Laurel, also known by the scientific name of Laurus nobilis, is an aromatic evergreen plant that grows spontaneously in the woods and scrublands of the southern regions of Europe and the Mediterranean area. This plant, belonging to the Lauraceae family, looks like a bush or a small tree, with leathery and shiny leaves with an intense and unmistakable scent. Bay leaves and berries have always been appreciated in the kitchen for their characteristic aroma, capable of enhancing the flavor of numerous dishes.
In particular, its dried leaves and the essential oil derived from it are used as spices and flavorings. However, laurel also hides beneficial properties for health, thanks to the presence of flavonoids, tannins and essential oils rich in bioactive compounds. These compounds give this plant multiple properties, including digestive, carminative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Let’s see how to take advantage of these benefits through laurel herbal tea, which can be prepared in the form of an infusion or decoction.
Digestive Properties Of Laurel Herbal Tea
Laurel leaves and berries contain flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils rich in bioactive compounds, which give the plant beneficial properties such as digestive properties, the most characteristic of this drink. However, I’m not the only one; let’s see them all.
- Digestive: bay leaves stimulate the production of gastric juices and the secretion of digestive enzymes, promoting efficient digestion and reducing the feeling of post-prandial heaviness.
- Carminative: the essential oils present in laurel help reduce the formation of intestinal gas, relieving bloating and abdominal cramps.
- Aperitif: Laurel stimulates the appetite and the production of gastric juices, preparing the body for the meal and promoting better digestion.
- Anti-inflammatory: Laurel flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties, helpful in counteracting inflammation at the gastrointestinal level and in other parts of the body.
- Antioxidant: Laurel is a source of natural antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, helping to keep the body healthy.
One of the simplest and most pleasant ways to benefit from the properties of this plant is herbal tea, as an infusion or decoction based on bay leaves. Various benefits are attributed to laurel herbal tea, such as relieving gastrointestinal disorders, dyspepsia, abdominal swelling, cramps, and more. Laurel-based herbal teas can aid digestion, stimulating the production of gastric juices and the secretion of digestive enzymes, as well as reducing the formation of gas in the intestine.
Also Read: Mint Herbal Tea: Why Drink It And How To Prepare It
Other Properties And Benefits Of Laurel Herbal Tea
In addition to its digestive health benefits, bay leaf has been shown to be very effective in treating colds, coughs, and flu. The expectorant properties of bay leaf teas can help thin mucus and facilitate its expulsion from the airways, relieving congestion and promoting breathing.
Additionally, the diaphoretic properties of bay leaves can help reduce fever by stimulating sweating ( diaphoresis ) and helping to eliminate toxins through the skin by regulating body temperature.
Consumed hot before going to bed, this herbal tea promotes intense sweating, alleviating the symptoms of flu and colds. Bay leaf tea is also known for its immune system-stimulating properties. Compounds found in bay leaves, such as flavonoids, can have a stimulating effect on the immune system and help strengthen the body’s natural defenses, making it more resistant to infections and diseases.
Laurel Herbal Tea, Infusion With Dried Leaves
To prepare a bay leaf infusion, combine 2-3 dried leaves in a cup of boiling water (3 grams of dried leaves per 100 ml of water) and leave them to infuse for 5-10 minutes. Before drinking, filter the drink.
Water And Bay Leaves, The “Canary” For Digesting
It is also possible to use fresh leaves in the preparation known as “canary,” made with squeezed lemon and water with bay leaves. The drink is typically used when you feel heavy or have digestive problems. The “canary” is a natural and easy-to-prepare solution to relieve ailments such as:
- Abdominal bloating: the combination of bay leaves and lemon helps reduce bloating caused by the accumulation of intestinal gas.
- Slow digestion: the essential oils of laurel and the citric acid of lemon stimulate the production of gastric juices and digestive enzymes, promoting more efficient digestion.
- Nausea and indigestion: The “canary” can help calm nausea and relieve the feeling of heaviness and discomfort associated with indigestion.
- Detox: Bay leaf and lemon water supports liver function and can help eliminate toxins from the body.
To prepare the “canary”, add the juice of half a lemon and a fresh bay leaf to a cup of hot water. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, remove the bay leaf, and drink the drink slowly.
The Decoction
For a decoction, however, the leaves should be placed in a saucepan of cold water and boiled in water for 5-10 minutes, then let the herbal tea rest for another 5 minutes before filtering it.
Both methods extract the active ingredients of the bay leaf. The herbal tea obtained can be consumed before meals to stimulate appetite and aid digestion or after meals to relieve any gastrointestinal disorders.
Herbal Tea With Bayberries
To prepare a bay leaf tea with berries, you can use 5-6 of them in 250 ml of water brought to a boil for 5-10 minutes, then leave to rest for another 5 minutes before filtering. Honey or a slice of lemon can be added to the herbal tea to enrich its flavor. Bay berries are known for their antiseptic, stimulating, astringent, and hemostatic properties. To prepare one, dissolve 2 grams of dried and powdered berries in 100 ml of boiling water, limiting consumption to two cups daily.
The powder obtained from dried berries is effective against flu, colds, and nervous tension, with a recommended dosage of one teaspoon per day. Alternatively, you can use whole berries to prepare a decoction. In this case, the berries should be boiled in water for 10-15 minutes, then let the herbal tea rest for another 5 minutes before filtering it. Bayberry decoction can be consumed up to twice a day.
Although they are drinks made with natural ingredients, herbal teas can also have side effects and contraindications. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or a qualified herbalist before adopting its daily use, especially if particular clinical conditions require the use of medications. In this regard, it is helpful to remember right away that laurel can cause interactions with sedative and narcotic drugs. Always notify your doctor if you take it.
The Science On The Effects Of Laurel
A 2017 study, Laurus nobilis: Composition of Essential Oil and Its Biological Activities, investigated the chemical composition of essential oil (EO) from L. nobilis leaves collected in southern Italy. In total, 55 compounds have been identified, representing 91.6% of the total oil; the main components are:
- 1,8-cineole (31.9%)
- sabinene (12.2%)
- linalool (10.2%)
The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of EO (essential oil) and 1,8-cineole were determined in vitro. The cytotoxicity of EO was evaluated against the SH-SY5Y cell line, as well as the influence of EO on the expression of adenylate cyclase 1 (ADCY1), suggesting possible effects of the oil on the central nervous system.
Several studies have reported the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of essential oil and extracts. L. nobilis leaves are traditionally used orally to treat symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, such as epigastric bloating and flatulence. The essential oil of bay leaves is used in various fields: in the perfume and soap industry, to relieve hemorrhoid and rheumatic pain, as a diuretic and antifungal. nobilis leaves and some of its biological activities.