Description
Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
Laurel is a perennial tree of Mediterranean and central Asia. It is used since ancient Greek and Roman years, playing a great role in those societies. Apart from its medicine and cooking properties, laurel had many symbolic roles, such as the symbol of wisdom and poetry. In ancient Greece a wreath of laurel was commonly given to the winners of athletic competitions, a tradition which still exists.
The consumption of laurel helps breathing system by improving the respiratory tract. Also, the beverage of laurel’s leaves is a good antiseptic which can be used on injuries. Furthermore, the essential oil of laurel is very good for hair.
The part of the plant that is used in cooking is the leaves. They are often used in meat, fish and legumes. Many times, laurel leaves are used to flavor sauces. The taste that laurel provides to food is a very common traditional taste that fulfills many Greek dishes.
February 2, 2015
Health Benefits of Laurel
Learn AboutLaurelBenefits Health Benefits The spice contains many notable plant-derived compounds, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. This spice has many volatile active components such as α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, α-terpineol, geranyl acetate, eugenol, and chavicol. These compounds are known to have been antiseptic, antioxidant, digestive and thought [...]
January 30, 2015
Mythology – Laurel
Learn AboutLaurelMythology Bay laurel trees are indigenous to the Mediterranean and parts of India and Africa. Used primarily as a flavoring herb in Greek cooking, bay leaves are used by Bedouins in parts of Saharan Africa to flavor their coffees. It has been cultivated as a shrub and tree since the time of Homer, the [...]
February 12, 2015
Side Effects of Laurel
Learn AboutLaurelSide Effects Bay leaf and bay leaf oil is likely safe for most people in food amounts. Ground bay leaf is possibly safe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts, short-term. But, if you cook with whole bay leaf, be sure to remove it before eating the food. Taking the whole, intact leaf by mouth is [...]
