Bay leaves are widely used in the preparation of various meat, fish and vegetable dishes. In addition to cooking, laurel leaf is also widely used in medicine to treat various ailments. However, this product also has a number of contraindications, as it can harm human health.
Bay leaf. General information
Bay leaf is nothing more than the dried leaves of a plant called laurel noble. The homeland of the shrub is Asia Minor and the south of the Balkan Peninsula. The laurel family also includes other famous and valuable plants that gave us avocados, cinnamon, various essential oils and medicines.
Due to its bitter taste and pleasant aroma, this product has been used as a seasoning since ancient times. The leaves are placed in the container where the dish is prepared, but at the final stage of cooking they will be removed, because the bay leaves are tough and not suitable for food. Sometimes they are crushed and used in powder form. Bay leaf is an essential seasoning for various soups, borscht, broths, jellied meat, thick sauces and other dishes.
Bay leaf is also used in folk medicine to strengthen immunity, in the treatment of neurological and infectious diseases, to stop bleeding, in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys; they are treated for psoriasis and diabetes. For tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis and other diseases of the respiratory system, inhalation with a decoction of bay leaves is used. And warm baths with the addition of laurel leaves help you lose weight. But you need to take them in your underwear to avoid burns from essential oils, in large quantities contained in laurel leaves. Housewives also use this plant in the fight against moths, which are deterred by its spicy aroma.
Bay leaf harm
Bay leaf is a high risk allergen. Therefore, people with a history of food allergies should not abuse this product. And for pregnant and lactating women, this spice is generally contraindicated. Bay leaves are known to increase the activity of the uterus. Intense muscle contractions can lead to miscarriage. When it comes to breastfeeding, eating bay leaves can cause baby allergies and negatively affect the taste of milk.
According to the observation of doctors, with an exacerbation of renal diseases and diseases of the liver and heart, the use of bay leaves for food or as a medicinal plant contributes to a deterioration in the patient's well-being due to the high content of tannins in the plant. People who have impaired protein metabolism need to give up this spice forever. Although during the period of remission, after consulting a doctor, it is allowed to use the spice in a limited amount.
