Content
- 1 The history of the appearance of the bay leaf
- 2 The chemical composition of bay leaves
- 3 Nutritional value and calorie content of bay leaf
- 4 The healing properties of bay leaves
- 5 Is bay leaf good for children
- 6 Is bay leaf possible for pregnant and lactating women
- 7 How to use bay leaf for weight loss
- 8 Traditional medicine recipes based on bay leaves
- 9 How to treat bay leaves
- 9.1 For joint pain
- 9.2 With cystitis
- 9.3 With otitis media
- 9.4 With hemorrhoids
- 9.5 From sweating feet
- 9.6 From alcoholism
- 9.7 For allergies
- 9.8 With sinusitis
- 9.9 With a delay in menstruation
- 9.10 With diabetes mellitus
- 9.11 For colds and coughs
- 9.12 With osteochondrosis and arthritis
- 9.13 With eye inflammation
- 9.14 To improve potency
- 10 The use of bay leaves in cosmetology
- 11 How bay leaves are used in cooking
- 12 The magical properties of bay leaves
- 13 Harm of bay leaves and contraindications
- 14 How to choose a bay leaf when buying
- 15 Storing bay leaves at home
- 16 Conclusion
- 17 Reviews
The benefits and harms of bay leaf is a question everyone needs to know the answer to, since bay leaves are widely used in cooking. You can understand the properties of a plant if you study the composition and scope of application.
The history of the appearance of the bay leaf
The evergreen laurel tree grows in subtropical and tropical regions. It can be found in the Mediterranean and Transcaucasia, on the Canary Islands, in Asia Minor. The leaves of the plant are highly prized in cooking - they are one of the most famous spices. The plant is noteworthy for its medicinal and even occult properties; laurel is a symbol of victory in many world cultures.
A beautiful ancient Greek myth is associated with the laurel tree, which tells about the origin of the plant. According to Ovid, once the god Eros punished Apollo by shooting an arrow of love for the nymph Daphne at him, and an arrow at Daphne herself that kills love. The persecution of Apollo only disgusted the nymph, and, in the end, she asked the gods to protect her. The gods fulfilled the wish by turning Daphne into a tree. The saddened Apollo made sure the laurel remained evergreen and the plant became sacred ever since.
The chemical composition of bay leaves
The benefits of bay leaves for the human body are easily explained - just look at the composition. The leaves of plants contain:
- vitamins A and C;
- B vitamins;
- PP acid and saturated fatty acids;
- essential and tannins;
- potassium and iron;
- magnesium, copper, zinc and sodium;
- phosphorus and manganese;
- cellulose.
The plant not only improves the taste and aroma of dishes, but also gives them additional beneficial properties.
Nutritional value and calorie content of bay leaf
The product consists primarily of carbohydrates - the plant contains about 48 g. The second and third places are occupied by fats, about 8 g, and proteins, whose share is 7 g.
The calorie content of lavrushka is quite high - 313 kcal per 100 g.
The healing properties of bay leaves
The valuable composition of the plant contributes to the fact that the lavrushka brings great health benefits. Namely:
- improves appetite and aids in the digestion of food;
- significantly speeds up metabolic processes;
- strengthens the body's defenses against colds;
- removes toxins, toxins and excess salts;
- relieves inflammation and pain;
- improves skin color and elasticity, strengthens hair;
- normalizes blood pressure and helps fight edema;
- improves the condition of blood vessels and the heart system.
The benefits of bay leaves for the kidneys are that the agent has a strong diuretic effect and prevents the formation of calculi. And the benefits of chewing bay leaves every day will be that the plant will help protect against inflammation of the oral cavity.
The benefits of bay leaves for women
The benefits and harms of bay leaves for women's health lie in several areas at once. The seasoning provides effective help in case of menstrual irregularities, helps to relieve inflammation of the genitourinary system. In addition, laurel is useful for weight loss, its valuable properties are actively used in cosmetology - the plant rejuvenates the skin of the face and fights acne and acne.
Why is bay leaf useful for men
For the stronger sex, useful laurel is valuable primarily for its diuretic properties - plant-based medicines help in the treatment of kidney diseases and urogenital inflammation.
Zinc in lavrushka contributes to the proper functioning of the male reproductive system.
Bay leaf for the elderly
The seasoning is especially recommended for use in old age. First of all, lavrushka regulates pressure and protects blood vessels from atherosclerosis. In addition, the plant helps with pain in the legs, which often affects the elderly. Laurel relieves muscle inflammation and helps to improve blood circulation, preventing blood stasis.
Is bay leaf good for children
The seasoning is one of the few allowed for consumption even by babies. Bay leaf rarely causes a negative reaction, therefore, the medicinal properties of bay leaf for newborns are used from skin irritations.
After 3 months of life, lavrushka is allowed for internal use for children - although the doses should be microscopic, and parents need to carefully monitor the child's reaction. If allergies to the seasoning do not appear, laurel will have a beneficial effect on children's digestion.
Is bay leaf possible for pregnant and lactating women
The healthy bay leaf is strictly prohibited during pregnancy. Drinks made with this herb stimulate strong internal muscle contractions and can be harmful by causing miscarriage. However, you can still use laurel externally or add a little of it to dishes for pregnant women.
During breastfeeding, it is better to refrain from eating lavrushka. Sometimes the seasoning causes allergies in babies, which is harmful.
How to use bay leaf for weight loss
Lavrushka is a powerful diuretic, so it can enhance the effect of any diet. For example, the following remedy is used for losing weight:
- several laurel leaves are poured with water;
- boil for about a quarter of an hour over medium heat;
- cool and filter.
You need to drink the product at least three times a day in the volume of a large spoon. Lavrushka helps to remove excess fluids from the body - up to several liters. True, the benefits and harms of bay leaf decoction go next to each other. The drink should not be consumed longer than 3 days, otherwise dehydration will occur. Between the courses of using a useful remedy, it is necessary to take a break of at least six months.
Traditional medicine recipes based on bay leaves
There are several basic recipes for the internal and external use of the seasoning. The properties of bay leaves in medicine show an excellent effect
Decoction of bay leaves
About 30 leaves are thoroughly washed and filled with clean water.Then the container with the leaves is placed on the stove over medium heat, after boiling, boil for about 5 minutes. You do not need to cover the container with a lid. The finished medicine will need to be insisted for several more hours.
The boiled bay leaf brings benefits for joint pain and stomach problems, fever and colds. Its dosage depends on the specific disease, but usually the medicine is taken several sips three times a day.
Infusion of bay leaves
Another simple medicine based on lavrushka is a useful infusion. To create it, you need to pour a teaspoon of chopped leaves with boiling water and hold it in a thermos overnight. The infusion is consumed three times a day for gastric and inflammatory ailments - in the amount of 1 large spoon.
The infusion is also suitable for external use, it treats damage and irritation on the skin.
Bay leaf tea
For the prevention of diseases and as an anti-cold remedy, they drink healthy tea brewed on bay leaves. It is necessary to pour boiling water over 4 small leaves and boil for a quarter of an hour. Then they add ordinary tea leaves and medicinal herbs to the product and drink it like ordinary tea.
The benefits and harms of bay leaf tea depend on the dosage - you shouldn't take more than 2 cups a day.
Bay leaf ointment
The benefits of bay leaves for joints are manifested not only in decoctions and infusions, but also in the properties of a healing ointment. It is very simple to prepare it:
- a small handful of bay leaves are thoroughly crushed;
- then take twice the amount of quality butter and soften it at room temperature;
- the oil is mixed with chopped leaves and steamed for half an hour.
The cooled ointment can be rubbed into sore spots.
Laurel oil
For external use, bay leaf oil is used. You can make a medicine at home, for this you need:
- take a handful of chopped leaves;
- slightly warm olive or sunflower oil and pour the raw materials over it;
- remove the mixture in a dark place for about 10 days.
The present leaves must be squeezed out and the oil collected in a separate container. The extract, which has absorbed all the beneficial properties, is suitable for inhalation for colds, for external treatment of wounds and bruises. Bay oil is often used in aromatherapy - rich in valuable substances aroma purifies the air in the room.
Bay leaf baths
A good way to boost your health and boost your immune system is to take a healthy lavrushka bath. It is enough to add 2 liters of laurel broth to hot water and lie down in such a bath. The procedure helps against colds and joint pains, rheumatism and sprains.
How to treat bay leaves
The medicinal properties of bay leaves are used for a very wide range of diseases. The seasoning has a healing effect for both internal and external ailments.
For joint pain
Sore joints can be treated with separate lavrushka remedies, or complex therapy can be used.
- Laurel infusion is very popular - a teaspoon of dry raw materials is poured with boiling water and insisted in a thermos overnight. The infusion is drunk for 3 days in small sips every few hours.
- For joint ailments, take baths with lavrushka.
- Sore areas can be treated with laurel-based ointment, it will help relieve inflammation and pain.
With cystitis
Useful baths with laurel broth help well against cystitis in women. The anti-inflammatory properties of the seasoning quickly improve the condition of the body, usually only 3-5 treatment sessions are enough daily. To enhance the effect, the agent can be drunk in a large spoon in the morning and in the evening, but for no longer than 3 days in a row to avoid harm.
With otitis media
To quickly relieve inflammation in the ear, you need to bury 4 drops of laurel broth in it. You can also take the product orally - three times a day, a couple of large spoons.
With hemorrhoids
From external and internal hemorrhoids, the healing properties of the branches of bay leaves and its leaves in the form of a decoction help well. Drink the drink in a quarter of a glass, shortly before eating, twice or thrice a day. In total, during therapy, you need to drink at least 3 liters of a useful remedy.
To get rid of an unpleasant disease faster, you can take a sitz bath: pour 100 g of dry leaves with several liters of hot water. It is recommended to take about 12 baths in total.
From sweating feet
To get rid of the unpleasant odor emanating from the feet, mini-baths are made daily, adding 250 ml of strong laurel infusion to them. Keep your feet in the water for about a quarter of an hour.
From alcoholism
It is believed that a decoction of laurel helps to get rid of cravings for alcohol. Several chopped leaves need to be boiled, cooled and drunk a couple of sips throughout the day. As a result, the daily dose of the drug should be at least 2 glasses.
For allergies
The properties of bay leaves help with allergies.
- To get rid of nasal congestion and tearing, you need to instill 3 drops of laurel oil in each nostril.
- To eliminate an allergic skin rash, you can take laurel baths - 1 liter of laurel broth is diluted in 15 liters of plain water.
Also, allergic irritations can be treated with laurel infusion lotions, the remedy will soften the skin and relieve inflammation and itching.
With sinusitis
The benefits of a decoction of bay leaves for the human body are manifested in chronic sinusitis. You can do inhalation and breathe in the hot steam rising from the freshly prepared product. For more effect, you can cover your head with a towel on top.
With a delay in menstruation
If, against the background of a sharp weight loss or stress, the menstrual cycle is disrupted, you can prepare a useful decoction of laurel. The filtered product is drunk in one gulp in the volume of a glass. If it works, then the next day your period will come.
The medicine can be used only with a short, maximum ten-day delay. If the broth does not help, it is no longer possible to repeat the procedure - in large quantities, lavrushka is toxic and harms the body.
With diabetes mellitus
Infusion lowers blood glucose, if taken daily before eating, three times a day - there will be benefits of bay leaves for diabetes. The effect of the drug should appear after a couple of weeks.
For colds and coughs
Vitamin decoction from lavrushka lowers the temperature and helps fight viruses and infections. To eliminate coughs and colds, it is recommended to drink half a glass of broth three times a day.
The broth is also well suited for the prevention of ARVI, since it increases immunity.
With osteochondrosis and arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis and osteochondrosis are alleviated by laurel infusion - you need to drink it throughout the day for several sips before meals. The healing properties of bay leaves for joints are that the agent removes excess salt deposits, but it can only be taken for 3 days in a row. Otherwise, there will be harm due to the fact that the body will lose nutrients and fluid.
With eye inflammation
For barley and other eye diseases, it is recommended to drink a few sips of laurel infusion every hour during the day.To prepare a useful remedy, you should take only 3 leaves - the infusion should be weak. With this treatment, inflammation disappears after a couple of days.
To improve potency
With a weakening of libido, it is recommended to drink a weak laurel infusion every day a quarter of an hour before meals. Also, the addition of bay leaves to food has a positive effect on potency.
The use of bay leaves in cosmetology
The beneficial properties of the seasoning are used to take care of the health of the skin and hair. Lavrushka helps fight irritation, regulates the production of subcutaneous fat and restores beauty to the face and curls.
Bay leaf for facial health
The healing properties of bay leaf for skin help get rid of acne, dry skin and remove blackheads. For example, the following lotion for oily skin gives a complex effect:
- a weak infusion is prepared from several leaves;
- add 2 large tablespoons of lemon juice and a similar amount of alcohol to the infusion;
- wipe the skin with natural lotion in the morning and evening every day.
The product will quickly cleanse the face and reduce the production of subcutaneous fat.
Bay leaf for hair beauty
The healing properties of bay leaf for hair are that it helps to eliminate scalp flaking and dandruff, strengthens the hair follicles and gives the hair a healthy shine. Such a firming mask is popular:
- 2 large tablespoons of crushed leaves are poured with boiling water and insisted for an hour;
- add 60 g of liquid honey and stir thoroughly;
- distribute the mixture over the curls, trying not to process the very ends - there is a risk of overdrying them.
The benefits of bay leaves for hair will appear in the fact that the mask will help stop hair loss.
How bay leaves are used in cooking
The laurel spice is one of the most famous and popular in the world. Leaves with a bitter taste and pleasant spicy aroma are added to soups and main courses, meat and fish, seafood and vegetables, cereals and sauces.
The plant is often used in canning - when salting or pickling vegetables, mushrooms and other products. Laurel not only improves the taste, but also gives canned food additional useful properties.
In order for the product to improve the taste of dishes, it must be added in the amount of 1-4 leaves. At the same time, laurel is laid in soups 5 minutes before readiness, and in main courses - 10 minutes. After a quarter of an hour, the leaf must be removed from the dish, otherwise it will give the food a bitter taste.
The magical properties of bay leaves
In ancient times, laurel was considered sacred. The magical properties of bay leaves are revered even now - people believe that the plant purifies home energy, protects the house from lightning strikes, attracts prophetic dreams and contributes to the fulfillment of desires. There is a widespread belief about the magical properties of the bay leaf to attract money - it is believed that wealth will never be lost in a house richly decorated with laurel leaves.
Harm of bay leaves and contraindications
The medicinal properties of the plant are not beneficial to everyone. Sometimes they can be harmful. It is forbidden to use seasoning and products based on it when:
- allergies to this product;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- serious diseases of the liver, intestines and stomach;
- severe heart and vascular ailments;
- chronic renal failure and gallstone disease.
How to choose a bay leaf when buying
Usually, lavrushka is sold dried in stores. However, even such a seasoning can be of poor quality and cause harm.
When choosing, you need to look mainly at the color of the leaves. Good leaves are dark green in color. A greenish-yellow pale color indicates that the seasoning is expired, and stains and rust on the leaves even indicate that the leaves are affected by disease and will cause harm.
Also, fresh leaves should have a pleasant tart aroma. A weak smell indicates that the seasoning has been stored for too long.
Storing bay leaves at home
The dried leaves of the plant are stored for 1 year. It is best to keep them in a glass jar, under a tightly closed lid, in a dark and cool place.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of bay leaves depend on the presence of contraindications. If the use of the seasoning is not prohibited, then in moderation it will bring invaluable benefits to the body.
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