Bay leaf or Laurel nobilis and its medicinal properties

What does laurel look like?

Laurel laurel is a subtropical evergreen tree or tall shrub from the laurel family. The height of the tree can reach 18 meters. Shrubs are often slender and their height does not exceed 2–5 meters. The tree has a dark gray trunk and a densely branched crown.

Bay leaves, pointed at the top. They are shiny, leathery, alternate, oblong or lanceolate. They are located on short petioles. Very fragrant.

The flowers are very small, inconspicuous, located on short stalks in axillary inflorescences. They are dioecious and bisexual. Male and bisexual flowers always attract attention with large yellow stamens.

The fruit is a black-blue drupe, its shell is thin and easily crushed. Laurus nobilis begins to bloom in March-April, and the fruits ripen in late autumn: October-November.

Types of oral candidiasis and symptoms

The manifestations of oral candidiasis may vary between patients. This is due to the degree of damage to the mucous membranes, as well as the specific type of disease. There are four forms:

• acute pseudomembranous;
• acute atrophic;
• chronic atrophic;
• chronic hyperplastic.

Despite the fact that the treatment regimen for all forms is almost the same, the symptoms can differ significantly. Let's take a closer look at them.

Acute pseudomembranous candidiasis

This form of candidiasis of the oral mucosa can be asymptomatic. There is minor discomfort due to a white film or small plaques rising above the mucosa. With a mild course, one or several plaques appear; they are easily removed by scraping, and the area of ​​​​the mucous membrane under them has a bright red color. In severe cases, large plaques appear in large numbers. They can merge, forming large affected areas. Sometimes symptoms cover the entire mucous membrane. When plaques thicken, their removal becomes problematic. A severe course is more typical for infants, as well as in adult patients after antibiotic therapy, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.

Acute and chronic atrophic candidiasis

Acute atrophic candidiasis is accompanied by a strong burning sensation. There may be no white plaque, and the mucous membrane becomes bright red. Many patients report a metallic, sour, salty or bitter taste in the mouth. A characteristic manifestation of the disease is dry mouth. This form of the disease is often associated with drug therapy.

With chronic atrophic candidiasis, redness and burning are less pronounced. Usually the disease develops against the background of the installation and wearing of prostheses.

Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis

This form of the disease is typical for adults. Oral thrush can spread to the mucous membranes of the cheeks, corners of the mouth and lips, back of the tongue, and soft palate. One of the symptoms is the appearance of white plaques that tend to merge with each other. As the disease progresses, their surface becomes rough and rough. Over time, the elements may turn yellow. The formations merge with the mucous membranes and cannot be removed.

Where does laurel grow?

The laurel is native to the Mediterranean. Wild trees and shrubs are still found in the mountain forests of Asia Minor and Syria.

In some places near the Mediterranean Sea, patches of rigid-leaved evergreen shrubs have developed, dominated by laurel. The thickets always have a pleasant aroma, which only intensifies during the flowering of the plant.

Laurel has been cultivated since ancient times and is grown in many subtropical countries. In Russia, bay laurel is cultivated in the Krasnodar region and Crimea. This is a fairly unpretentious plant; planting does not require serious care. The plant propagates by seeds and layering, and the seeds remain viable for a long time.

Laurel grows best in the sun, but also tolerates shade. Can withstand short-term frosts. Laurel lives up to 100 years, and according to some sources, up to 400 years.

Growing at home

Laurel as a wild plant is found only in warm climates. Relict laurel forests are permeated with the specific aroma of plants and are surrounded by healing air. In a temperate or continental climate, laurel can be grown in artificially warm conditions, but this will require some effort.

The easiest way to grow is propagation using seeds. The main thing is that the seeds retain their viability, because their shelf life is very short. Therefore, in places of mass planting, laurel is most often propagated by root layering or cuttings. But gardening stores often sell seeds or expensive potted seedlings.

Before planting, laurel seeds should be soaked for 2 days in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. During this time, it is necessary to prepare the soil and containers for planting. The soil needs to be calcined in the oven or placed in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Soil composition: 2 parts leaf mixture, 1 part turf soil, 0.5 parts sand, 0.5 parts peat.

Planting pots are disinfected either with strong potassium permanganate or with special preparations from garden stores. Containers must have drainage holes. The top soil layer 0.5 cm thick is poured into the pots with sand. Seeds are planted in moist soil and care is taken that it does not dry out. The seed planting depth is 1-1.5 cm.

The containers with seeds are covered with pieces of glass or pieces of cling film and transferred to a warm (22-25°C) shaded place. Every day, the pots with seeds must be opened for ventilation, and also ensure that condensation does not accumulate on the glass or film. Laurel seeds have a long germination period - from 2 to 3 months.

When the first loops of laurel seedlings appear on the soil surface, the pots are transferred to a well-lit place and the glass or film is removed from them. The air temperature should be reduced to 18-20°C. If small pots are selected for sowing seeds, then after the sprouts have 2 true leaves, they are transplanted into large pots to a permanent growing location.

Laurel bushes growing in apartment conditions are usually unpretentious, but cannot tolerate high dry air. Therefore, if it is impossible to create a constant humid microclimate for the plants, they are sprayed with warm water several times a day. In summer, small laurel trees are placed outside; by winter, the trees are pruned and returned to an artificial climate. Always make sure that the lump of earth under the laurel bushes does not dry out.

Nutrient content

Bay leaf contains essential oil. Fruits – fatty and essential oils, sugars, tannins.

One hundred grams of bay leaf contains 10% of the daily value of protein, 10% fat and 24% carbohydrates.

Vitamin , , , , (PP) is present in small quantities. Bay leaf also contains small amounts of macro- and microelements: calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium.

Composition and characteristics

The beneficial effect of bay leaf on the body is due to its composition and high nutritional value. The product contains 8.5 g of fat, 7.5 g of protein, and 48 g of carbohydrates. The calorie content of the plant is quite high - about 310 kcal per 100 g, but it is impossible to consume laurel in large quantities. The leaves of the perennial plant are beneficial for patients with diabetes. The glycemic index of the product is very low, equal to 15.

The composition of the fragrant and healthy spice includes the following elements:

• tannins,

• salicylates,

• organic acids,

• a whole complex of vitamins and minerals,

• saturated fatty acids,

• essential oils,

• alimentary fiber.

Dietary fiber helps improve digestion and eliminate toxins, salicylates thin the blood, and vitamins and microelements improve the condition of the skin, hair, nails, energize and relieve fatigue. 100 g of leaves of a perennial plant contain 30% of the daily value of magnesium and 80% of calcium.

Beneficial properties of laurel

Bay laurel was used very widely in ancient medicine as a medicine. Not only bay leaves were used, but also bark, roots, fruits, fruit drupes, as well as pure bay oil.

Avicenna described the plant this way: all parts of the laurel are strongly dried and warmed.

• Bay oil relieves headaches and cold pain in the ear. Laurel oil is useful for liver pain.
• The bark of the tree, like the drupe of the fruit, causes relaxation of the stomach walls and stimulates vomiting.
• An aromatic fatty oil is prepared from ripe laurel fruits. This antiseptic is used for external treatment of muscle pain due to sprains and sprains.
• In folk medicine, oil from laurel fruits is used for rubbing for rheumatism and muscle inflammation.
• Bay oil and crushed fruits are a good insecticidal agent; they are included as a component of an ointment against lice and scabies mites.

In informal medicine, bay laurel is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, gout, flaccid paralysis, spastic pain and diabetes.

Diagnostic methods

The treatment is carried out by a dentist-therapist. Diagnosis begins with an examination and a detailed survey: the doctor will find out what medications you have taken recently, and whether there are any chronic or infectious diseases. A cytological examination of plaque taken from the mucosa is mandatory. This is important because a buildup of non-fungal flora can easily be confused with a fungal infection.

The scraping is performed in the morning, on an empty stomach; there is no need to brush your teeth before the procedure. The day before, it is important to avoid eating foods rich in carbohydrates so as not to provoke the growth of pathogenic flora. Research allows not only to accurately determine the causative agent and type of Candida fungus, but also to find out the sensitivity of fungi to the main antifungal drugs. Based on the test results, the doctor will determine the fungus in the oral cavity and prescribe medication.

Bay leaf benefits

Today, bay leaves are more often used as a remedy. Bay leaf is a good spice; it improves appetite and promotes digestion. Currently, bay leaves are used only in informal medicine.

1. Bay leaves have disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Bay leaf helps with otitis media, bronchitis, dry and wet cough.
3. Decoctions and infusions help with headaches and conjunctivitis.
4. Preparations based on bay leaves increase immunity, strengthen the heart and blood vessels, and reduce high blood pressure.
5. Bay leaf removes toxins from the body, normalizes digestion, and speeds up metabolism.
6. Local baths with a decoction of bay leaves are useful for bladder diseases.
7. Fresh bay leaves can be applied as a medicinal bandage for hornet and bee stings.
8. An infusion of bay leaves is good for hearing and helps with ringing in the ears.
9. Bay leaves contain special enzymes that help break down heavy foods and quickly remove digested foods from the body.

Bay leaves soaked in hot water (you need to monitor the water temperature to avoid burns) can be used instead of mustard plasters. They need to be placed on the chest or on the surface of the back between the shoulder blades and tied with a towel.

Keep the leaves as long as they provide warmth. The procedure cannot be performed at high body temperature.

Medicinal tea recipe

Take 3 large bay leaves and pour 1/2 liter of boiling water. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink warm during the day. This tea can be drunk daily for three weeks. After 1–2 weeks, repeat the course. Bay leaf tea is suitable for both prevention and treatment of diseases.

Bay leaf for treating ear discharge

For ear discharge, you can use a warm infusion of bay leaves for rinsing and instillation. Pour two tablespoons of crushed leaves into 200 ml of boiling water. Leave for two hours, after instillation, close the ear hole with a cotton swab. Carry out the procedure 2-3 times a day and at night.

Bay leaf for diabetes

Pour 300 ml of boiling water over 10 clean bay leaves. Leave for 3 hours, strain. Take 1/2 cup 3 times a day. The infusion is useful for diabetes; it has a direct normalizing effect on carbohydrate metabolism.

Bay leaf for sinusitis

Take 10 bay leaves and add a liter of water. Place on the fire and boil for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat and breathe in the hot steam, covered with a blanket. For sinusitis, carry out procedures 2 times a day. After inhalation, the sinuses will be cleared.

Bay cough syrup

Add 6 bay leaves to 150 ml of boiling water and cook over low heat under a closed lid for 5 minutes. After cooling completely, strain the broth, pour into a jar and add 6 tablespoons of brown sugar (can be replaced with honey), the juice of one lemon and mix well. Take the syrup 3 to 5 times a day, one tablespoon at a time, and store in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Bay leaf infusion

The recipe for this infusion is effective for cystitis and diseases of the genitourinary system. Grind the bay leaves and pour 10 grams of raw material into a liter of boiling water. Cover with a lid, wrap and let brew for at least 7 hours (the raw materials can be brewed in a thermos).

Take the infusion 100 ml 3 times a day and after three days the cystitis will go away. In the chronic form of the disease, drink the infusion for 5 days, 120 ml 2 times a day. It is advisable to conduct the course once every six months.

Bay leaf for the prevention of fungal diseases

The recipe helps to cope with fungal diseases and relieves sweaty feet. Pour 3 tablespoons of chopped bay leaves and a tablespoon of chopped oak bark with two liters of boiling water. Put on fire and simmer for 15 minutes.

Cool the broth and pour into a bowl without straining. Take a foot bath for 10 minutes every other day. Water temperature 35-36°C. After the procedure, dry your feet thoroughly and massage your feet.

To prevent fungal diseases and sweating, take baths three times a month. For fungal infections of the feet - every other day.

Bay oil for arthritis

Take 30 grams of crushed laurel leaves, pour 200 ml of linseed or sunflower oil. Infuse for 8–10 days in a warm place, then strain and squeeze out the raw materials. Use laurel oil to massage sore joints, for arthritis, rubbing into the area of ​​the sore joint. It is better to carry out the procedure at night.

Infusion for the treatment of scaly lichen

For scaly lichen, pour 10 bay leaves into a thermos with 1/2 liter of boiling water. Leave for 2 hours and take 1/2 cup 3 times a day before meals.

Causes of candidiasis

Thrush in the mouth of an adult is a lesion of the mucous membrane, which may indicate serious health problems. For the fungus to multiply, special conditions are required. Most often, the disease occurs in patients who neglect oral hygiene. The presence of caries and inflammatory gum diseases increases the chances of developing fungal inflammation. This is explained by the fact that a large number of pathogenic microorganisms depletes the defense mechanisms.

The second group of reasons is weakened immunity due to a number of diseases and conditions:

• HIV, diabetes mellitus;
• oncological diseases;
• dystrophy, deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
• previous operations, severe infections, etc.

There are also specific reasons for the development of thrush. It can appear after prolonged and powerful antibacterial therapy. The use of antibiotics leads to the destruction of beneficial flora and imbalance. This causes active reproduction of Candida.

Oral candidiasis also develops while taking inhaled corticosteroids. Usually the lesion has the appearance of erythema and appears in areas where the medicine came into contact with the mucous membrane: on the palate, tongue.

Dietary features affect the likelihood of developing candidiasis. Thus, the predominance of carbohydrates predisposes to fungal activity. The growth of Candida and its attachment to the mucosa are enhanced in the presence of sugars.

Bad habits increase the chances of developing leukoplakia, lichen planus and other diseases. This is especially true when it comes to smoking. Candidiasis often develops in patients with tongue piercings.

The presence of removable dentures is also a risk factor if the patient does not comply with hygiene rules. In the absence of high-quality cleansing, the prosthesis becomes covered with a biofilm, which contains a lot of fungi. Disinfection is the main measure of disease prevention and part of complex treatment for progressive oral candidiasis. If the patient does not remove the structure at night, this also increases the likelihood of developing the disease. The mucous membrane remains without oxygen for a long time and is not washed by saliva - these conditions are suitable for the development of fungi and anaerobic microorganisms. The prosthesis can injure the mucous membranes if it does not fit. Microtraumas weaken local defenses and contribute to the onset of fungal infection. Injuries can also be associated with sharp chips of teeth and fillings, chemical and thermal burns.

Dry mouth due to decreased salivation, changes in saliva viscosity and its composition is one of the causes of candidiasis. This can be caused by other diseases, so it is important to find out the causes of dryness in order to effectively combat the consequences.

Candidiasis in the mouth of a child is more common. The immaturity of the immune system and the colonization of the oral cavity by Candida from the mother’s vaginal canal during natural childbirth lead to the development of the disease in early infancy. However, older children can also suffer from the disease, which is associated with weakening immune forces.

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Burning bay leaves

The procedure of burning bay leaves helps cleanse the respiratory tract, strengthen the immune system, relieve stress and headaches. In addition, smoke disinfects the air and removes unpleasant odors.

Aromatizing the air in a room with burnt bay leaves has a positive effect on the general condition of the human body, acts as an analgesic, relieves fatigue, relieves insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue.

The procedure is carried out as follows: set fire to several bay leaves on a metal tray. When they burn completely, inhale the smoke for 15-20 minutes.

Conditions for effective treatment

Effective treatment for oral thrush involves eliminating the underlying cause. It is very important to sanitize the oral cavity: cure teeth destroyed by caries, remove non-viable teeth and roots that can no longer be restored. These are chronic foci of inflammation, so simultaneous sanitation will shorten the treatment time. Tartar and plaque should also be removed. This is especially true for cases of candidal stomatitis associated with injury to the gums by the sharp edges of hard dental deposits.

Patients with removable dentures should be re-trained in hygiene and disinfection of orthopedic structures. If the time to use a prosthesis comes to an end, it is important to replace it in a timely manner. Treatment of candidiasis will be useless if a person uses the denture incorrectly and again creates conditions in the oral cavity for the growth of fungi.

Unsuitable crowns, bridges and other structures must also be replaced. It is also important to eliminate chipped enamel, which becomes a source of injury to the gums, mucous membranes of the cheeks and tongue.

Smokers should reduce their smoking episodes if possible or quit the bad habit. If the disease has developed while taking corticosteroids, it is important to explain the rules of treatment: you should rinse the mouth with plenty of warm water after spraying the drug.

When treating oral candidiasis that has developed during antibacterial therapy, measures should be taken to restore the normal microflora of the intestine and oral cavity. You may need to consult another specialist or therapist: you will need to take probiotics and prebiotics.

For all patients treated for candidiasis, several general recommendations apply:

• maintaining oral hygiene;
• refusal of foods rich in carbohydrates;
• giving up sugary drinks.

It is necessary to exclude from the diet foods that can irritate the mucous membranes: dishes prepared with vinegar, marinades, spicy, peppery foods, smoked foods, sour fruits and berries. You should also not eat confectionery, baked goods made with yeast, or sugar. It is better to give preference to warm dishes. You need to follow this diet for another 1.5-2 months after recovery.

In some cases, it is advisable to use toothpastes with glucose oxidase, lysozyme, and lactoferrin. They help improve the defenses of the oral mucosa and can be part of a comprehensive prevention of inflammation. The choice of toothpaste should be agreed with your doctor; he will recommend the optimal product, and also tell you which brush is suitable.

Contraindications to the use of bay leaves

Preparations based on bay leaves should not be used if they are individually intolerant. Decoctions and infusions are contraindicated for internal use in case of cardiac pathologies, chronic gastritis, stomach or duodenal ulcers.

Liver damage, renal failure, pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, chronic constipation are also contraindications.

Contraindications and possible harm

Bay leaf is a potent spice, so it is important to follow the dosage when using it and take into account contraindications so as not to harm the body.

• It is forbidden to use the steep decoction for children and the elderly, as well as for patients with gastritis and colitis - anyone whose digestive system may not be able to cope with the “atomic” essential oil of the spice.
• You should not get carried away with laurel during pregnancy, limiting your consumption to simple culinary recipes and avoiding strong infusions.

It is important to know! Laurel is dangerous for its abortifacient properties; it causes uterine contractions, which can harm the fetus.

• People with liver disease and a diagnosis of alcoholism take bay leaf tinctures with great caution.
• There are traditional methods of treatment that confirm the development of aversion to alcohol by taking laurel tincture, but you need to understand that this method will cause strong reactions in the body and provoke a load on the internal systems, so it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor.
• They warn about the insidious properties of laurel and hypertensive patients - tincture of bay leaf can cause pressure surges.
• Also, consultation will be required for people suffering from kidney diseases - due to the strong diuretic effect of decoctions prepared from laurel.
• An overdose of bay infusion or consumption of a strong substrate can cause severe stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, headache, fever, itching and red spots on the body. For such symptoms, gastric lavage and intravenous drips are recommended to remove heavy substances.

Allergies to bay leaves are rare, so extreme manifestations practically do not occur. In some cases, consuming laurel may cause constipation. Before taking oil, spices, or infusions from laurel, check for an allergic reaction - apply a little of the composition to your wrist - there should be no redness and/or itching.

Note! High concentrations of the active substance may cause a slight burn on the skin.

Reviews

I know that a decoction of bay leaves is used to relieve swelling and accelerate the removal of waste and toxins. It is these qualities of laurel that plump girls use. Reviews from my friends about weight loss formulations are not always the same - it helps some, while others say it’s of little use. I suggest using a product for weight loss that I read about on the Internet; according to reviews from those losing weight , it is effective. You need to boil 4 bay leaves for 10 minutes, add ginger and hot pepper to the slightly cooled broth. The recipe, in addition to laurel, includes 250 ml of water, ½ teaspoon of dry ginger powder, 1 g of pepper. The composition is taken 1 tbsp. after meal.

Vasilina, 23 years old, Chernigov

On my fasting days, I took the most common decoction of laurel for weight loss: I brewed 5 dry leaves and 2 cinnamon sticks in 0.5 liters of water. I drank one glass 4 times a day. I have two such days a week when I sit on salads and water. In two weeks I managed to lose 3 kg. Now you won’t be ashamed to go to the beach. And summer is already very soon.

Snezhana, 35 years old, Gelendzhik

We have tall laurel bushes growing right in our yard. To add a fresh leaf to the soup, all I have to do is open the window and extend my hand. Naturally, they don’t sell it packaged in stores. Visitors very often do not understand why this very popular spice is not on supermarket shelves. In our country, decoctions of bay leaves are used for hair care. I advise everyone to try this wonderful product.

Sofiko, 28 years old, Rustavi

Natalia

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A bay leaf grown on your own loggia or windowsill is not such a rare guest in our apartments. After all, it has long been known that people use laurel not only for gastronomic delights or to improve health, but also to simply relax and gain energy near their fragrant pet. The climate is changing before our eyes; it is possible that in the near future, cultivated plantings of this plant will appear in places where laurel bushes have never grown. Anything is possible. Health to you and your loved ones!