulnerable and susceptible to various infections. To prevent allergic manifestations and the emergence of prickly heat, diaper rash, it is recommended to bathe the baby with the addition of laurel decoction. The solution is prepared before the water procedure in about two hours.To do this, only two leaves of laurel pour ½ liter of water, and put the solution to boil. After five minutes of boiling, the therapeutic composition is cooled and thoroughly filtered. The entire amount received is added to the baby bath before bathing. The concentrated solution can be used for external use: a cotton swab moistened with a cotton swab should treat problem areas with a prickly pepper.

Bay oil
It is very effective in many conditions and is easy to prepare by yourself. The basis of the healing composition - vegetable oil. Absolutely any product will do, but it is advisable to use a good quality oil. It will take only one glass of oil, which is first slightly heated to about 50 degrees. When the base is heated to the desired temperature, it should immediately pour pre-cooked chopped laurel leaves (40 g). The mixture should be well infused, it will take 10 days. Store the composition in a place protected from direct light. At the end of this period, the composition is well filtered. The product obtained in this way can be used:

• for pain in the joints;
• to combat bedsores;
• as an antiseptic;
• with injuries to alleviate the condition of the victim;
• with colds.

For the treatment of sinusitis
In inflammatory processes of the nasal sinuses, traditional healers advise using laurel oil, the recipe of which is given above. But you can prepare a means for inhalation. For a useful procedure, you will need only 10 medium-sized sheets that need to be crushed to a powder. Pour the vegetable mass with ordinary water and put on fire. The healing solution should boil for a quarter of an hour over low heat, then it is removed from the stove, and the procedure is carried out.

For the convenience of the treatment process, it is better to pour the prepared composition into a small pelvis, put the patient over a stream of steam no closer than 50-60 cm (so that the person does not get a burn instead of treatment). To prevent the steam from penetrating outside, a “bath effect” should be created by wrapping the patient’s head and shoulders with a towel. Usually, after the first inhalation from the sinuses begins an active outflow of purulent secretions. The procedure should be repeated until complete recovery.

Decoction of laurel with fungal nails
To get rid of such an unpleasant problem as a fungus, you need to prepare the following ingredients: bay leaf - 30 g, water - 200 ml. Combining the two components in one container, you need to boil the mixture a couple of minutes, and then insist 3 hours. The product obtained in such a simple way is used for evening baths. The therapeutic effect is observed after several procedures.

Home Acne Lotion
Alcohol-based solution helps to cope with skin problems. For these purposes, more suitable ordinary vodka. However, the treatment in this way there is a risk of drying the skin. This feature must be considered. For the preparation of lotion enough 5 leaves. They must be well crushed, pour vodka (1 cup). After three days of infusion, the mixture is ready for use. With the help of a cotton pad, problem areas are treated. This drug copes well with the effects of pressure sores in lying patients. You can use the infusion for grinding with rheumatism.

As you can see, the range of application of bay leaf is very wide. Being the undisputed leader of taste in the culinary art, this spice really helps people to recover from even the most serious diseases.But we must always remember that only with the rational use of any drug, including traditional methods, will have a positive effect.

Video: the secret properties of the bay leaf