Not everyone knows that, in addition to flavoring, the bay leaf has a number of useful properties that allow it to be used as a medicinal plant.
Therapeutic properties and contraindications of bay leaves
The laurel leaf contains a large amount of essential oils, thanks to which it has a spicy odor, as well as organic acids (valerian, caproic, acetic), phytoncides (providing antibacterial action), tannins, trace elements (magnesium, manganese, sodium, selenium, phosphorus , zinc).
The main medicinal properties of laurel leaf include:
- anti-inflammatory and antibacterial;
- antifungal (with external application);
- sugar reducing;
- antirheumatic;
- soothing;
- improving immunity;
- stimulating appetite;
- beneficial for metabolism and normalizing it.
In folk medicine for the treatment of mainly use decoctions, infusions and alcohol tinctures of the plant. In addition, the chewing of fresh leaves helps to get rid of bad breath , and also has a noticeable effect with stomatitis and inflammation of the gums.
Contraindications to treatment with bay leaf are:
- the presence of allergic reactions (the essential oil contained in the plant can be a strong allergen);
- pregnancy (may increase the tone of the uterus);
- stomach ulcer;
- pancreatitis;
- severe forms of hepatic and renal failure.
The abuse of the laurel leaf can also provoke constipation - because of the astringent properties of this plant.
Use of medicinal properties of bay leaves in diabetes mellitus
By normalizing the metabolism of carbohydrates, the bay leaf contributes to the normalization of blood sugar levels.
Recipe for the normalization of blood sugar
Ingredients:
- bay leaves - 10 leaves;
- water - 3 cups.
Preparation and use
Preparation of the decoction can be carried out in two ways. In the first case, the bay leaf is poured with boiling water and is infused for at least 4 hours. The second way - pour the leaves with cold water, bring to a boil, then boil for 5 minutes and insist in a thermos from 3 hours. In the second case, the broth turns out to be more concentrated. Take this infusion is recommended 2-3 times a day, before meals, 100 (with blood sugar less than 10 mmol / l) or 200 ml (with sugar above 10 mmol / l).
It should be noted that this treatment is usually effective in type 2 diabetes, and in the insulin-dependent form of the disease does not have the proper effect. The reception of broth bay leaf is contraindicated, if against the background of the underlying disease there are complications associated with disruption of the liver and kidneys, as well as expressed problems with the vessels.
Treatment of joints with bay leaf
The application of bay leaves for the treatment of joints is based, firstly, on its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal medicinal properties, and secondly - the ability to take decoctions and infusions into the body from the body of salt.
Infusion for joints
Ingredients:
- bay leaves - 10 leaves;
- water - 3 cups;
- honey - 2 teaspoons.
Preparation and use
Leaves pour hot water and insist in a thermos for 4 hours, then strain and add honey. The ready-made broth is drunk in 4-5 receptions during the day. Take infusion for 3 days, then take a break, and after 2 weeks the course is repeated. Reception of the laurel
Ointment for joints
Ingredients:
- bay leaves - 10 g;
- butter - 100 g.
Preparation and use
The bay leaf is pulverized, placed in a glass bowl with oil and aged for half an hour in a water bath. A ready-made ointment is stored in the refrigerator. In some cases, the use of such an ointment may irritate the skin .