When most people hear the word laurel, they evoke associations with aromatic seasonings for broths and soups. However, this plant was undeservedly assigned a single role. Few people know that essential oil is produced from its leaves, which is widely used in cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

Description

Essential oil is prepared in production using steam distillation. Steam under high pressure mixes with volatile vapors of essential components, and when cooled, this compound forms a liquid, which is an essential oil. One serving takes four hours to prepare. At the same time, the finished product weighs 35 times less than the mass of raw materials used in industry.

The color of the oil can vary from light yellow to green, sometimes shimmering beautifully in the light. It has a thick and viscous consistency. It has a fresh and strong aroma, in which spices and subtle notes of fruity incense are felt.

Typically, the following plant varieties are used to produce oil.

• Noble laurel. The product is prepared from the leaves and is more common in cooking and folk medicine.
• Laurel of Alexandria. The raw materials for making oil are usually the fruits of this tree. It has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and is often used in medicine and cosmetology.
• American laurel. The leaves are used in oil production. The product is commonly used in perfumery, folk medicine, and aromatherapy.

The most common raw material for oil production is bay laurel. A slightly different aromatherapy product is prepared from the fruits of the Alexandrian variety, different from the traditional version in its description and qualities. Bay oil, obtained from American laurel, also has a different composition. The noble and American laurels belong to different families.

You can also find cherry laurel oil in the store, however, this is a completely different product that is in no way similar to classic version from noble plant. Cherry laurel is not related to traditional laurel; the leaves of this crop are poisonous, and their use in the production of a product can lead to very serious consequences for the human body.

Laurel of alexandria

Compound

Bay oil has a rich composition, thanks to which it is valued in different areas cosmetology and medicine. Among the main components of the product, the following components deserve special attention.

• Cineole. Provides an antibacterial and disinfectant effect, used in the fight against fungus.
• Eucalyptol. It is an active stimulant with antiviral properties, however, it can cause skin irritation.
• Camphor. Activates the growth of new cells, has antimicrobial and analgesic properties.
• Linalool. It is characterized by its bactericidal effect, improves immunity, and stabilizes hormonal function.
• Pinen. Provides antiviral effect, gives a diuretic effect.
• Geraniol. This substance is characterized by antifungal properties.
• Phellandrene. Possesses antibacterial effect and the ability to remove excess fluid from the body.
• Phytosterol. Has a beneficial effect on cleansing blood vessels.
• Fatty acid. Provide good skin tone, have positive impact on the roots of the hair.
• Tannins. Stabilize work digestive tract, cleanse the intestines.

In addition, the composition of the product is rich in vitamins such as C, A, PP, group B, and minerals, the most useful of which are potassium, copper, selenium, iron, manganese, zinc. Also beneficial influence on human body provide organic acids, namely: caproic, acetic, formic, valeric.

Camphor

Benefit

Considering the composition of the product, we can draw the following conclusions about its beneficial properties.

• The oil stabilizes the functioning of the digestive organs, increases appetite, and eliminates pain symptoms and stomach upsets.
• Heals small ulcers of the gastric mucosa, has a positive effect on the body in situations of poisoning.
• Blocks seizures in patients with organ diseases respiratory system. Can serve as an effective remedy in the fight against colds and coughs.
• Activates work of cardio-vascular system and has a beneficial effect on proper blood circulation.
• Stabilizes work endocrine system. Normalizes menstrual cycle. Reduces sugar levels in patients suffering from diabetes.
• Reduces spasms, has a positive effect on the functioning of muscles and joints.
• Removes harmful substances, waste and toxins from the body.
• Can fight viruses and bacteria and be used as an antibiotic.
• Is auxiliary during oncological processes.
• Thanks to the action of antioxidants, the oil can be used as a cure for stress and depression. Increases physical activity. Fights fatigue.
• Helps strengthen the immune system.

Particular attention should be paid to the possibility of using oil for cosmetic purposes.

• This product actively treats skin inflammation. Can be an effective treatment for pimples and blackheads, makes dark spots less pronounced, helps narrow pores.
• When caring for nails, this oil is used to smooth and strengthen nail plate. If you use the product in the field of hair care, you can be sure that it will stimulate the growth of hair follicles, eliminate dandruff, reduce irritation on the scalp, and relieve dryness.
• Laurel product promotes skin cell renewal processes and fights cellulite well, not only eliminating “ orange peel”, but also preventing its formation.

Summarizing all the information about the benefits of bay oil, you can familiarize yourself with the indications for use of this product:

• sleep disturbances, depression, memory impairment;
• colds, pneumonia, sinusitis;
• headaches, dilation of veins and blood vessels, strokes;
• radiculitis, arthritis, arthrosis;
• neuroses and neuralgia;
• skin diseases, including psoriasis and allergies;
• constipation, pancreatitis, intestinal flatulence;
• disorders of the urinary system.

Contraindications

Under no circumstances should the presented product be used in pure form. The fact is that cineole, which is part of the product, can provoke skin irritation and cause allergic reactions. To check how the body will react to a new drug, it is necessary to conduct a special simple test. To do this, drop a little oil on the bend of your elbow and carefully examine whether the drop has left any redness or irritation. If discomfort is not observed, then the product can be used.

In addition to individual intolerance, which can be identified using the test recommended above, the following contraindications should be taken into account:

• dry and very sensitive skin;
• low pressure;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• age up to 2 years.

Important! Use of the product for more than three weeks is prohibited.

You should stop taking the oil if allergies and headaches appear after several servings. Usually these signs are observed during an overdose. Before you get acquainted with the properties of bay oil in practice, you need to consult a specialist. Negative reaction the body to use the product may be caused by its poor quality nature. Perhaps it turned out to be a low-quality product, and the rules for its production were violated. To avoid encountering low-quality products, you can try making this oil yourself at home.

How to prepare butter?

For the manufacture of homemade butter Dry seasoning, which every housewife has in her kitchen, is quite suitable. However, the leaf should have a uniform light olive color. During the cooking process, this ingredient takes on a dark green color and looks like a flowering leaf.

Leaves with faded colors, faded and with brown or red spots on the surface are not suitable. It is better to throw them away and not even use them as a seasoning. Such a stale product will not impart aroma either in food or in oil. When manufacturing, it is recommended to use glass containers. Let's consider several options for preparing the product.

With olive oil

• Let's prepare about 30 bay leaves. It is better to use a fresh product, but in the absence of such, dry ingredients will also work. Grind the leaves. It is recommended to do this using a coffee grinder.
• Heat 250 ml of olive oil to a temperature of 45-50 degrees and mix with bay leaves.
• Screw the lid on the container well, shake and place in a dry, dark place. Leave for 14 days, shaking regularly.
• We filter, squeeze, and store the finished product in a dark place.

With sunflower oil

• Heat 250 ml of unrefined virgin oil.
• Grind the pack bay leaf.
• Mix the ingredients, shake the jar, and place in a dark place for 10 days.
• Boil water in a saucepan. Place the jar in boiling water, slightly unscrewing the lid in advance.
• We wait until the consistency cools down and remove it again for 10 days.
• After this period, we filter the substance. The product is ready!

Cold method

• Pour 30 g of laurel into a glass vegetable oil.
• We put it away for two weeks in a dark, dry place. During this time, you need to mix the composition 2-3 times.
• Strain and squeeze out the resulting product.

With juniper and butter

• Grind 20 g of dry bay leaf and 3 g of juniper needles.
• We supplement the substance with 40 g of butter. Mix thoroughly.
• We put it in the refrigerator for storage.

Methods of application

As has been noted more than once above, the presented product has a very wide scope of application, and each case has its own rules and features of using this medicine.

In folk medicine

Let's look at the most popular recipes alternative medicine, including bay oil.

• For a cold. Boil a pan of water, add 5-7 drops of ether and inhale the vapors of the resulting mixture for 10 minutes. Such inhalation will cause an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. As preventative measure You can hang a special medallion around your neck, drop a small amount of oil, and wear it during the period of virus activity.
• For joints. On one piece of sugar you need to drop a little ether and dissolve. In total, you need to eat three such pieces during the day. After three days of use, a week's break will be required. A total of 3 courses are needed, after which you should take a break for six months.
• Foot fungus. In the basin with hot water you should add 10-15 drops of ether and place your feet there. After the bath, the feet must be thoroughly wiped and lubricated with some other essential oil, and put on clean socks.

In this case, the product will provide effective protection against fungus, and will also reduce foot sweating.

Aromatherapy

This effective method treatment of stress, depression, insomnia and other problems associated with nervous system disorders. The best method The treatment will be a combination of two oils. For example, bay oil harmonizes well with citrus and lavender, pine or cypress essential oils. Mix 3-4 drops of the product and place in an aroma lamp. Inhaling aromatic beneficial vapors will not only provide good mood, but also protection against viruses.

In cosmetology

In addition to medicine, bay oil is also widely used in cosmetology.

• For body. When caring for body skin, you should add 3 drops of essential liquid to your usual compositions. More often, the main products to add are shower gels or soap.
• For lips. In case of stuck, cracked and chapped lips, you can combine laurel oil with almond or shea butter and lubricate the surface of your lips with the resulting mixture. If you have herpes on your lips, you can burn it with a clean product.
• For the skin around the eyes. To care for this delicate area of ​​the skin, you can add one drop of oil to your usual creams.
• For face. In this case, add a drop of oil to any face mask. This ingredient will tighten pores, reduce inflammation, and activate skin immunity. This method will be especially effective for oily or combination skin.
• For hair. We supplement the base of the mask with oil in the proportion of 30 g per 5 drops. This product will help cope with dandruff, strengthen hair roots, and have a general restorative effect. Good method Aromatherapy also serves as a hair care product. To do this, lubricate the teeth of the comb with 4-5 drops of oil and comb your hair for 5 minutes.

At home, laurel oil is used for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Everything is perfectly preserved in bay leaf oil beneficial features this spice.

Ingestion, use as a massage product, aromatherapy help maintain the overall tone of the body, strengthen nervous system, and the oil also helps quick deliverance from colds.

Valuable chemical composition laurel allows it to be used as an effective medicinal or cosmetic product.

Bay leaf oil is convenient to use for a variety of purposes.

What makes him different is easy recipe preparation and storage duration.

Components

In addition to the well-known spicy qualities, the product contains many essential components, which are considered the main components of the bay leaf and are often used for medicinal purposes. The composition includes the following substances:

• myrcene;
• camphor;
• eucalyptus;
• linalool;
• hydrocarbons;
• phytoncides;
• pinene;
• citral;
• phytosterol;
• alcohols;
• tannins;
• organic acids (capronic, acetic, formic, valeric);
• vitamins (C, A, PP, group B), minerals (potassium, copper, selenium, iron, manganese, zinc).

Externally, laurel oil looks like a juicy ointment Green colour with a special aroma and is produced by steam distillation.

Medicinal properties

Laurel has a wide range of beneficial properties:

• antifungal;
• anti-inflammatory, antibacterial;
• sugar-lowering;
• detoxification;
• immunomodulatory;
• calming;
• antirheumatic.

All properties can be divided into impact spectra:

Contraindications

Laurel leaves in home treatment are very much appreciated. Products based on it are used for many diseases. But at the same time, there are a number of contraindications:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• chronic genitourinary, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases;
• liver diseases;
• allergy;
• age up to 10 years.

An overdose (when taken orally) can cause dizziness, weakness, and nausea. And the astringent properties of the product can lead to constipation. Therefore, to obtain a positive effect and to prevent side effects, you should strictly adhere to the course of treatment.

Cooking at home

To make butter at home Special attention needs to be addressed appearance bay leaves. They should not be very dry, olive or light green in color.

With olive oil

To prepare, you will need 25-30 bay leaves and 1 glass of olive oil. Heated olive oil (45-50 degrees) is poured over the crushed leaves. It is better to use glass containers for cooking. The container with the mixture is tightly closed, shaken and put in a dark place. The product will infuse for two weeks, but the contents must be shaken every day.

After 2 weeks, filter and squeeze out the resulting green mixture. The product should be stored in a dark place.

With sunflower (unrefined) oil

The first pressing retains many vitamins and minerals, which will further enrich the product and its beneficial properties will increase.

To prepare, you will need a pack of dry raw materials and 1 glass of warm oil. The laurel is placed in a glass container and filled with warm oil. Close tightly, put in a dark place for 10 days and shake daily.

After 10 days, you need to boil the water and remove it from the heat. The bottle with the mixture is slightly unscrewed (but not opened) and placed in the prepared hot water. The bottle is left in the water until it cools completely. Then they are removed again for 10 days to continue infusion. Then the product is filtered and stored in a dark place.

Fast way

In cases where laurel remedy is needed urgently, you can use the following quick recipe.

For 4 packs of dry product, take 1 glass of any vegetable oil. All components are mixed and kept in a water bath for 15 minutes. The mass is allowed to cool, filtered and stored in the dark.

Application in cosmetology

At home, bay oil is often used in for cosmetic purposes . Popular recipes:

The unique chemical composition of bay leaf allows it to be used as an effective medicinal or cosmetic product. Bay oil is one of the most convenient forms to use. It is distinguished by a simple preparation recipe and long shelf life.

Everything is preserved in oil healing properties laurel, which allows it to be used in the treatment of joints, skin diseases, care for hair and deal with problems respiratory tract, women's diseases.

Properties due to chemical composition

Laurel oil contains vitamins C, A, PP, group B and a rich set of minerals, including copper, potassium, selenium, zinc, manganese, iron. The use of oil for medicinal purposes is quite diverse:

• use as a powerful natural antiseptic;
• prevention malignant neoplasms in people at risk;
• general strengthening of the body, increasing tone and immunity;
• at diabetes mellitus is an aid in lowering blood sugar levels;
• fungal infections are not able to resist treatment with this product;
• oral administration helps improve digestion, remove toxins from the body and relieve intoxication in case of poisoning chemicals, low-quality food products;
• in cases with children, it helps to safely remove allergic itching, improve sleep and clear the airways;
• people turn to him to restore natural flexibility to the joints and perform restorative massage after a stroke.

Bay oil for external use

Immediately after a bruise or sprain of the limbs, it is recommended to rub the damaged area with a small amount of laurel oil to quickly relieve pain and speed up tissue regeneration processes. Deep wounds that cannot be healed for a long time, skin lesions, eczema (without discharge of pus) are carefully lubricated with this product. The recipe requires that the surface to be treated must first be cleaned of dirt and dried; it is recommended not to use alcohol-containing compounds for these purposes. Cover the treated area, blocking access fresh air, not worth it.

Use of oil in the treatment of fungal diseases or skin rashes caused by an allergic reaction, requires preliminary dilution of the concentrated composition. To do this, take 1 tablespoon for every 3-5 drops of medicine. any fresh vegetable oil. Both liquids are thoroughly mixed and applied in a thin, light layer to the problem area of ​​the skin.

Laurel oil is able to penetrate deeply into tissues and rid them of accumulated unnecessary salts. Gradually, it is possible to cleanse the areas around the joints, returning them to their original mobility and relieving pain. Treatment is based on regular massage of the limbs using diluted laurel oil. The course should be prescribed by a specialist, but if possible, the massage itself can be performed at home. If the doctor observing the patient after a stroke does not see any contraindications for adding a massage with laurel oil to the treatment, then the recovery process will go much faster.

Without a doctor's permission, using the composition may worsen the patient's condition.

Bay oil when inhaled

In the absence of contraindications (for example, an allergic reaction), bay leaf oil is used for inhalation for colds. The recipe is simple - add 2-3 drops of this product to a hot liquid in an inhaler and breathe in the steam for 3-10 minutes. Repeat the procedure no more than once a day to cleanse the respiratory tract, improve mucus discharge and treat a runny nose.

To improve the quality of sleep, get rid of anxiety, irritability, and insomnia, leave 1-2 drops of oil in a glass (porcelain) cup at the head of the bed.

Bay oil for hair

Treatment of the scalp for dryness, dandruff, restoration of weakened, thin, fragile hair using oil is carried out at home. To influence hair follicles and improve blood circulation in the scalp, concentrated laurel oil is not used. It is added to natural nourishing masks oil-based in an amount of 2-3 drops or mix the same amount with a tablespoon of any vegetable oil.

Treatment involves treating only the scalp and hair roots. Applying the composition to curls is not recommended. The procedure lasts 2-3 minutes, then the product is thoroughly washed off. Repeating the treatment is allowed no more than 2 times a week. Before bay oil is applied to the scalp, a test should be performed. allergic reaction, leaving it on the elbow for 40 minutes. At the slightest irritation, redness or feeling of dizziness, hair treatment with this method is considered unacceptable.

Contraindications to the use of laurel oil

• Using bay oil for inhalation or treating deep wounds may be dangerous for people with low blood pressure.
• Treatment with laurel oil is prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Uncontrolled use of laurel oil if available chronic diseases liver, heart or kidney problems can cause serious deterioration in health. Such people need to first consult their doctor.
• Contraindications are also the presence of ulcers of the digestive system and a tendency to frequent constipation.

Preparation of the medicine

The classic recipe provides two ways to chop laurel leaves. They can be finely chopped (crushed) or ground into dust using a coffee grinder. basis healing composition is any vegetable oil good quality. For 30g of leaves, according to the recipe, you need to take 1 glass of hot, but not boiled, oil. Both components are thoroughly mixed, poured into a dark glass bottle, sealed and left in a dark, warm place for two weeks.

It is recommended to diversify classic recipe, if the product is intended to be used only for cosmetic purposes. In this case, the base can include tangerine, olive, linseed oil, peach. It is also possible to use a mixture of them.

Bay oil can be used as a stand-alone treatment or as an adjuvant medication, for which you do not need to write a prescription from your doctor.

Bay leaves are used to prepare medicinal oil, which has many beneficial properties.

Proven methods!

Laurel benefits:

• calms the nervous system.
• strengthens the immune system.
• cleanses the intestines.
• increases and stimulates sweating.
• improves intellectual thinking.

Noble laurel is widely used for joint pain and varicose veins veins

RECIPE:

30 gr. bay leaves.
250 ml. olive oil.

PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

Bay leaves are laid and poured olive oil. Place the mixture in a bottle, close it tightly and let it sit. dark place within 14 days. Shake the contents of the bottle from time to time. After 2 weeks, strain the oil through cheesecloth and pour the liquid into another container. Store bay oil in a cool room.

Application of oil:

1. Heat the oil slightly by steaming. Rub the oil onto sore joints.

2. The oil is used for ear and migraine.

3. For severe headaches, rub the oil into your temples.

4. Replace aspirin with bay oil, it also reduces fever.

5. Reduces food cravings.

6. Helps get rid of pain in the stomach and intestines.

7. Normalizes renal and liver failure.

8. This oil can be used as a lotion to reduce pores and facial skin problems.

9. This oil is very effective in treating acne.

Instructions

To prepare the oil, you will need fresh or dry laurel leaves and vegetable oil. oil. For medicinal purposes use fresh leaves, which were collected no more than a year ago. Go to the market and buy leaves on a branch. When choosing them, pay attention to quality. A fresh bay leaf of good quality should have dark green color and spicy aroma. Do not purchase faded or yellowed leaves as they are not suitable for consumption. If you can't find fresh leaves, use dry ones. Dry leaves should be light olive green.

To treat rheumatism, arthritis and others, use unrefined sunflower oil. It is an excellent basis for cooking against these ailments. In other cases, olive oil will do. oil or any other you have on hand.

Prepare 40-50g bay leaves and 200ml vegetable oil. Finely chop the leaves (or crush them with your fingers) and place in a container (preferably glass). Preheat what you're using oil. Place it in a bowl or pan with warm water(50-60 degrees). Then take oil and pour in the bay leaves. Infuse the product for 10 days in a warm and dark place. When oil let it brew, strain it and squeeze out the leaves. Pour what you received oil into a glass bottle and store in a cool, dry place.

IN in case of emergency laurel oil within 15 minutes. Take 40-50g of crushed leaves and one glass of vegetable oil. Place the leaves in a saucepan or other container and pour oil m. Place the container on water bath and boil for 15 minutes. Cool oil, strain it and pour it into a glass bottle.

Tip 2: How to make ancient Roman bay leaf cookies

I present to your attention a recipe for wonderful salty-sweet cookies, which Julius Caesar himself may have enjoyed!

You will need

• - 0.5 cups of ricotta;
• - 2 tbsp. honey;
• - 2 tbsp. natural yogurt;
• - 6 bay leaves;
• - 4 tsp. olive oil;
• - 2.5 cups of flour;
• - 1 tsp. baking powder;
• - 1 tsp. ground anise;
• - 1 tsp. ground cumin;
• - 100 g butter;
• - a couple of pinches of salt;
• - 2 tsp. lemon zest;
• - 4 tbsp. white wine;
• - 2 eggs;
• - 6 tbsp. Sahara.

Instructions

Remove the butter from the refrigerator about half an hour before cooking to allow it to soften. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper or parchment.

Using a mixer, beat the ricotta with honey and yogurt. Set the mixture aside while you work on the other ingredients.

Grind the bay leaves using a processor as finely as possible. Mix in a small container with olive oil.

Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl, add salt and spices (anise, cumin), mix thoroughly.

Beat soft butter with added sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time into the mixture and mix thoroughly. Reduce mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients mixture. Add wine, lemon zest and chopped bay leaves with oil.

Place the dough on the parchment using a spoon and make a depression in each piece. Fill it with honey filling. Place in the oven for about 20 minutes.

Bay leaf is not just a spice. It turns out that it can be used not only in cooking, but also in medicine.

For example, bay leaves make effective remedy from rheumatism. In order to obtain it, the bay leaf must be crushed to form a powder and mixed with softened butter. Here it is necessary to maintain a proportion of 1:2. This composition is good for pain relief and soothing, and it can be used not only for rheumatic pain, but also for colds.

Arthritis and arthrosis occur due to excessive salt deposits. To get rid of them, you need to periodically clean your joints. And bay leaf is the first assistant in this matter. To prepare useful decoction, you need to brew 25-30 g of bay leaves with 2 tbsp. water and boil for 5 minutes. After this, the broth should be allowed to brew in a thick-walled container, wrapped in a blanket.

You can infuse bay leaves in the oven. After boiling, pour the broth into a thick-walled container and close the lid tightly. Turn the oven on to low heat and place the container with the broth in it. After three hours of simmering, the infusion is filtered and poured into a thermos to keep it warm throughout the day. This medicine should be taken carefully, in small sips throughout the day. Under no circumstances should you drink everything at once - bay leaves can cause bleeding.

Already after the first sips, frequent urination appears. This is explained by the fact that salts begin to leave and dissolve very quickly, thereby irritating the bladder.

The joint cleaning procedure should be carried out over 3 days, and this should only be done fresh decoction. Before starting a cleanse, it is advisable to cleanse the intestines. The procedure can be repeated once every three months. But this is only the first year. Then once every 12 months will be enough.

Bay leaves also help with sinusitis. In order to get rid of a debilitating illness, you need to make lotions and compresses from a strong decoction of bay leaves. Cloth napkins are soaked in hot broth and applied to frontal part, to the bridge of the nose and on the cheeks, closer to the nose. The more often the lotions are made, the faster the mucus begins to drain. The only thing you need to make sure is that the napkins do not get cold. There is no need to cool your sinuses.

You can replace compresses with inhalation over a decoction of bay leaves. This is also very effective and will help you quickly get rid of sinusitis.

Otitis is possible not only boric alcohol or special drops. If you don't have any at hand medicines, then they can be replaced with a decoction of bay leaves. To prepare it you need 2 tbsp. Grind spoons of leaf and pour a glass of boiling water. This remedy can be instilled into ear canal and wash your ears with it, or you can soak a cotton swab in the broth and insert it into the ear when it... This will relieve the pain. By the way, even partial hearing loss is treated with this infusion, it is so effective.

For diabetes, bay leaves can help lower blood sugar. 8 laurel leaves need to be crushed into smaller pieces and poured with a glass (200 ml) of boiling water. You need to leave the decoction for a day. You can strain it immediately before taking it. Thirty minutes before meals you need to drink ¼ cup of the decoction. It is just enough for 3-4 times. If you have diabetes, you should drink a decoction of bay leaves for no more than 6 days, but not less than 3.

The same recipe can also be used to treat a weakened pancreas.

For treatment, you can use not only bay tree leaves. All parts of the plant are suitable for this purpose - this does not reduce the effectiveness.