Ask Dr. Mel. . .
Dear Edwin,
Q: What are the vitamins and mineral found in bay laurel?
Bay Laurel/Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis), is also known as sweet bay, bay tree, grecian laurel, laurel tree of just plain Laurel. We use it a lot in cooking specially here in the Philippines because of that great aroma and flavor it gives. But what few people know is that our "laurel" has a lot of medicinal properties which is why it is used worldwide. Bay leaves are rich in Vitamin C which is a good antioxidant, immune booster and anti-viral and for wound healing. Bay leaves are also good sources of Vitamin A, B-complexes and folate. It likewise contains the minerals calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, zinc, selenium and copper which are all necessary co-factors in the different metabolic processes of the body. Bay leaves also contains potassium which plays an important role in the heart or cardiovascular system. The other chemical components of bay leaves (such as the essntial oils and unsaturated fatty acids) are responsible for its anti-inflammatory property which is why it is used to relieve swelling and arthritic pain when locally applied. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties which makes it good for respiratory and skin infections. Laurel is widely used also as a digestive aid, to relieve colic and abdominal cramps when taken regularly in tea form. It lowers blood pressure by its relaxing and sedative effect (which is why in some countries it is also used as a sleeping aid).
How do we use it? Make a simple infusion steeping 3-4 leaves in a cup of newly boiled water for 10 minutes, and take it 3-4 times a day. Take it after meals to help digestion. The leaves can also be boiled and used for steam inhalation to relieve sinusitis. You can also make your own oil extracts for topical use. If you're storing your leaves, be sure to keep it in a properly sealed jar so it will keep for about a year.
Enjoy your bay leaf!
Dr. Mel
Q: What are the vitamins and mineral found in bay laurel?
Bay Laurel/Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis), is also known as sweet bay, bay tree, grecian laurel, laurel tree of just plain Laurel. We use it a lot in cooking specially here in the Philippines because of that great aroma and flavor it gives. But what few people know is that our "laurel" has a lot of medicinal properties which is why it is used worldwide. Bay leaves are rich in Vitamin C which is a good antioxidant, immune booster and anti-viral and for wound healing. Bay leaves are also good sources of Vitamin A, B-complexes and folate. It likewise contains the minerals calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, zinc, selenium and copper which are all necessary co-factors in the different metabolic processes of the body. Bay leaves also contains potassium which plays an important role in the heart or cardiovascular system. The other chemical components of bay leaves (such as the essntial oils and unsaturated fatty acids) are responsible for its anti-inflammatory property which is why it is used to relieve swelling and arthritic pain when locally applied. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties which makes it good for respiratory and skin infections. Laurel is widely used also as a digestive aid, to relieve colic and abdominal cramps when taken regularly in tea form. It lowers blood pressure by its relaxing and sedative effect (which is why in some countries it is also used as a sleeping aid).
How do we use it? Make a simple infusion steeping 3-4 leaves in a cup of newly boiled water for 10 minutes, and take it 3-4 times a day. Take it after meals to help digestion. The leaves can also be boiled and used for steam inhalation to relieve sinusitis. You can also make your own oil extracts for topical use. If you're storing your leaves, be sure to keep it in a properly sealed jar so it will keep for about a year.
Enjoy your bay leaf!
Dr. Mel