«Laurel is one of the most powerful medicinal plants that exist: I’ll tell you this to make you understand better.” Plants and the plant world are truly Dr.’s passion Ciro Dressedphytotherapeutic doctor, who in his latest book Small botanical pharmacypublished by BUR Rizzoli, explained the natural remedies for the most common ailments.
After asking him about the benefits ofgarlic and gods legumesthis time we wanted to explore together the virtues oflaurelperennial shrub very widespread in the Mediterranean scrub, native to Southern Asia, already known at the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, when it encircled the heads of the winners in sporting events or distinguished the wise and learned. Hence, the custom of placing it on the heads of those who completed their academic and university studies, calling them graduates (from Laurus nobilisLatin name of the laurel or better known as laurel).
«You must know that a few centuries ago, when ours farmers in Puglia harvested olivesthey built pyramids – says Vestita – If the neighbor wasn’t on good terms or wanted to do a big prank, it was enough for him throw a few bay berries into the pile to waste several quintals of harvest. This is to make you understand the power of the essential oils contained in this plant.”
The properties of leaves and berries
Usually, laurel the leaves and berries are used. Bay leaf has a spicy, bitter flavor and contains flavonoids, tannins, eugenol, citric acid, carbohydrates, steroids, alkaloids, triterpenoids and essential oils. Note that a low caloric value. It is also known as a good source of vitamin A and many mineral salts. 30 grams of bay leaf can provide 54 calories, of which: 1–1.2 g of proteins, 12–13 g of carbohydrates, a trace of fat, 1–1.5 mg of iron (Fe), 51–53 mg of calcium (Ca), 2000–3000 IU of vitamin A, 14-15 mg of vitamin C and a small amount of potassium.
Its use, between myths and legends
Laurus nobilis
annick vanderschelden photography
There are a number of curious beliefs associated with the historical use of bay leaf. For example, it is said that the roof of the temple of Delphi, dedicated to Apollo, was made of laurel leaves and that the priestesses should eat it before pronouncing their oracles, a custom related to slightly narcotic properties of the laurel.
Not only that: the ancient civilizations that developed in the Mediterranean claimed that this tree radiated protective power and prevent misfortunes; for this reason, it was planted near houses to keep lightning away.
The ancient Greeks and Romans not only used it to award a prestigious recognition to their respected citizens, poets, heroes and priests, but they slept with bay leaves around their heads to encourage psycho-creative activities during sleep.
