The laurel is a leafy tree approximately 10 meters high. Its leaves have been praised for years because, in ancient times, especially in Greece and Rome, those who were victorious in a fight were adorned with laurel wreaths.
Currently, bay leaves are a good companion in gastronomy. They can be used fresh or dried as a condiment for different dishes such as meat, fish, soups, among others. In addition, they can be collected at any time of the year.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain, among components of laurel are found in eugenol, which help reduce gases accumulated in the body.
Also, “contains various organic acids, minerals (such as iron and calcium) and other substances with antioxidant (such as vitamin A) and bactericidal action”, explains the institution. Likewise, laurel is considered a beneficial plant for the digestive system and the respiratory system.
Similarly, the specialized portal Health180 explained that this herb reduces stress and anxiety levels as they contain a substance called linaloolwhich is considered a very useful essential oil to calm the mind and reduce the level of cortisol in the blood.
To use laurel to treat stress and anxiety, the portal better with health indicated what is needed: a liter of water, two cinnamon sticks and five bay leaves.
Preparation:
1. Put the water to heat in a pot.
2. When the water begins to boil, add the cinnamon and bay leaf.
3. Let cook for 20 more minutes.
4. Once the time is up, lower the heat and let stand for 30 minutes.
5. Strain and drink in small sips before each meal.
Secondly, laurel acts as a stimulant in cases of physical fatigue, as it reactivates muscle tone. In addition to this, it improves blood circulation and helps overcome mental fatiguebecause it strengthens the nervous system.
Even, better with health explained how to burn bay leaves in order to help the body recover from tiredness and relax following an arduous daily routine. For this you need a container where you can burn the leaves safely.
Process:
1. In the bowl put the three bay leaves.
2. In an empty room, light the bay leaves with the help of matches.
3. The scent released by the laurel will relax the body.
4. Caution must be taken and control of the leaves must be taken to avoid causing accidents.
In addition to the above, bay leaves also reduce inflammation throughout the bodyespecially of the joints, because they contain eugenol, a compound that can act as an anti-inflammatory.
Along the same lines, this plant, along with other so-called medicinal ones, might act on the imbalance of an enzyme called urease that is related to several gastric disorders that give rise to kidney stones, according to the United States National Library of Medicine.
Finally, a study by the Department of Human Nutrition, NWFP Agricultural University, Pakistan, showed that bay leaf contributes to improving the functions of insulin and they are good medicine to open up the airways. If people suffer from asthma or have problems with allergies, it will be an ideal ally.