Bay leaves are very popular in cooking but also in herbal medicine. They are recommended in cases of difficult digestion and loss of appetite. Their expectorant and antispasmodic properties also allow them to act against bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis and rheumatism. Latin name: Laurus nobilis L. Part of the plant: leaves.
This article was updated on 19/07/2023In case of' Canker sore
Recommended modes of use
Gargling
Pour 3 to 5 dry leaves for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Filter and let cool. Use the preparation as gargle several times during the day.
Plants often associated
In case of Dyspepsia, Difficult digestion, Flatulence, Digestive disorders
Recommended modes of use
In infusion
Pour 3 to 4 dry leaves per cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.
In decoction
Pour 3 to 5 dry leaves for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.
Plants often associated
In case of Bronchitis, sinusitis, ENT infection
Recommended modes of use
In infusion
Pour 3 to 4 dry leaves per cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.
In decoction
Pour 3 to 5 dry leaves for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.
In compress
Make an infusion or decoction:
- Infusion: pour 3 to 4 dry leaves per cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
- Decoction: pour 3 to 5 dry leaves for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
Filter and let cool. Soak a compress or cloth with the preparation then apply to the affected areas.
Plants often associated
In case of Lack of appetite
Recommended modes of use
In infusion
Pour 3 to 4 dry leaves per cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.
In decoction
Pour 3 to 5 dry leaves for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.
Plants often associated
In case of' Angina
Recommended modes of use
In infusion
Pour 3 to 4 dry leaves per cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.
In decoction
Pour 3 to 5 dry leaves for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.
Gargling
Pour 3 to 5 dry leaves for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Filter and let cool. Use the preparation as gargle several times during the day.
Plants often associated
In case of Rheumatism
Recommended modes of use
In compress
Make an infusion or decoction:
- Infusion: pour 3 to 4 dry leaves per cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
- Decoction: pour 3 to 5 dry leaves for 1 cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
Filter and let cool. Soak a compress or cloth with the preparation then apply to the affected areas.
In an aromatic bath
Make an infusion or decoction for 1 L of water:
- Infusion: pour around ten dry leaves per liter of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
- Decoction: Pour around ten dry leaves per liter of water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
Filter and leave to cool. Add the preparation to the bath water and leave for 10 minutes.
Plants often associated
Properties and active components
Properties
- stomachic
- carminative
- expectorant (1,8-cineole)
- diuretic (flavonoids)
- antispasmodic (alpha-terpineol)
- antiseptic (essential oils)
Active components
- Essential oils: 1,8-cineole, linalool, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol
- Sesquiterpene lactones: dehydrocostulactone, costunolide, etc.
- Flavonoids: rutin, hyperoside, etc.
- Isoquinoline alkaloids
Precautions for use
Allergic reactions possible due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones.
Botanical
The Noble Laurel, from the family of Lauraceae, is described as both a shrub and a tree, but can still reach 10 m high. His leaves, well known as an ingredient in bouquets garnis, are persistent, dark green, lanceolate and wavy the edges. His flowers which develop in March-April are yellowish-white, and grouped in umbels in the leaf axils. THE fruit is for its part slightly fleshy, round and brown. The Laurel was once dedicated to Apollo, it was the symbol of poetry, glory but above all victory.
The Noble Laurel is said to originate from Asia Minor. It is ideally cultivated under a mild climate. In fact, the latter has difficulty withstanding negative temperatures for too long a period. It has now spread throughout the mediterranean basin, so much so that we find it almost everywhere in gardens. The main producer of this shrub is the Türkiye, alone producing two-thirds of world trade.
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Bibliography
Publication: Haddouchi, F., Chaouche, T., Benmansour, A., & Lazouni, HA (2011). Phytochemical study of Thymus fontanesii and Laurus nobilis. Der. Pharmacy. Letter, 3(2), 343-50. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tarik_Med_Chaouche/publication/264888218_Phytochemical_study_of_Thymus_fontanesii_and_Laurus_nobilis/links/56620af208ae192bbf8cad81.pdf
Publication: Briot, C. (2016). Noble laurel, plant of heroes: historical, botanical and therapeutic aspects (Thesis). https://hal.univ-lorraine.fr/hal-01770854
Work : Valnet, J. (1986b). Phytotherapy: treating yourself with plants. Paris, France: Maloine SA
Work : Pierre, M. (2017). The bible of healing plants. Vanves, France: Editions du Chêne.
Work : Chevallier, A., & Larousse (Firm). (2014). Larousse of medicinal plants. Paris, France: Larousse.
Work : Fournier, PV, & Boisvert, C. (2010). Dictionary of medicinal and poisonous plants of France. Paris, France: Presses de la Cité.
Work : Lacoste, S., & Lallement, M. (2014). My bible of phytotherapy (HEALTH/FORME) (French Edition) (1st ed.). Éditions Leduc.s.
Website : eFlore Laurus nobilis L. (sd). Tela Botanica. https://www.tela-botanica.org/eflore/?referential=bdtfx&module=fiche&action=fiche&num_nom=38070&onglet=synthese
Website : Laurel: usefulness, cultivation, maintenance, protection - Complete guide! (2019, February 5). 1000 Trees. http://1000-arbres.com/dossier/arbres/laurier