Bay leaf tea: what are its benefits and how to prepare it
Laurel is one of those plants known for centuries and used both in cooking and as an ingredient for the preparation of natural remedies. For the ancient Romans it was one of the symbols of triumph while today its leaves are used in the preparation of herbal teas and oil. The bay leaf also helps to improve digestion: if you suffer from a swollen stomach, watch the video to find out which are the right foods to eat.
The properties of the laurel
The laurel (or Laurus nobilis) is a plant that belongs to the family of Lauraceae and it is a shrub typical of Mediterranean areas whose dark green leaves are very fragrant; from the laurel plant (in particular from the leaves and berries) an essential oil is obtained that is highly appreciated for its aperitif properties, that is, that stimulate appetite, digestive and carminative. For this reason it is often used to counteract pain due to colic and relieve stomach upset, to aid digestion and deflate the belly.
Bay leaves and berries contain an essential oil in different percentages: while the leaves have a concentration between 1% and 3%, the berries reach up to 10%, making them more useful in case of flu problems. This essential oil is made up of geraniol, cineol, eugenol, terpineol, phellandrene and eucalyptol, all natural substances.
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Known since ancient times (it is no coincidence that it was the sacred plant of the god Apollo and his father Aesculapius), laurel is rich in active ingredients that are beneficial for our health. These include eugenol and limonene which have antiseptic, antioxidant and digestive properties, mineral salts (including potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc, selenium, copper and magnesium), vitamin A and vitamin C, excellent for strengthening the immune system, fighting inflammation and flu.
Laurel is one of those plants that can be commonly found in the garden: its flowers are not the most beautiful but the beneficial action for health makes it a precious ally both in the kitchen (it is used in numerous recipes) and in herbal medicine. In the herbal world, in fact, the properties of laurel infusions are well known, in fact it is considered a real cure-all.
How to prepare bay leaf tea and essential oil
The recipe for preparing bay leaf tea:
Chop a few dried bay leaves and put them in a cup of boiling water. Leave to infuse for at least five minutes, then strain into liquid and, if necessary, sweeten with honey.
The herbal tea should be drunk hot, preferably before going to sleep.
The recipe for preparing the essential oil for external use:
- 50 gr. of laurel berry powder
- 250 ml. of olive oil
Place the berry powder in a glass jar with an airtight lid, then pour over the olive oil and close the jar. Store it in a warm place (near the stove or radiator) for 30 days. Shake the jar all Once a month has passed, use it taking care to filter only the necessary quantity.
Bay leaf oil is typically used over blows, bruises and trauma, or it can also be spread on the chest and back to soothe acute bronchitis and calm coughing fits.
Laurel aids digestion
The laurel plant is well known for promoting digestion, in fact it is also widely used to relieve cramps due to food poisoning. It is generally taken in the form of herbal tea, prepared simply by infusing some dry leaves in a cup of boiling water. . This infusion has a powerful digestive, anti-fermentative and stimulating effect: it deflates the belly and reduces the sense of fatigue.
Use bay leaf to fight cold and flu
Laurel is also well known for the benefits it brings against the flu and colds. The most important property in this sense is the diaphoretic one, that is, a stimulant of sweating, useful in case of fever and flu. Laurel is also an excellent expectorant, in fact it is indicated to eliminate bronchial catarrh and dissolve coughs. Generally to strengthen the immune system it is used in the form of herbal tea or essential oil applied to the skin.
Not surprisingly, bay leaves are an important source of vitamin C, useful in cases of flu and to fight viruses and bacteria. The presence of vitamin A, then, makes this plant able to maintain good health of sight, skin and nasal mucous membranes. Furthermore, the mineral salts contained in it help keep blood pressure and heart rate under control.
In case of cough, fever and flu, you can also take an herbal tea twice a day. It is prepared by putting two or three freshly chopped bay leaves in a cup of boiling water, then left to rest for five minutes and finally the liquid is filtered.
All the benefits of laurel
- The lauric acid contained in the leaves has natural repellent properties against insects and parasites.
- A few drops of laurel oil and a handful of leaves in the water make the bath fragrant and revitalizing.
- The essential oil is beneficial in states of nervous fatigue and against headaches.
- To perfume the room, pour 5 drops of laurel essential oil into an aromatic diffuser for rooms.
- To disinfect the air in the room from viruses and bacteria, pour a few drops of laurel essential oil into an essence burner.
- Laurel is an excellent natural remedy to cleanse and detoxify the liver. The active ingredients present in the leaves, in fact, also have hepatoprotective properties.
- The bay leaf infusion can be used as a last rinse for the hair in order to counteract the onset of dandruff.
Laurel to relieve rheumatism
The laurel plant can also be used to prepare laurel oleolite, which is a laurin oil that has a powerful anti-inflammatory, haemostatic and astringent effect. The oleolite (which is used for external use) is extremely effective in relieving pain due to rheumatism, arthritis and muscle pain, it is also often recommended after long periods with a limb in plaster and after having suffered a trauma or bruising.
Contraindications of laurel
Among the natural infusions that of laurel is one of those that can never be missing because it is a plant that is commonly found in the garden and that has numerous beneficial properties for health. These plants with their digestive and purifying action are used in the most famous recipes of Italian cuisine and for the well-being of the organism. Laurel has no particular contraindications, however for some predisposed subjects, contact with the essential oil or with the leaves could cause dermatitis.
Generally it is not recommended to give bay leaf infusions to children under six years of age because this plant could trigger allergic reactions; even pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking herbal teas or laurel-based products. Among the contraindications of a massive use of laurel we find drowsiness, nausea and vomiting.
