Bay leaf during pregnancy: benefits and harms

The versatility of the use of this plant is based on its chemical composition. The bright aroma suggests that it contains volatile, which have an antiviral effect along with onions and garlic. But besides this, in such a familiar bay leaf there are many more secrets. Pregnant women need to approach its use with great care, remembering their delicate position.

Where did the noble laurel come from?

This evergreen shrub prefers a subtropical climate where hot sun and high humidity are combined. The crown of the plant is dense, similar to a pyramid. The appearance of the leaves is well known to every hostess. Fresh, they are dark green in color, covered with a leathery film, slightly wavy at the edges. To preserve nutrients, it is better to purchase a fresh cut of branches and dry at home in a shady, well-ventilated corner. It is necessary to store in a dry place, in a container with a tightly ground lid.

The homeland of the laurel is considered to be the Mediterranean. In ancient Greece, it carried a ritual significance, being considered a sacred tree. Only a select few were awarded a laurel wreath.

On the territory of our country, the plant feels great in the Caucasus, Krasnodar Territory, Georgia, on the Crimean Peninsula. On a global scale, grows in the subtropical band of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

There are 3 main types of laurels:

• Noble;
• Azores
• Camphor.

As seasoning, only the Noble Laurel is used.

The composition and properties of the plant

The richness of natural components allows the use of leaves as a therapeutic agent, since it contains:

• tannins;
• essential oils;
• phytosterol;
• several types of acids;
• vitamins of group B, A, C, PP;
• micro and macro elements, including magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, iron.

A decoction in combination with a special diet within 6 days removes excess salt from the joints, you can use the recipe for rheumatism. Decoctions of nettles and bay leaves, if alternated, are able to restore shine, strength, elasticity to the hair, prevent the ends from being cut, awaken the sleeping hair follicles. For problematic skin, wiping with these products will come in handy, they will gently remove inflammation, narrow pores, prevent the appearance of new rashes and dry old ones.

A more concentrated broth will come in handy in the fight against foot and nail fungus. It eliminates excessive sweating, unpleasant odor, blocks the reproduction of pathogens, relieves burning and itching.

An unpleasant odor from the oral cavity, if provoked by inflammation of the gums or mucous membranes, is also easily eliminated by rinsing with the addition of infusion of lavrushka within a few days.

Use a useful plant in the form of a decoction, infusion, essential oil.

Limitations

Such a rich spectrum of useful effects causes admiration and a desire to immediately try out all the recipes for yourself. But this is unacceptable during pregnancy.

Important: the decoction causes a strong contraction of smooth muscles, so in the first trimester it can not be used inside. Otherwise, you can provoke an involuntary abortion.

It is not recommended to drink the infusion of bay leaves with gastritis, gastric ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer, pancreatitis, regular constipation. Do not abuse the remedy if cardiovascular pathologies are observed, sudden pressure surges. Diseases of the genitourinary system, especially unstable kidney, liver function is also a contraindication.

The duality of action is clearly visible in the case of diabetes and allergies. In the early stages, bay leaf will be beneficial, in later stages - harm.

Tips for using bay leaves during pregnancy

The expectation of a child brings excitement, additional concern for his health, so expectant mothers are very careful in choosing food and cosmetics. With a reasonable approach, bay leaf is very useful for pregnant women. Let the broth should not be taken orally, but it is perfect as a means to care for the skin of the face, body, feet, relieves itching with skin rashes, and helps with inflammation of the gums.

Compresses help well with suppuration in the corners of the nails, cleanse small wounds, accelerate healing. The pleasant smell of the leaf soothes, helps to fall asleep quickly.

Traditional use as a spice also does no harm. Safe dose - 2 leaflets for the first course, meat or vegetable stew, stewed fish, will add flavor and cause appetite.

Cosmetic recipes

The power of bay leaf is used to relieve swelling, prevent wrinkles, even out complexion, prevent the appearance of acne, relieve irritation, disinfect and dry. Many recipes are very easy to prepare and do not require special skills.

1. Lotion. 3-5 shredded leaves are steamed with a glass of boiling water and insisted for 2 hours. Then add 2 tbsp. alcohol and lemon juice and wipe the face 2 times a day.
2. Tonic. Leaves are tightly packed in a glass jar, filled with boiling water, corked and left for 4 - 5 hours. Then filter, add a few drops of tea tree oil and let it brew again. The next day, it is fashionable to use a tonic 3 times a day to normalize the sebaceous glands.
3. Baths. Used for the prevention and treatment of fungal diseases of the foot. 4 to 5 leaves are brewed in a glass of boiling water and poured into a container for the foot baths, added to the desired volume of warm water, and the feet are immersed in the ankle for 5 to 10 minutes.

Folk recipes with bay leaves are time-tested, do not bring side effects and are absolutely safe for pregnant women with external use.

Video: health benefits of bay leaf