Bay leaf: health benefits and harms

Bay leaf - one of the oldest spices that is known to man. It is a leaf of laurel, which grows mainly in the Mediterranean countries, as well as in the Crimea and Transcaucasia. Today it is actively grown in countries with a subtropical climate.

As a spice, it can be added to sauces, meat and pastry dishes, used in medicine, food and chemical industries. The ancient Greeks and Romans considered the tree sacred, which is why the laurel wreath was awarded to athletes and commanders. From here, by the way, the word "laureate" comes, which means "wearing a laurel crown."

Laurel leaf contains many valuable organic acids, and the amount of essential oil can reach 5%.

Types of Bay Leaf

Despite the fact that there are more than 30 species of plants, there are only 3 main ones:

1. Noble laurel - perhaps the most widespread species in Europe and Asia Minor, mainly grows in coastal zones, at an altitude of no more than 250 m. A leaf of noble laurel is of nutritional value. Its length reaches 20 cm, and its width is 8. The noble bay is a shrub that does not exceed 7 m in height. It blooms in spring with small flowers; it is also used for decorating interiors and courtyards.
2. Camphor laurel is a plant, whose homeland is Southeast Asia. But it is also grown in Australia, North Africa, Brazil and America. Camphor laurel is an evergreen tree, the plant contains essential oil, the main component of which is camphor. Most of it is in the crust. For example, in Japan, camphor is obtained by distillation of water vapor and plant wood.
3. Azores or Canarian Lavra is an evergreen tree, reaching a height of 15 m. It grows in the mountainous terrain on the Azores and Canaries. The leaves are oval, about 10 cm long and about 5 cm wide. This type of laurel is decorative.

How to distinguish bay leaf from laurel cherry

Often, a leaf of laurel and laurel cherries can be confused, this is due to the fact that the plants are very similar. However, despite the similarities, bay leaves are not recommended for cooking, as it contains hydrocyanic acid. Of course, a fatal outcome does not occur, but there will be nothing good from its use. By the way, due to the similarity, laurel cherry got its name. Distinguishing plants is not so simple: those who have not encountered them before are unlikely to be able to do this the first time.

Differences:

1. The leaf of the laurel cherries is larger than the laurel, despite the fact that the length of the latter can reach 20 cm.
2. The leaves of the laurel cherry are rounded with a sharp tip, while at the laurel they are oblong with a blunt.
3. The veins on the leaf near the laurel are rarely and perpendicular to the main. At laurel cherries they are more frequent and are at an acute angle.
4. To the touch, a dry leaf of laurel cherry is more dense and strong.At the laurel, it is thin and crumbles easily.
5. The branches of the laurel are greenish and brown, and the branches of the laurel are reddish.
6. A dry leaf of laurel cherries is more fragrant than a bay leaf.

Despite the fact that laurel cherry is also used in medicine and the chemical industry, it is mainly used nevertheless for decorative purposes to decorate landscapes and hedges.

Composition and calorie content

In cooking, after preparing the dish, the bay leaf is removed, since it is hard and not suitable for food. Sometimes use crushed leaves of laurel.

The energy value of bay leaf is about 300 kcal.

The advantages of bay leaf is that it completely retains its taste in dried form. That is why it is so popular.

100 g of bay leaf contains:

• Proteins - about 7 g.
• Fats - about 8 g.
• Carbohydrates - about 40 g.

At first glance, it seems that there are not many useful substances in the bay leaf, but they are extremely important for the body and its normal functioning.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

1. Linoleic. This acid is not produced in the body, so it is important to eat foods that contain it in their composition. It protects the body's cells and makes them able to survive even in the most extreme situations.
2. Linolenic. This acid is also not produced in the body. Its lack leads to the appearance of acne, brittle hair and nails.
3. Omega-3 is directly involved in the work of the whole organism. It has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, most organs and the brain, and prevents the accumulation of bad cholesterol.
4. Omega-6 is important for the body to receive the necessary energy. It is believed that with sufficient amounts, the risk of coronary heart disease is reduced.

Trace elements

1. The bay leaf contains a large amount of iron, which plays a direct role in the formation of hemoglobin and the distribution of oxygen throughout the body. The role of iron cannot be overestimated, which is why experts recommend consuming as many products as possible containing this element.
2. Manganese - the amount of this trace element in the body is negligible, but it plays a huge role in its normal functioning. It mainly accumulates in the kidneys, liver, and pancreas. Manganese is necessary for the absorption of trace elements such as calcium and phosphorus, is involved in the formation of hemoglobin and the exchange of vitamins C and group B between cells.
3. Despite the fact that copper is rarely mentioned by nutritionists, this trace element has a great effect on the body. Without it, blood formation processes are impossible. In addition, copper promotes a full metabolism and regulates the structure and structure of connective, bone and epithelial tissue.
4. Selenium in large quantities is poisonous. But in small doses, it enhances immunity and activates the metabolic processes in cells. Recent studies have shown that selenium prevents the development of cancer cells. Products containing large amounts of this trace element are often prescribed as a prophylaxis of cancer.

Macronutrients

1. Calcium - a building block for bone tissue, regulates blood metabolism, improves muscle tone, makes hair, nails and teeth strong and healthy.
2. Potassium is an energy macrocell necessary for the normal functioning of muscles, its lack can lead to spasms, as well as paralysis. He, along with sodium, is responsible for the water balance in the body.
3. Magnesium is one of the most important elements in the human body, it regulates the production of energy, it is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses of the nervous system, the absorption of glucose. Without it, calcium absorption is impossible, and its salts will be deposited on the walls of blood vessels.

Vitamins

1. Most in the bay leaf of vitamin B6, which was discovered only in the last century.Its value is great, since it affects blood formation, absorption of fats and carbohydrates, and also prevents the occurrence of skin diseases.
2. Vitamin A. The first vitamin, which was discovered by scientists, is sometimes called "female", since its sufficient amount provides beauty and youth.
3. Vitamin B9 is also known as folic acid. They learned to synthesize this vitamin. In some countries, the manufacturer is required to saturate certain cereals with vitamin B9, this is approved at the legislative level. Folic acid increases the protective functions of the body, prevents anemia and has a positive effect on the development and strengthening of the circulatory system.

In addition, the bay leaf contains vitamins K, PP, C, etc.

What is useful bay leaf

For women

In the homeland, the laurel is called the "eternal tree." Such a comparison is objective, because the plant lives about 400 years. Bay leaf has many useful substances that are important for the body, but it has a special effect on the female.

So, it contains vitamin A, which is necessary for the health of hair, skin and nails. Retinol, also called vitamin A, normalizes the metabolism in skin cells, making it supple and elastic, and also slows down aging. It prevents wrinkles and loss of skin tone. High retinol products are a great substitute for expensive facial and body treatments.

Vitamin A is essential for bone formation, hair and nail growth. It increases the amount of sex hormones, regulates the production of keratin, which is the building block of hair. Retinol is a natural antioxidant that fights free radicals, prolonging youth and strengthening the body's defenses.

For men

Bay leaf has a specific effect on the body of men. It is no secret that in the strong half, after 40 years, problems with the cardiovascular system begin. So, the minerals and vitamins that make up the bay leaf, prevent and prevent the possible diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Zinc, which is part of this spice, helps to normalize the functioning of the genitals. And thanks to macro- and microelements, potency and libido increase. Vitamin A increases the amount of sex hormones, which positively affects the reproductive function of men.

It is also worth recalling potassium, which is simply necessary for physical activity. It makes the muscles work more actively and prevents their damage during significant loads.

During pregnancy

There is a myth that an infusion of bay leaves can terminate a pregnancy. Despite active discussions, this speculation has real reasons. The fact is that bay leaves, if taken in large quantities, can cause uterine contractions. And this can end badly for both the child and the pregnant woman. Although this does not mean that the pregnancy will be interrupted, it is still impossible to resort to this method. In addition, bay leaves during pregnancy can cause intrauterine uncontrolled bleeding.

In any case, despite the significant benefits of bay leaf during pregnancy, it is advisable to limit its amount in cooking.

When breastfeeding

Everything that mother eats is necessarily passed on to the child. Bay leaf is very useful due to the presence of the necessary vitamins and elements. For example, vitamin A improves the health of the body, preserves beauty, and promotes lactation. At the same time, bay leaf is considered a highly allergenic product, so a child may develop a rash and develop an allergy.

To correctly answer the question - is it possible to use bay leaf and in what quantity when breastfeeding, you need to observe personal feelings, as well as be careful about the dosage of the product.For example, if the use of bay leaves does not cause discomfort for mom and baby, then you can safely add it to the first and second courses. If it causes nausea, bloating or a rash on the skin of a child, then its use should be stopped immediately.

For kids

Bay leaf is very useful for children of different ages, so it must be added to food, it contains many vitamins and minerals that are required for the normal development of the child's body, in particular various fatty acids, tannins, vitamin A, calcium, potassium and iron.

Quite often, an allergic reaction is noted in infants, itching and redness on the skin appear - this is due to food additives, air pollution, etc. A bay leaf can come to the rescue in this case. The use of bay leaves to treat itching, redness and allergies depends on age. A decoction of bay leaves can be used only in the form of baths and lotions. The latter apply only if only certain areas are affected.

For the preparation of decoctions and lotions, both fresh leaf and dried are equally suitable. When such problems arise, you should not rely only on laurel decoction, you must look for the cause of the allergic reaction and fight it.

A decoction of bay leaves: benefits and harms

Decoctions of leaves have been used in medicine since time immemorial. If we take into account the fact that the ancient Greeks and Romans knew about the benefits of bay leaf, it is not surprising that they used broth from it to treat diseases quite often.

A decoction of bay leaves is considered to be a universal remedy, but it can have a different effect on the body, bringing benefits or harm. Therefore, you should strictly adhere to the dosage, prescription, indications for use and pay attention to the quality of the ingredients, as well as observe storage rules.

Useful properties of a decoction of bay leaf:

• relieves puffiness and removes salts and toxins;
• helps with allergies, itching and skin diseases;
• calms the nervous system;
• It is an excellent diuretic;
• reduces blood sugar and fights parasites;
• stimulates the immune system and heals wounds;
• Helps recover from serious injuries.

Possible harm
As mentioned earlier, a decoction can be detrimental to health. This is due to the individual intolerance of the plant, some types of diseases, poor quality of raw materials and the characteristics of the body.

Possible reactions:

• itching and rashes on the skin;
• uncontrolled internal bleeding;
• disruption of the digestive tract.

Useful properties of tincture of bay leaves

Tincture of bay leaf on vodka is a powerful drug that must be used with extreme caution.

The benefits of bay leaf tincture

1. The use of a small amount of tincture improves the defense mechanisms, the digestive tract, increases appetite, reduces the amount of sugar in the blood.
2. It can also be used in the treatment of diseased joints, for this tincture is rubbed into the skin and wrapped in woolen cloth. The procedure must be carried out every day for a month. If the problem persists, then after a short break the procedure is repeated.
3. As an emergency, tincture can be applied with severe bruises and bruises.
4. Tincture of vodka from laurel can be used to treat acne and acne, for this it is applied pointwise to the dermis. Use every day is not recommended, 2-3 times a week is enough.

Laurel oil: properties and applications

It was previously mentioned that laurel leaves contain a significant amount of essential oil, so this product has become so popular. Laurel oil is a viscous liquid of light yellow, sometimes light green color, has a spicy smell and a specific taste. It is produced by squeezing and distillation, so the oil completely preserves all the nutrients and vitamins of the bay leaf.

Important! Laurel oil contains coenol, the amount of which can be half the volume. Therefore, the product is extremely toxic and may cause redness and itching at the point of use.

Oil has a complex effect on the body and is used for various purposes.

1. As a medicine. It reduces blood sugar, improves the digestive tract, improves immunity, relieves itching, promotes quality sleep and fights insomnia, normalizes blood pressure, and removes toxins from the body.
2. For cosmetic purposes. The product deeply cleanses the skin, relieves inflammation and puffiness, strengthens hair and improves its growth, rejuvenates the skin and removes age spots, tightens pores and eliminates black spots.
3. As a sedative. Oil affects the emotional state, improves brain function and increases activity, soothes and relieves stress.

Most often, laurel oil is prescribed:

• when recovering from surgery;
• the occurrence of allergies, the appearance of itching and rash;
• decreased appetite;
• headaches and problems with the cardiovascular system;
• problems with hair growth and poor skin condition;
• prolonged stressful situations;
• metabolic disorders.

The benefits of bay leaf tea

A well-known fact - black tea, brought from India to Europe, was an expensive pleasure, so in his manner they started to brew bay leaf. As it turned out later, this drink has unique properties, and also quenches thirst, especially if sugar is not used. He has a bitter taste, which means that not everyone will like it.

Beneficial features:

• cleanses the body of toxins and toxins;
• quenches thirst;
• removes excess fluid;
• relieves joint pain;
• lowers blood pressure;
• improves metabolism;
• relieves puffiness;
• enhances protective functions;
• It is an excellent prophylactic for colds;
• dissolves stones.

Before drinking tea, you should consult a specialist. It is strictly forbidden to drink tea from bay leaves for pregnant women and children under 6 years old.

How to drink bay leaf for weight loss

It is believed that decoctions and tinctures allow you to quickly and effortlessly lose weight. In fact this is not true. The problem of overweight is a large amount of salt in the body. It retains water in the cells, thereby contributing to the accumulation of toxins and toxins.

Bay leaf is a diuretic and removes in a short time all unnecessary liquid, and with it - toxins. It also stimulates the metabolism and normalizes the digestive tract. As a result, the weight returns to normal. To understand: regular use of tea brewed from bay leaves will remove up to 4 liters of fluid from the body. Eating bay leaf for weight loss is necessary with ginger and other foods that burn fat.

Also, one should not rely solely on the effect of “lavrushka”; its use should be combined in combination with diet or exercise. Plus, you need to properly brew bay leaf, make infusions and decoctions, namely, observe proportions, monitor quality and storage.

Bay leaf in medicine

With diabetes

Diabetes is a common disease that affects many people around the world. The disease is expressed in the inability of the body to produce insulin, which is needed for the breakdown of glucose in the blood. To cope with the disease, you should adhere not only to the course of treatment, but also to a special diet.

Most specialists advise patients, in addition to medicines, to use products that help cope with the disease. One of these is bay leaf, in which case it is recommended to make various decoctions and tinctures from it. Most often, bay leaf is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Bay leaf has a quick effect on the body.So, when conducting research, scientists found that after a month of regular use of bay leaves, blood sugar levels decreased significantly. This is due to the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and lower cholesterol.

Treatment of diabetes with bay leaf is advisable only in the initial stages of the development of the disease, but this does not mean at all that it will not be useful in other cases. Most diabetics who used it for a long time noted that their general condition improved significantly, the symptoms of the disease became less pronounced, and their mood improved.

Important: Glycemic index of bay leaf - 15 units.

With pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a serious disease in which pancreatic function is impaired. Few people attach importance to maintaining the health of this organ until problems begin. The cause of the disease in half the cases is alcohol abuse, while the majority of the sick are sick. In acute stages, it is necessary to seek professional help from a specialist.

For successful treatment, as in the case of diabetes, you should adhere to a strict diet and diet. In the acute course of the disease, bay leaves, like other spices, should be completely abandoned. The fact is that they actively affect the work of the pancreas, which is unacceptable.

With the remission of the disease, it is also worth abandoning the use of bay leaves, although later, in the period of good health, you can expand the range of products and spices.

Despite the presence of vitamins and elements necessary for the body in the bay leaf, it is not worth making tinctures and decoctions to improve health with pancreatitis, although they really help with many diseases.

With gastritis

Gastritis is a disease that is characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa. With this ailment, it is important to eat food that will not irritate the diseased organ. Despite the fact that most spices for gastritis are prohibited, bay leaves can be added when cooking.

Bay leaf is able to normalize the digestive tract. This will help to cope with flatulence, there will be pain in the stomach, and stool will normalize. In addition, regular use of bay leaf as a seasoning will have a positive effect on the work of the whole organism and help to cope with the disease.

It is important for any disease to eliminate the cause of its occurrence. In the case of gastritis, it is often constipation and a disorder of the nervous system. Bay leaf normalizes the digestive tract and puts the nervous system in order, so indirectly it will help not only to cope with the consequences, but also to eliminate the root cause.

For the intestines

The bay leaf contains acids and essential oil, which accelerate metabolism, improve the digestive tract, which is important for digestive problems. Thus, flatulence decreases, pain, spasms, etc. cease. The smell of bay leaves improves appetite, and butyric acid protects the colon from exposure to toxins.

For constipation

Bay leaf has astringent properties, so use it as decoctions and tinctures should be extremely careful so as not to provoke constipation. In this case, it is strongly recommended to switch to a diet in which vegetables and fruits will significantly prevail.

With constipation, the use of bay leaf must be discarded.

With gout

The disease affects the joints and tissues surrounding them, expressed in the deposition of uric acid salts, due to a malfunction in purine metabolism. In addition to following the course of treatment, it is necessary to exclude products containing purines from the diet and eat food that removes uric acid salts from the body.

The benefits of laurel leaves with gout are unique: a decoction of them is able to restore tissues, increase protective functions and remove salts.Also, tincture of bay leaf can be used to reduce pain, especially this is true for attacks of the disease.

For the liver

Bay leaf has the ability to clean the vessels and liver. However, its use should be abandoned if there are abnormalities in the liver.

With hemorrhoids

For many centuries, bay leaf, and in various forms, has been used to treat hemorrhoids. For this, various infusions and decoctions are used. Spice has found such popularity due to the presence in its composition of tannins, fatty acids and essential oils. Also, bay leaf itself has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

With regular use of bay leaf, the density of the film of the colon mucosa increases several times, which prevents the onset of the inflammatory process.

Useful properties of bay leaf for hemorrhoids:

1. The high content of essential oils reduces the effects of microbes, which affect swelling with damage to hemorrhoids.
2. Tannins constrict blood vessels, which reduces the risk of bleeding.
3. Bay leaf partially relieves pain and itching.
4. Practice shows that several receptions of a decoction or specially prepared tincture significantly reduces pain, irritation and itching. The general condition is normal.

With cystitis

Cystitis is a viral disease, the victims of which are mainly women. Since treatment is often carried out with antibiotics, it greatly affects the general condition of the body.

For the partial elimination of pain, the fight against infection, as well as for the disinfection of the genitourinary tract, doctors recommend taking a bath with bay leaf. Due to the presence of camphor, fatty acids and tannins, the patient's condition improves significantly, the treatment period and the number of antibiotics used are reduced.

With bronchitis

Earlier, the high content of camphor and essential oils in bay leaves was already mentioned several times. These components have, first of all, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Moreover, funds based on bay leaves can eliminate both the consequences and the cause of coughing and diseases of the respiratory system.

For the treatment of bronchitis, you can use laurel oil (in this case they rub the chest) and decoctions (taken orally and used for inhalation).

Even in severe cases, the patient's condition can improve after only a few receptions or procedures. However, when using oil and broth, you should consult your doctor and adhere to safety precautions.

Traditional medicine recipes with bay leaf

Cystitis

Cystitis is the scourge of many women. Although the disease has already been sufficiently studied, there are no drugs that can protect against it or cure it in the shortest possible time.

To combat the disease, you need to take about 25-30 g of dried bay leaf and place in a bucket of water, bring to a boil. Boil for approximately 20 minutes. Then pour the resulting broth into the basin, wait for the water to cool slightly, and sit in it so that the buttocks and genitals are in the water. Sit for about 10 minutes, then urinate. This is necessary so that part of the decoction in a small amount gets into the genitourinary system for disinfection.

After the procedure, take a shower and dress warmly. In most cases, after the first session, the disease recedes, if not, then the next day the procedure must be repeated.

Sinusitis treatment

To prepare a decoction, you will need:

• 3–6 large bay leaves.
• 1 cup boiling water.

How to cook: pour bay leaves with boiling water for 20 minutes.

Procedure: Moisten a gauze napkin in a decoction and put it so that it covers the forehead and nose. Repeat the process until the broth is warm. These actions are best done at bedtime for a week.

Joint cleansing

Boil 300 ml of water, add 5-6 sheets of laurel, cook for 5 minutes. Then pour the broth into a thermos and insist for at least 5 hours. Take 2-3 sips in the morning.Drink the medicine no more than 5-6 times / day.

To normalize the menstrual cycle

Many women experience delayed periods, which can be a symptom of various diseases. If this happens quite often, then you need to seek professional help from a doctor. If there are no health problems, then you can call on your own monthly at home with the help of folk recipes, in particular - a decoction of bay leaves will be an excellent tool.

How to cook:

• Place 8-12 pcs. bay leaf in 0.5 l of water and bring to a boil.
• Cook for 5 minutes.
• Pour the resulting mixture into a thermos and insist for at least 3 hours.

Take the broth chilled several times during the day, with a high probability, the menstruation will go the next day. If this does not happen, you should immediately consult a doctor

Important! A decoction can cause uncontrolled bleeding, you can not abuse it.

For body correction

Bay leaf for weight loss can be used in combination with other products, following a diet. To effectively reduce weight, you can use the following decoction:

1. Prepare a cinnamon stick and a few pieces of bay leaf.
2. Boil them in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes.
3. Drink the broth on an empty stomach for 3 days, then take a break.

The broth also significantly reduces blood sugar, removes toxins and toxins. You can not take it with alcohol.

Bay leaf in cosmetology

For face

Acne and greasy shine
Due to malnutrition and a lack of vitamins, acne often occurs. To get rid of it, to make the skin of the face supple, to give it a natural color and to reduce the oily sheen, it is enough to prepare a simple tonic from the bay leaf.

It is prepared very simply - for this you need to pour 100 g of bay leaves with a glass of boiling water and cook for 10-15 minutes. Then cool the broth and leave it in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Apply the toner to clean skin several times a day until it dries completely. Then rinse with thermal water and apply a moisturizer.

Mask for the face
To get rid of acne and wrinkles, to give elasticity to the skin and restore shine, you can use a simple face mask.

To do this, boil 1 glass of water, pour 3-6 sheets of laurel with it and let the liquid cool, then strain. Next, place 3-5 tbsp in a container. blue clay, add broth and mix thoroughly. Before applying the mask to the face, the skin should be thoroughly cleaned. Hold the mask until the clay begins to crack. After that, carefully remove it, rinsing the face with warm water, and apply a moisturizer.

From acne and inflammation on the face
To effectively combat inflammation on the skin, alcohol tincture on a bay leaf is suitable.

How to cook:

1. Rinse the bay leaf thoroughly, dry and finely chop, add to a container that tightly closes.
2. Pour with medical alcohol in a ratio of 5 to 1.
3. Put in a dark cool place for 2 weeks, periodically shake.
4. If everything is done correctly, after 14 days an amber-colored liquid with a characteristic odor will be obtained. Apply pointwise.

For hair

Mask against hair loss
To prepare the mask, you will need:

• Ground bay leaf - 2 tbsp.
• Natural honey - 2 tbsp.
• Water - 300 ml.

How to cook:

1. Boil water, pour bay leaf.
2. The composition is insisted for an hour, then strain.
3. Add honey and mix thoroughly.

Apply a warm mask to the roots and along the entire length of the hair, cover with a film and wrap with a bath towel. Wait about an hour, after the procedure, rinse with warm water and shampoo.

Effective mask against hair loss with bread
One of the most effective masks against hair loss and strengthening the structure of hair is a tool based on laurel oil, Borodino bread and kefir.

To prepare the mask, you first need to make oil. To do this, grind 15–25 pcs. bay leaf and pour 200 ml of unrefined vegetable mala (you can use olive or sunflower) and leave for a week in a dark place, then strain. For a mask you need only 1-2 tbsp. mixtures.

Ingredients directly for the mask:

• Kefir - 0.5 l.
• Borodino bread - a few slices.
• Bay oil.

How to cook:

1. In a clean container, put the bread and pour kefir.
2. As soon as the bread is sufficiently wet, pour bay leaf oil.

Apply the resulting mask to the hair, paying attention to the roots. Then wrap it with a film and wrap it with a terry towel, leave it to act - it will take about 1 hour. After that, rinse with warm water and rinse your hair with shampoo.

Rinse Broth
To make your hair strong and look beautiful, you can use a decoction of bay leaves for rinsing.

For 1 liter of rinse aid you will need about 20 pcs. bay leaf. In boiling water, add bay leaf and simmer for 20 minutes. After this, remove the broth and allow to cool. It should be used for 1 month, simply washing the hair with such a decoction after bathing and without washing it off.

The use of bay leaf in cooking

Bay leaves are used by all cuisines of the world. For cooking, as you know, it began to be added more than 3 thousand years ago. It gives dishes a pleasant aroma and exquisite taste. Most often resort to dry leaves, but fresh are also suitable.

As a seasoning, it is suitable for first and second courses, as well as for sauces and fish recipes. Also bay leaf is used in the preparation of cookies and pies. It is an essential component in the preservation of vegetables and meat.

Magical properties of bay leaf

Bay leaves can be found in any housewife. If you ignore the culinary features of this spice and turn to its magical essence, then you can apply it in several directions:

• clean the house of external negative energy;
• replenish the body’s strength and normalize the flow of internal energies;
• improve health;
• to attract good luck in financial matters;
• save from evil words and views;
• accelerate career advancement;
• give confidence and attractiveness.

Indeed, success can be achieved by one who is confident in his abilities, has a clear mind, is able to outline the goal and the ways to achieve it, and maintains the trajectory of his dream. It is very important that no one interferes with slander, undermining faith in success, does not take away physical and mental strength. The talisman for luck becomes a leaf of a laurel tree.

The easiest way is to choose a fresh leaf that you like and carry it with you, placing it in your wallet or purse, closer to cash. It will gradually dry out, but will not lose its properties, protecting it from life's adversities and awkward situations.

For a relaxed atmosphere in the house
Family life is like swimming. The ocean of feelings, passions and circumstances of family life is not always serene and quiet. Storms are inevitable and it does not matter what served as a catalyst for the quarrel, tension will result in a clarification of relations where negative energy reigns.

Important: leaving it in the house is undesirable; it tends to accumulate, creating emotional discomfort and provoking new disagreements.

To clean the room, it is enough to fumigate every corner with spices and take out the leaves smoldering in the pan over the threshold. Branches with 1-2 leaves spread out in nooks will not allow the negative to settle in the house.And instead of a quarrel, when emotional stress arises, it is useful to speak out over a laurel branch, closing in the room.

For success in business
Often the financial issue in the family is very acute, and efforts to improve the situation seem to go into the sand, without bringing tangible results. To change the situation, among the fresh leaves you need to choose the most beautiful, even, saturated in color, with a bright aroma. Then charge it from the rising sun and the growing moon, holding it on an outstretched arm. Then formulate a desire and clearly pronounce it over the sheet, wrap it in a shred of natural fabric, carry it with you in your inner pocket.

For luck
A simple and effective talisman for individual use will be obtained from a fresh sheet, if you carefully write the desire on it, fitting on the surface without abbreviation, wrap it with red thread from silk or wool and constantly take it with you to important events, meetings, negotiations. The unobtrusive aroma of laurel is associated with success, it places people in a constructive dialogue, and makes it possible to quickly reach an agreement.

If amber is put in a small canvas bag sewn together with a laurel leaf, health will be strengthened. The combination with pearls will increase personal attractiveness, a red thread made of natural material will attract money. To protect the newlyweds from evil words, before the wedding ceremony, a small piece of paper is placed in their shoes under the insole. After the celebration, they are pulled out, thanked and taken away from prying eyes, keeping until they crumble from time to time.

The magical properties of the laurel allow you to independently create effective amulets for the home and family. It is best to use fresh leaves and twigs, their effect is stronger and longer.

Harm and contraindications

In addition to the benefits, bay leaves can cause significant harm. It can not be added in large quantities when cooking, as it can cause poisoning. With great care, it must be consumed during pregnancy and lactation.

Contraindications:

• renal failure;
• constipation
• liver disease
• stomach ulcer.

How to store bay leaf

It is important to understand that, like other spices, bay leaves have an expiration date. If the packaging is hermetically sealed, then from the day of packaging it can be used throughout the year. If you open it, then this period will be significantly reduced. You can not store bay leaves next to other spices and in a humid place. The best container for its storage will be a glass container, which is hermetically sealed.

How to dry

Drying bay leaves is recommended in a natural way, although you can do this in a special device. Do not use an oven or microwave for this procedure.

Instruction:

1. Leave the leaves on blank paper.
2. Dry in a warm, well-ventilated area, without direct sunlight.
3. To completely dry the leaves, it will take at least 14 days.
4. During the drying process, it is better to turn the leaves over periodically so that they evenly dry. In this case, the leaves should be located in one layer.
5. If after two weeks they are still green and soft, then it is necessary to extend the procedure for another 7 days.

Can I chew bay leaf

Dry bay leaf can be chewed, it is an excellent remedy for stomatitis. To cure diseased gums and get rid of inflammation, it is recommended to chew a small piece of dried laurel once a day.

Interesting facts about bay leaf

1. Wilted bay leaf is used as seasoning, dry - as a flavoring.
2. In ancient Rome, a laurel wreath is the highest military distinctive mark in the modern army. Its leaves can also be seen in the design of military uniforms.
3. Bay leaves are an integral part of the heraldic signs of many countries and dynasties.
4. In art, the bay leaf when creating a portrait indicates that a person was engaged in literary activity.
5. A laurel wreath was used not only by the Greeks and Romans. On many English coins, monarchs were depicted with him, since he was considered a symbol of power and power.

Photo of bay leaf