The laurel is famous for its gastronomic use. Who does not like the touch that it gives to a good tomato sauce? However, beyond this application, laurel infusion may be what you need to relieve some discomforts, such as indigestion or fluid retention.
Used hundreds of years ago by natural medicine, laurel infusion is one of those natural and home remedies that is worth keeping in mind because it takes a few minutes to prepare and can help relieve different symptoms, in addition to preventing diseases.
The laurel plant
The laurel, also known as lauro or by its scientific name Laurus nobilis, is a perennial tree of the Lauraceae family that grows naturally in the Mediterranean area.
The plant can reach 10 meters in height although, in general, it is around 5 or 6 meters. It stands out for its straight grayish trunk and its dense crown of bluish leaves.
These can measure up to 9 cm and draw attention to their color: more concentrated on the upper side and paler on the underside. During the spring, between the months of March and April, the tree blooms.
Its flowers grow in groups and are light yellow in color. Later, from each flower, a fruit is born that is called a berry and is black in color.
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, its leaves are highly appreciated in gastronomy and are used as a condiment to prepare stews, rice dishes, soups and stews, mainly in Europe and America.
Laurel health properties
Laurel is a tasty seasoning that gives a different touch to meals, both vegetables and meat and fish. But did you know that it can also help protect the body?
Laurel is rich in nutrients
Bay leaves contain an interesting amount of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.
Reduces blood sugar and cholesterol
It is believed that consuming laurel infusion on a regular basis would be an effective natural remedy to avoid high levels of cholesterol and blood sugar.
In fact, taking bay leaf capsules every day would help control cholesterol and glucose levels in people with diabetes.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Ayurvedic medicine applies laurel extract topically to relieve inflammation from bumps and injuries, but is it also good to ingest it?
Drinking laurel infusion is recommended when suffering from inflammatory pain caused, for example, by stiffness, arthritis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis or other diseases that cause inflammation. In fact, experts have compared the effect of this herb to the pain-relieving properties of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Improves digestion
The components present in bay leaves relieve gastric problems such as indigestion, heartburn, and nausea.
In addition, it would relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel, gas and even improve the symptoms of celiac disease.
Fight fluid retention
Another of the most common uses of laurel infusion is ingestion to reduce fluid retention thanks to its diuretic effect.
Emetic property
It has been pointed out that laurel has an emetic property, that is, it stimulates vomiting in the presence of toxins in the body.
Prevents the appearance of kidney stones
A bay leaf extract would reduce the presence of urea in the body and thus prevent kidney stones.
Protect heart health
Laurel contains rutin and caffeic acid, two substances that improve heart health by strengthening the capillary walls of the heart and reducing the presence of LDL (or bad) cholesterol, one of the great markers of heart attack risk.
Fight anxiety
Do you suffer from anxiety? An infusion of laurel may be what you need. Specialists maintain that its extract has relaxing properties that could fight anxiety.
How to prepare a laurel infusion
If you are lucky enough to have a laurel at home, or somewhere nearby, don’t waste it! Its leaves always come in handy in the cupboard, either for cooking or to prepare a tasty bay leaf infusion.
Do not hesitate and buy its leaves in bulk at your trusted herbalist. In this way, you will always have a natural remedy available that can save you from any discomfort.
Preparing the laurel infusion does not have major complications. In this case, to benefit from its properties, the water must be brought to the boil.
Ingredients:
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup of water
Elaboration:
- Place the leaves and water in a pot. Choose a container that allows the leaves to move around in order to better extract their components.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- When it breaks the boil, turn off the heat and cover.
- Let stand 5 minutes.
- Strain and drink. If you wish, you can sweeten with honey.
The next time you suffer from digestive discomfort, do not hesitate and go to your kitchen. With a few simple bay leaves you can prepare an effective remedy against all these discomforts.