Daphne / Laurel leaf / Bay leaf

Daphne / Laurel leaf / Bay leaf
Laurus Nobilis

Laurel: the tree of Apollo

 Name – History – Mythology 

Daphne the Nymph (Laura in Latin) was the daughter of the rivergod Pieios and Mother Earth Gaia The god Apollo fell in love with her, but the nymph did not reciprocate and avoided his attentions. Daphne asked her mother Gaia for help. When Apollo embraced Daphne, she changed into a laurel tree. The grieving Apollo broke off a branch of the tree, made a wreath and put it on his head. Since then, the laurel leaf became the sacred plant of Apollo.

Laurel wreaths were used to decorate the heads of Olympian victors and poets.

It is used in many quisines worldwide.

The Laurel tree originates from the Mediterranean. It was cultivated in ancient Greece and Rome.

 Properties – Use:

Laurel leaf infusions improve blood circulation, protect the liver, stimulate bile and improve digestion.

Laurel leaf decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes  and heart diseases (researchers recommend the consumption of 2-3 leaves per day for 30 days).  It improves blood test results for glucose and cholesterol content.

Laurel leaf has stimulating, relaxing ans antioxidant properties.

It contains essential oils rich in phenol oxides (cyneol), methyl oxides, ethers (estragol, engenol), pektines, tanninsi, resins and the bitter lactone.

 Suggestions:

Unknown.