What is useful bay leaf for the human body

Even the ancient Greeks were the first to use bay leaves. The infusion on the leaves was then used to wash hands before eating, laurel wreaths were created, which are still considered the victorious decoration of the Greeks. They decorated the heads of the competition winners, the military, who won the battle with the enemies. Bay leaf is a cult plant of the ancient Greeks, but it does not lose popularity today.

In modern realities, bay leaf is used in culinary, traditional and alternative medicine, the field of cosmetology, and even in the process of manufacturing chemicals, since this greens combines various chemical compounds. Such a plant is filled with numerous essential oils and minerals, so when processing you can get various useful substances that are relevant to the described areas of application.

A bay leaf is a leaf part of a noble Laurel tree growing in a subtropical climate that is comfortable for it. This is a spice that first appeared in the Mediterranean, from where it began its path of development and popularization. Now, no housewife can imagine a comfortable work in the kitchen without a fragrant and piquant bay leaf.

Proper collection and preparation of bay leaves

The procedure for collecting and preparing bay leaves for subsequent storage can be considered a special cult, as there are certain points and nuances that should not be overlooked.

Dried bay leaves are plentiful in supermarkets and grocery stores. For convenience, they are packed in small bags. So the product retains its aroma and is protected from moisture or moisture. But you can grow a laurel tree at home, if you choose the right seedlings, provide appropriate care and top dressing. It is recommended to collect bay leaves from mid-November to early February. Then the leaves will be the most fragrant, piquant and filled with beneficial enzymes. A strong smell is a sign of the quality of bay leaves, so the tree itself will fill the air with an unusual aroma.

After collection, leaves should be left for natural storage at room temperature for 5-10 days. So the product will retain its aromatic and taste properties, dry out qualitatively and become safe to use. An artificial way of drying the leaves can be used, but it is important to monitor the temperature regime so that in the end the leaves do not turn out to be overdried. Yes, and very high temperatures will not dry them, but simply ruin them.

Store dried leaves in a glass sealed container with a lid in a dark place. That is how they will retain their aroma and quality for a long time. The recommended shelf life is no more than a year, as otherwise the product will gradually dry out and crumble.

Structure

The most important components of bay leaf are tannins, natural camphor, ether extract, various beneficial acids (known formic, butyric essential acids, and so on), phytosterol. There are also such useful compounds:

1. Vegetable proteins, natural fats and complex carbohydrates.
2. Elements of group A, C, PP and B.
3. A variety of macro and micronutrients.These are phosphorus, sodium, zinc and other important chemical compounds.

Due to the saturation with useful substances, bay leaf is considered an excellent antioxidant and cold remedy, so in pharmacology he was able to gain appropriate popularity. But this is not all the medical features of the bay leaf.

Useful qualities of "Lavrushka"

1. Anti-inflammatory features. Bay leaf in its composition contains important antibacterial and anti-inflammatory enzymes, so it is suitable for the treatment of purulent diseases of the oral cavity and skin, for eliminating inflammation of the mucosa, treating abrasions and wounds from bacteria. Antiseptic properties are ensured due to the fact that the product contains formic acid and tannins. In combination, this is an excellent anti-inflammatory mixture that promotes the healing of inflammation.
2. Soothing properties. Bay leaf was able to prove itself on the positive side with insomnia, nervous excitement and irritation. The smell of bay leaves perfectly calms the nervous system, which is why a person feels much more comfortable and calmer. You can take baths with the addition of a decoction based on bay leaves. An evening bath with a decoction allows you to relax after a hard day's work, calm down and get rid of insomnia. The sedative effect is ensured by the content of linalool in the bay leaf.
3. Strengthening immunity and the fight against viral ailments. Decoctions of bay leaves - this is an antioxidant that has anti-cold properties and the ability to cure a viral disease. A direct effect on viral cells provides a full recovery in combination with strengthening the immune system. Strengthening the immune system helps prevent the development of viral diseases in the body. But the tool must be used in complex therapy in order to quickly achieve the task in treatment and recovery. Such opportunities are provided due to the content of lauric acid.
4. Diuretic and weight loss benefits. Stagnant fluid in the body has a negative effect on the functioning of the kidneys and the genitourinary system, so a person is gaining excess weight, which is largely composed of excess fluid. The use of a decoction of laurel leaves allows you to remove excess moisture from the body, improve the condition of the subcutaneous lymph, so extra pounds are eliminated. Excess water from the body is excreted through the kidneys and urinary system, which is why a small diuretic effect is created depending on the level of stagnation.
5. The removal of salts from joints and cartilage. The accumulation of salts in the joints and cartilage tissue can cause disruption of the musculoskeletal system, so there is a need to choose the right means to absorb the deposits and eliminate pain. An excellent natural remedy will be the use of a decoction of bay leaves, since due to the high concentration of micro and micro elements, it is possible to remove excess salts and strengthen cartilage tissue and joints. You need to use a therapeutic diet for 6 days, and after the first three you need to take a break for a day so as not to overload the body. In the treatment of rheumatic diseases, such a product has also established itself on the positive side.
6. Hair condition improvement. The girl’s hair is the main sign of beauty and grooming, but as you know, a lot of aspects affect their condition. This may be excessive humidity or dry air, the use of aggressive shampoos and masks. Yes, and many do not mind using different means for styling in the form of irons and plates, which are negatively displayed on the structure of hair and its attractiveness.And that is why it is important when using hair care to use natural products that combine nutrition, protective and regenerative properties. Infusions of bay leaves and tonic masks with the extract of this plant can strengthen the hair and give it a natural shine.
7. You can use natural decoctions from bay leaves to wash your face, since anti-inflammatory properties are a great opportunity to improve the condition of the skin and give it a beautiful and well-groomed appearance.
8. Elimination of fungal diseases. Infusions of bay leaves have proven themselves in the fight against fungal diseases of the feet, excessive sweating of the hands and feet. Due to the restoring properties in the composition of the product, it provides an excellent opportunity to dry the skin, eliminate inflammatory processes and viral manifestations. In the fight against fungal manifestations, such a product is considered the most effective.
9. The fight against diabetes. As part of the comprehensive treatment of diabetes, a bay leaf in the form of an adjuvant is suitable. In conjunction with a diet and drugs prescribed by the doctor, all conditions are provided to reduce blood sugar and normalize health. But such therapy is suitable in the initial stages of diabetes, therefore, to obtain accurate information, it is worth consulting with your doctor in order to avoid side effects from the product.
10. Relief of diseases of the nasopharynx. In the treatment of sinusitis and dry cough, the product is especially popular due to its expectorant properties. Antimicrobial effect prevents the appearance of viral diseases, and also actively fights them at the stage of progress. Active chemical properties in the composition of the bay leaf is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the recovery of the body, which can be considered an important advantage.
11. Improving the digestive system. The digestive system is very often clogged by toxins and toxins, which is negatively reflected in the process of digestion and assimilation of food. Daily use of broth based on “lavrushka” is an opportunity to remove toxins and toxins from the digestive system, to establish its functioning. In addition, the tool copes with exacerbations of gastritis and ulcers, which improves a person’s health and well-being.
12. Lowering blood pressure. High blood pressure is negatively displayed on the well-being and state of human health. Drugs have a negative effect on the liver, so many are thinking about using natural products to relieve pressure. So, if the pressure has increased slightly, you can normalize it with decoctions and infusions based on bay leaves. The heartbeat calms down, and the tonometer readings delight with a decrease in pressure.
13. Allergic reaction decreases. Each organism is individual, and therefore, for one person the norm, for another it can cause an allergic reaction. It is difficult and long to deal with allergies, especially during an exacerbation. Medicines are gradually losing their activity due to the habituation of the body, and popular folk remedies are not encouraging due effectiveness. In this case, you need to choose the right method of alternative treatment. Water infusion based on this spice creates a protective barrier, so the allergic reaction is eliminated or appears in a minimal form.

Possible harm to bay leaf

The use of bay leaf, infusions and decoctions based on it is strongly contraindicated in cases of inflammation of the 12-type intestine or chronic diseases of the stomach (it is important to consult a treating doctor here), during pregnancy and during lactation, as this can cause severe side effects. As well as bay leaf and any decoctions or infusions based on it can not be used for individual intolerance, as this is fraught with the appearance of side effects, in particular, exacerbation of the allergic reaction of the body.

Video: how to clean joints with bay leaf