Synonyms in a broader sense
Latin name: Laurus nobilis Genus: Laurel tree plants Folk name: Noble laurel, spice laurel
Plant description
Evergreen shrub or tree, can grow up to 10 m high and reaches a high age. It is found wild and in cultures throughout the Mediterranean region but also in Northern Europe. The leathery foliage leaves shine on the upper side, are arched at the edge and smell aromatic. The small white flowers appear in spring and form false umbels or short panicles. From it ripen egg-shaped, black berries.
Medicinally used ingredients
The fruits, the oil from the fruits and the leaves can be used. If you want to use leaves and fruits as spice, dry them gently after harvest. From the fresh fruits, laurel oil is extracted for medicinal purposes. The oil is pressed under the influence of heat to obtain a greenish, ointment-like mass with an aromatic smell.
Ingredients
Essential oil, bitter substances, starch, myricil alcohol.
Curative effects and application
The essential oil is used as an external medicine. It has a slightly circulatory and anti-inflammatory effect and is a component of ointments. It is used for massage, for skin ulcers, rashes, also for muscle pain, strains and sprains.
Laurel oil is also a proven remedy in veterinary medicine. Far more frequently laurel is used as a spice in the kitchen. One needs the dried leaves and fruits. Laurel is an aromatic-bitter spice and promotes digestion.
Side effects
Side effects are rare. Rarely allergic reactions can occur.
