Laurel

Laurusnobilis

In ancient Rome, near the Palatine, there was the richest temple. It was erected in honor of Apollo, patron of the arts, the most popular deity in aristocratic circles of the time. An evergreen tree, the laurel, which the ancient Romans called noble, is also dedicated to Apollo. The winner in music competitions was crowned with a laurel wreath. Asclepius was also crowned with it, for he could resurrect people to new life. Laurel was also used during sacrifices.

The properties of the noble laurel were well known to doctors. A decoction of the leaves was given to pregnant women to drink for childbirth. They drank laurel decoction after the birth, it was believed that this was a good remedy for restoring body functions in the postpartum period. Freshly cut laurel branches were laid out in the bedroom and tied to the crib to ensure a restful and deep sleep.

Nowadays, laurel is better known as a seasoning. “They don’t eat the raw stuff, but they throw away the cooked stuff” - that’s how a children’s riddle about it goes. Some peoples have a custom of sprinkling prepared dishes with powder from dried laurel leaves, which helps prevent many intestinal infections, food poisoning, and gastritis. A pharmacological and physicochemical study of cholesterol stones showed that laurel essential oil promotes their dissolution (at a concentration of 0.1 to 3.0%) and a change in the chemistry of bile.

Medicinal properties

1. Used for inhalation for colds and infections of the upper respiratory tract.
2. Suppresses the development of tuberculosis bacillus.
3. Recommended for infections of the digestive system, indigestion, bloating, constipation, dyspepsia, food poisoning.
4. Has a beneficial effect on the genitourinary system.
5. Used as an antispasmodic.
6. Effective for rheumatic and muscle pain, osteochondrosis.
7. Helps relieve muscle tension.
8. Has a warming effect.
9. Eliminates pustular and fungal skin lesions.
10. Normalizes metabolism.
11. Has a sugar-lowering effect.
12. In folk medicine it is used for rheumatism, throat cancer, hysteria, festering wounds, tumors, convulsions, lice, arthritis.
13. Relieves nervous tension, anxiety, helps eliminate astheno-depressive conditions. Improves memory. Disinfects the air well.
14. Used for inflammation of the skin, acne, increases blood supply to the skin, stimulates cell renewal.

Dosage

Externally: 2-3 k. per 10 ml of vegetable oil.

Internally: 1 k. for 1 tsp. honey

Baths: 3-4 k.

Reflex massage: pure oil.

For skin infection: 2% alcohol solution.

Enrichment of cosmetics: 2 k. per 5 g of base.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance, pregnancy, increased skin sensitivity.

Note. An overdose can cause headaches and skin irritation.