Crowns and garlands of laurel to celebrate poets and leaders as the highest expression of knowledge, wisdom and glory: this plant boasts one ancient history. Already in the times of the Greeks and Romans it was used both to pay honors and as a sign of peace, but also in dishes and cooking. A role that has remained unchanged over the centuries, but has also developed within the medical and god fields natural remedies.
Even today they are made with the laurel wreath and crowns to be given to new graduates, but the role of this plant is truly multifaceted. It is used both as a support for well-being and the salute, thanks to its unrivaled properties for better digestion and breathing, but also as a central element of singular rituals. Tradition has it that hiding some leaves under the pillow brings dreams with an important meaning as a gift.
Laurel, between mythology and cuisine
Few people know that laurel is a real one plant which can also reach considerable heights, but which constant pruning has transformed into a shrub evergreen. Wood and leaves give off an interesting and intense fragrance, a distinctive sign for this plant so widespread along the Mediterranean where it often grows spontaneously. Stable, resistant, particularly rustic, it can adapt to any soil and cultivation.
Known as Laurus nobilis the laurel has always found a place both in kitchen that in the field of natural remedies, but many legends and rituals are linked to him. Not only the classic crown as a symbol of glory, triumph and wisdom, but also mythological stories because the laurel is the plant form that the nymph took Dafne to keep the god at a distance Apollo. To interrupt the interest and the enchantment towards her, but Apollo preferred not to forget her and decided to turn the laurel into an evergreen and plant it in the garden of his home to be able to admire its beauty. And by giving its leaves the task of turning into celebratory wreaths.
It still retains its ritual role today. In fact, having a sprig in the house guarantees the protection of the Sun god, but also prosperity and well-being. According to popular legends, the laurel would not undergo the action of the gods lightning, for this reason planting it next to the house could protect it from the action of the same. But the laurel is even better known in the field of cooking, where its presence does not go unnoticed, guaranteeing a flavor and a perfume unmistakable and with a strong touch.
Laurel, properties and benefits
With colored leaves dark green and with an oval format with a wavy edge, the laurel boasts a resistant structure but also an intense fragrance. It finds space in the kitchen but also as a valid natural remedy for the well-being of nervous system, as a support against rheumatism and sprains, also facilitating the digestion and the respiratory system. A infusion laurel, with peeled lemon and the addition of a hint of honey, is perfect for the well-being of the stomach. A hot herbal tea of laurel and water helps night sweats and purification from toxins, particularly when taken before lying down. An ideal solution for preventing infections and colds, the same kind of benefit can be obtained from its dried, pulverized, and herbalist-bought berries. They guarantee well-being againstinfluenza and stomach problems.
Both the leaves and the berries contain essential oil, in different percentages, in which there are a series of elements with antiseptic properties e antioxidants such as geraniol, cineol, eugenol, terpineol, phellandrene, eucalyptol and pinene. It is a beneficial presence for the stomach because it can stimulate the appetite, promote digestion, calm the burns and reduce intestinal gas. The leaves are also rich in minerals, vitamins C and B, a panacea for lung health, especially in the presence of infections and cough.
From fresh berries it is possible to obtainlaurin oil perfect remedy to soothe the discomfort caused by rheumatism, arthritis and severe muscle pain. They do not exist contraindications but it can promote contact dermatitis in subjects who show a certain sensitivity.
–
