Decoction of bay leaves: useful properties and contraindications

The laurel leaf has a rich history. It was commonly thought of as a symbol of majesty and glory, and used to cover the heads of the victors and heroes of military conflicts. Nowadays the laurel leaf is mostly known as a spice. It is a spicy ingredient. The laurel leaf is also added to such dishes as broth, goulash, stews, and cold cuts. Housewives especially like to use this spice in home canning. It is rightly considered the king among the spices. True, the bay leaf has found its place not just in the kitchen, but also in cosmetology and medicine.

Composition and caloric content

The bay leaf is caloric. In 100 grams there are more than three hundred kilocalories. In such huge portions, of course, no one uses laurel, so there is no harm to the figure when adding it as a seasoning in various dishes.

The laurel leaf does not contain that many different substances, but all of them are extremely necessary and useful for human health. For example, this applies to polyunsaturated fatty acids. These include:

1. Linoleic. The body is not able to produce this acid on its own, but it needs it, because it helps the cells to survive in the extreme conditions for them. This is why it is very important to eat foods rich in linoleic acid.
2. Linolenic acid. The body is also unable to synthesize this acid, and its shortage provokes the appearance of acne, causes brittle nails and hair.
3. Omega-3. It helps the body as a whole. It is especially useful for the cardiovascular system and the brain. Thanks to omega-3, the storage of harmful cholesterol is minimized.
4. Omega-6. Charges the body with the energy it needs. Helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

Laurel leaf is rich in the following micronutrients:

1. Iron. It is found in sufficiently large quantities. It participates in hemoglobin production and oxygenation. In this regard, the role of iron is enormous, so you need to eat more food rich in it.
2. Manganese. Also an important trace element for the body and its life. It helps to assimilate calcium and phosphorus and plays an important role in the formation of hemoglobin, helps the exchange of B and C vitamins between cells.
3. Copper. Nutritionists rarely pay attention to it for their patients, but this trace element is also important for health. It is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis, metabolism, helps in the regulation of the structure and structure of connective, bone and epithelial tissue.
4. Selenium. In large quantities it is a poison. In small doses it is necessary to improve the body's defenses - immunity. This trace element stimulates the metabolism between cells. Based on many studies, scientists have concluded that selenium does not allow cancer cells to develop, so foods rich in it are used to prevent cancer.

The laurel leaf also contains macronutrients:

1. Calcium. Important for the formation of bones, muscle tissue. Helps in the regulation of metabolism, makes hair, nails, teeth strong and healthy.
2. Potassium. Necessary for energy production, helps muscles work properly. Its deficiency leads to spasms and, in some cases, to paralysis. In addition, it is also responsible for the water balance in the body.
3. Magnesium. A very necessary element. Participates in energy regulation, is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses. Helps the absorption of calcium and glucose.
4. Vitamins in the laurel leaf contains few, but they are all necessary and very important:
5. В6. It is the most abundant in the laurel leaf. It is necessary for hematopoiesis, helps the digestion of fats and carbohydrates, and prevents the development of skin diseases.
6. Vitamin A. Ensures youthfulness and beauty. A very important vitamin for women.
7. Vitamin B9 or folic acid. It is also successfully synthesized and recommended for regular consumption. Folic acid is needed to improve the body's defenses, helps with anemia and is important for blood vessels.

In addition, there are vitamins K, PP, C in laurel, but their content is very small.

Even in the composition of the spicy plant noticed essential oils, tannins, as well as organic acids (such as acetic, valerian, capron), phytosterols, resins.

How useful is a decoction of bay leaf

General benefits

Even Hippocrates in his works noted the usefulness of the bay leaf. He suggested its use for joint pains, in the treatment of nervous diseases and shortness of breath. Laurel is a natural antiseptic that is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

These days laurel leaf is quite often practiced not only in folk medicine, but also in evidence-based medicine as a complementary medicine. It is used:

1. For nervous excitability and sleep disturbance. It is suggested to take baths with it or use aromatherapy.
2. To eliminate excess fluid from the body. This property of it is widely used in the war against unwanted kilograms.
3. To improve digestion, against intestinal colic. The acids found in laurel improve metabolism, which increases the formation of necessary enzymes. Also, these acids can protect the body from the unwanted effects of harmful compounds that accumulate in the intestines.
4. In the treatment of diabetes. The laurel helps to reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. True, this does not say that you should stop drinking the medication recommended by your doctor. Lavrush in this case acts only as an auxiliary therapy.
5. In dealing with the issue of bad breath. Laurel helps with stomatitis or other similar infection.
6. To strengthen the immune system. Decoction of laurel helps to defeat viruses and improves the body's resistance.
7. To reduce BP (blood pressure) when it increases slightly.
8. To reduce pain in the joints. This is done by eliminating salts from the body with infused bay leaves.
9. To treat fungus on the feet, foot sweating, in the presence of irritation and odor.
10. In the elimination of problems in the respiratory system. The bay leaf is excellent for fighting coughs and maxillary sinusitis.

For women.

Used in disorders of menstrual bleeding in girls and women. Properly prepared decoction of bay leaves, as experts assure, helps to improve the contraction of the uterus and the movement of blood in the body. If there is no pregnancy, but there is a delay in menstruation, a decoction of laurel will help to bring it closer.

In addition, decoction of the laurel leaf is successfully used in industries such as cosmetology, to enhance hair growth, as well as the prevention of dandruff.

For men

The drink is used for problems with the sexual system, which occurs with a decrease in potency. Lavra decoction helps to raise and normalize male potency. It is worth taking relaxing baths with laurel, as well as using it internally in the form of tinctures and decoctions.

When pregnant

In ancient times, decoction of this spice interrupted unwanted pregnancy. Consuming an excessive amount of laurel decoction promotes uterine contractions, which causes bleeding and the release of the embryo. Bleeding can be quite strong, so you should use this method with caution.

When breastfeeding

The bay leaf is beneficial not only for adults, but also for children, so you should not be afraid to add it to your food. It contains many vitamins and elements that are passed on to the baby with the mother's milk. However, the bay leaf is considered an allergenic product and can cause a rash.

If everything is normal, and the baby reacts well to the innovation in the diet of the mother, it is not necessary to remove the bay leaf from the diet of the nursing mother, you just need to observe the baby and his condition and not to abuse the amount.

For babies

The bay leaf is used to combat allergic and other rashes in children. It is recommended to make a decoction of fresh bay leaves, which should infuse, preferably for several hours. The resulting decoction is poured into the bath water. You can also rub the rashes themselves with this decoction. Instead of decoction it is allowed to use laurel oil, but also only externally.

If a child has trouble sleeping, it is recommended to put a bay leaf near the head of the bed.

For weight loss

The plant is used to eliminate the problem of excess weight. Decoction from the bay leaf activates the metabolism, removes excess water from the body, as well as additionally salts and toxins. Of course, it is desirable to use the decoction together with physical activity and a healthy diet. It should be drunk 2 tablespoons three times a day for half an hour before a meal.

Medical applications

Many experts, in addition to medicine, suggest paying attention to such a spice as the bay leaf.

1. It is very common in the treatment of diabetes, especially in the initial stages. Regular use of bay leaf contributes to a significant reduction in blood sugar. This is due to the regulation of metabolism and reduction of cholesterol levels. Patients with such a disease as diabetes note that the use of laurel improves the general condition, improves mood and reduces the symptoms of the disease.
2. The laurel is also used for gastritis. When diagnosed with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach, it is recommended to stick to a diet and give up spices. But the bay leaf is not included in the list of bans. On the contrary, it organizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract and helps to cope with stomach pain, flatulence, as well as to regulate the stool.
3. For intestinal problems, it is also recommended to use laurel. It relieves spasms, prevents constipation, and also protects the colon from the effects of various toxins.
4. Decoction from the laurel leaf is also prescribed in the complex in the treatment of gout. He is able to regenerate tissue, improve protective functions and remove salts. And laurel tincture is used to reduce pain, especially when the disease is exacerbated.
5. Decoction of laurel is recommended to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and the presence of essential oils, fatty acids and tannins. Essential oils eliminate the effects of germs, tannins narrow the blood vessels, which reduces the risk of internal bleeding. It is also important to note that the bay leaf relieves pain and itching.
6. Laurel helps in the fight against cystitis, thus reducing the duration of treatment and the number of antibiotics used.
7. Respiratory diseases can also be treated with laurel. This spice is able to eliminate not only the consequences, but also the cause of the disease. Laurel oil is used to rub the chest, and decoctions are taken internally or used for inhalations.

Bay leaf decoction in cosmetology

The bay leaf is used in cosmetology to combat skin imperfections, as it is the only decoction used in cosmetology. it is an excellent natural antiseptic. Infusion of the spice is able to correct the sebaceous glands, remove pigmentation, blackheads, acne, allergic rashes. It helps to smooth the skin of the face, and makes the hair shiny and well-groomed.

For the face.

To eliminate oily shine, improve the color of the skin and give it elasticity, you need to prepare a tonic from the bay leaf. To make it, you need to take 100 grams of leaves, pour boiling water and boil for about fifteen minutes. Next, cool the prepared remedy and put it in a cool place so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight. Apply the remedy several times a day on clean skin until it is completely dry. Then wash with warm water and apply moisturizer.

To eliminate acne and wrinkles and increase skin elasticity use the following mask. A glass of hot water is poured over a few bay leaves, cooled, and then strained. Dilute 3-5 spoonfuls of blue clay in this decoction and apply the mask to a cleansed face. When the clay begins to crack, the mask is washed off with warm water and moisturizing cream is used.

When fighting acne, an alcoholic tincture helps a lot. Finely chop one part of a bay leaf and pour five parts of medical alcohol. The mixture is placed in a cool place for two weeks. At the end of the specified time an amber liquid with a peculiar odor will be obtained. Apply it only on the problem areas.

Often use and laurel oil. It eliminates dry skin. It can be applied not only to the face, but also on the hands and cleavage area. It is better to use it warmed up, then the positive result will not make you wait.

Laurel oil also soothes irritated skin, helps to get rid of marks that were left after bruises or falls.

For hair

For hair, laurel is most often used in masks. Pour the crushed leaves with boiling water. This decoction is infused for an hour, filtered and dissolved in honey. It is recommended to apply the mask warm. For best results, cover the head with cling film and terry towel. Hold the mixture for about an hour, and then wash off with warm water and shampoo.

To prevent hair loss use a mask of laurel oil and boron bread. Laurel oil can easily be obtained by yourself. To do this, pour the crushed leaves with unrefined vegetable oil. You can take both olive oil and sunflower oil. The mixture is removed for a week in some dark place. And for the preparation of the mask you need only two tablespoons of such oil. Soak the bread in kefir beforehand, and after softening add the oil. The resulting mixture is applied for an hour under the film and washed off with warm water and shampoo.

To make your hair shiny and strong, use a decoction of laurel to rinse it. The leaves are poured with boiling water and boiled for twenty minutes over low heat. Cool decoction rinse hair for a month. Decoction does not wash out of the hair.

Laurel leaf is ideal for dandruff. Brew 25 leaves of bay leaves in a liter of boiling water. Then the decoction should be well covered and left untouched for two hours. Strain the decoction and use instead of a rinse after washing your head. According to many hairdressers, this infusion stimulates and excellent hair growth.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the great benefits of the bay leaf, it is actually not so harmless.

1. You should not consume a lot of bay leaves during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage or premature labor.
2. Unrestricted use of bay leaf while breastfeeding can change the taste of the milk or cause an allergic reaction in the baby.
3. It is not advised to use laurel for stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers.
4. You should not use this spice with kidney and liver diseases.
5. Frequent use of bay leaves can provoke constipation.

Of course, a small amount that is used in cooking, no harm to the body. It is enough to add 1-2 leaves to provide food with a pleasant taste and flavor.

How to prepare a decoction of bay leaves

1. In the fight against diabetes, drink a decoction made from 15 leaves poured with 300 ml of water. The decoction is boiled slightly and infused for four hours.
2. To combat cystitis decoction of bay leaves is prepared as follows: 30 grams of leaf pour a bucket of water and boil for twenty minutes. The decoction is slightly cooled, poured into a basin and sat in it so that the genitals were in the water. Sit for ten minutes and then go to the toilet. This is to ensure that a small portion of the decoction gets into the urogenital system for disinfection. After this procedure, take a shower and dress warmly. Usually once is enough and cystitis recedes. If the symptoms persist, the procedure can be repeated the next day.
3. To treat maxillary sinusitis, the following decoction is prepared: several large leaves are poured with boiling water. Boil them for twenty minutes. A napkin soaked in this decoction is placed on the face so that it covers the nose and forehead. Repeat until the decoction cools. It is best to do this in the evening before going to bed.
4. When fighting leg sweating, it is recommended to do baths with the decoction. About 30 leaves pour a glass of boiling water. Decoction infused and make foot baths with it.
5. To clean the vessels five bay leaf pour 300 ml boiled water and boil for another five minutes. The resulting decoction is poured into a thermos and infused for at least five hours.
6. A decoction for normalization of the menstrual cycle is prepared in about the same way. Approximately ten leaves are poured in 500 ml of water and boiled for five minutes, and then infused for at least three hours in a thermos.
7. To correct the figure, the bay leaves are boiled together with a cinnamon stick in a liter of water for fifteen minutes.
8. A decoction for use on salt deposits and osteochondrosis is prepared as follows: 1 tsp. crushed laurel pour 2 cups of boiling water, cover and boil for five minutes. Without removing the lid, infused broth for two hours.
9. For the treatment of psoriasis place 10 leaves of bay in a thermos and pour half a liter of boiling water. Insist for two hours.
10. To treat otitis and other diseases of the ear, insist 2 tbsp. of crushed laurel for two hours. The solution is then used to flush or drip into the ear three times a day. You can also do it once a day at night.
11. For the treatment of hemorrhoids, the decoction recipe is as follows: 25 leaves brewed in three liters of boiling water and insist ten minutes.
12. In conjunctivitis to relieve inflammation is recommended infusion of three leaves of this fragrant spice, poured for an hour with boiling water. Adults do lotions, and hold for about half an hour. In children, the decoction is used only for rinsing.

What is the right way to drink decoction of the bay leaf?

1. To clean the vessels, the prepared decoction is taken in the morning by two sips.
2. When menstruation is delayed, the bay leaf decoction is consumed several times during the day. Most likely, the next day your period will start. If this does not happen, it is worth seeing a doctor.
3. For weight loss, the decoction is drunk on an empty stomach for three days, but then it is recommended to take a break.
4. In therapy with patients with diabetes, decoction of bay leaves is used for 150 ml per day before meals, divided into three doses. After two weeks, sugar levels usually return to normal.
5. In psoriasis decoction is taken by half a glass twenty minutes before a meal three times a day.
6. In hemorrhoids decoction is recommended to drink internally by a glass a day.
7. To remove salts, the infusion should be used by 1 tbsp. spoon twice a day for two weeks. To achieve the best effect, it is desirable to first cleanse the intestines as well.

Interesting facts about laurel

1. The laurel leaf was considered an indicator of power and might.
2. In ancient Rome, the laurel wreath was the highest military insignia.
3. People living in the Sahara desert added the laurel leaf to Arabica coffee when making it.
4. The Romans and inhabitants of medieval Europe protected their homes from lightning strikes with laurel branches.
5. Laurel essential oil is used in soap making, massage oil, fragrances for cosmetics and in creating fragrances in the perfume industry.
6. Many countries, such as Algeria, Cuba, Greece, etc., choose laurel branches to decorate their coats of arms.
7. The laurel leaf is also endowed with magical properties. It is used to attract good luck in financial matters. To do this, it is necessary to put the attractive leaf in a purse or bag close to money.
8. For a tranquil atmosphere at home, laurel leaves are set on fire, smoked in every corner and taken smoldering in a pan outside the door.
9. And hidden in secluded corners small sprigs with laurel leaves will not allow anything bad to settle in the house.
10. In order to dream a lucky dream, you should put sprigs of laurel in your mattress.
11. If you write a wish on a laurel leaf and throw it into the fire, it will certainly come true.
12. A branch of laurel by the child's bed will ward off the evil eye.
13. The height of the laurel tree can reach more than ten meters.
14. In Russia, the laurel leaf is the second most popular spice, second only to black pepper.
15. In early Christianity, the evergreen laurel was considered a symbol of new life, and the laurel wreath spoke of martyrdom.

Photo of laurel decoction