To know some laurel leaves that unmistakable flavor of dishes of the Mediterranean diet which, in the leaves of this tree one of its best and most powerful allies. In herbal medicine, the bay is used as a wonderful tonic to impact positively on stomach , joints, muscles, and abnormal delays and interruptions in the menstrual cycle. But beyond their culinary and medicinal uses, the Laurel is known in esotericism as a noble and powerful protector, which is said to attract a destination truly fortunate an achievement not only material but spiritual who is entrusted to him. About

laurel

Its scientific name is

Laurus nobilis, the family of the Lauraceae, is an evergreen shrub that can measure from 2 to 8 meters in height until, in some cases, the 20 meters. Its leaves are dark green, shiny, hard and pointed way. The flowers, which can be found male and female specimens are whitish or yellowish, and grow together. The fruit is oval and becomes black color at maturity. The leaves are harvested throughout the year.

Originally from the European part of the coast, used fruit and leaves , which yields an aromatic essential oil which is also concentrated in a smaller in other parts of the tree it is this oil that gives it its characteristic odor. If a burn their leaves, you will notice a special smell in the air spreads , purifying the air and giving a feeling of freshness, pleasure and comfort.

Moreover, the fruits of Laurel containing 25% fat, such as lauric acid, oleic, palmitic and linoleic. It is these oils that are prepared ointments for various purposes.

Medicinal Properties

The active ingredient responsible for the medicinal effects of the bay is its essential oil, which is very effective to treat various ailments.

Laurel properties:

• Digestive

Expectorant • • • Stimulants
antiseptic, excellent tonic for skin, useful to the same conditions.
• Carmine ( helps eliminate the digestive gases)
Diuretics
• • •
sudorific charitable acts in rheumatic pain
• Regulates menstrual
• Useful for skin problems • Snacks
facilitates digestion •
very effective anti-inflammatory and anti applied externally.
• The bay has an impact rubefaciente it can produce a decrease in inflammation when the essential oil of bay leaves is applied topically by.

How do you use?

Bay can be given in decoctions, ointments made with the oil of its fruit also can be produced tonics, teas and scents to vaporize, the latter used to great effect in aromatherapy.

Laurel

ointment for muscle pain

You can make a kind of ointment, and after boiling the crushed leaves of the laurel to consume the water. Applying this kind of ointment by friction on the painful area, gives a considerable welfare and relief.

Uses in the kitchen

Of all the spices that makes the Mediterranean coast, the bay is one of the most reputable fragrance is used in hundreds of recipes. Many renowned chefs argue that the absence of the laurel is equivalent to total failure among diners.
Gourmet Their use lies in its leaves, which are incorporated into stews cooked in them to soak in its essence and aroma. Their Excellencies are really known as a condiment and not need too many descriptions as this can be seen at lunch time.

A bit of history and magic ...

Laurel tree is a male energy, whose regent is the star sun and the fire element. It represents the glory and honor. Over time, this mystical tree is associated with a divine inspiration and victory. Their exquisite perfume was perhaps the cause that he devoted to the gods of Olympus mainly to Apollo, the god of arts, poetry and oracles.
Historically, the bay was given a divine role, related to art and immortality. Was used to honor distinguished personalities relevant as the emperors, which were crowned with its leaves.

Account

mythology that Daphne, a nymph, was turned into Laurel to evade harassment of Apollo, when he discovers the most telling: "If you do not want to be my lover, I'll be eternally consecrated; your leaves are always green and Coroners them with me. " But another tradition that has Gea, mother of Daphne, transformed his daughter in Laurel to avoid harassment of Apollo.

Paracelsus, the controversial doctor and alchemist of old, used the leaves of the Laurel for his prophetic and divinatory arts called "Dafnomancia or divination with bay leaves. The Greeks, on the other hand, on his return of the famous oracle of Delphi, "is crowned with the leaves of the Laurel if the oracle had been favorable.