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Culinary
Like wine, thyme and leeks, bay leaf is a foundation flavour of
French cuisine.
Meat, fish and poultry dishes almost always have a touch. |
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Medicinal
Parts used
The leaves and oil distilled from the leaves are used, but very
rarely the fruit.
Properties
It is a spicy and bitter herb that is a stimulant that improves
digestion and is a locally antiseptic.
The leaves contain isoquinoline alkaloids, aporphine alkaloids,
flavonoids, lignan glycosides and sesquiterpene lactones, while
the essential oil contains 1,8-cineole, eugenol, linalool, costunolide
and deacetyllaurenbiolide as main ingredients.
Therapeutic uses
Internal use
Herbalists use bay to
stimulate appetite
promote digestion
relieve colic
flatulence
A weak infusion of bay leaves (laurel) can be taken at meal times
to improve digestion.
It is a popular herb to use for flatulence, dyspepsia, and indigestion.
Historically it has been used for bladder and kidney ailments, but
this has not been extensively researched.
Bay leaves are a vital ingredient of bouquet garni and are commonly
added, to give flavor to, sauces, soups, stock, stews and desserts.
External use
Bay is used externally for
treating dandruff
boosting hair growth
rheumatism
sprains
bruises
atonic ulcers
scabies.
Bay leaves are used in packing figs and licorice to discourage weevils.
Aromatherapy and essential oil use
Bay essential oil is a strong oil and although it is mildly narcotic,
it has great benefit for helping with rheumatic pain and benefits
the skin by toning it.
It is used to promote hair growth and treat dandruff and is useful
in dispersing bruises, inflammation and preventing scarring.
The essential oil, suitably diluted, is also helpful for sprained
limbs.
It has the following properties
analgesic
antiseptic
anti-spasmodic
aperitif
astringent
diuretic
febrifuge
emmenagogue
insecticide
stimulant
stomachic
tonic
It is also included to flavor liqueurs, condiments and various meat
products.
Safety precautions and warnings
The essential oil should be used in moderation and although adding
fresh or dried bay leaves to your bath is a great way to create
a herbal bath, do not add bay essential oil to the bath water as
it may irritate the mucus membranes.
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