Laurel oil: properties and features of use

At the word laurel, most people associate with aromatic spices for bouillons and soups.However, the only role was unfairly attributed to this plant. Few people know that essential oil is produced from its leaves, which is widely used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

Essential oil is prepared in production by steam distillation. High-pressure steam is mixed with volatile vapors of the ether components, and when cooled, this compound forms a liquid, which is an essential oil. One serving is cooked for four hours. At the same time, the finished product is 35 times less in weight than the mass of raw materials used in industry.

The color of the oil can vary from light yellow to green, sometimes beautifully shimmers in the light. It is a thick and viscous consistency. It has a fresh and strong aroma, in which spices and subtle notes of fruit incense are felt.

Usually, the following plant varieties are used to produce oil.

• Laurel noble. The product is prepared from the leaves, more common in cooking and traditional medicine.
• Laurel of Alexandria. The raw materials for making oil are usually the fruits of this tree. Differs anti-inflammatory and healing properties, often used in medicine and cosmetology.
• American laurel. Leaves are used in oil production. The product is usually used in perfumery, traditional medicine, aromatherapy.

The most common raw material for oil is laurel. From the fruits of the Alexandrian variety, a slightly different aromatherapy product is prepared, which differs from the traditional version in its description and qualities. Oil Bay, derived from the American laurel, also has a different composition. The laurels of the noble and American belong to different families.

You can find cherry laurel oil in the store, however, this is a completely different product, which is nothing like the classic version of a noble plant. The laurel cherry is not associated with the traditional laurel, the leaves of this culture are poisonous, and their use in the production of the product can lead to very serious consequences for the human body.

Bay oil has a rich composition, thanks to which it is valued in various fields of cosmetology and medicine. Among the main components of the product, the following components deserve special attention.

• Zineol. Provides antibacterial and disinfectant effect, used in the fight against fungus.
• Eucalyptol It is an active stimulant with antiviral qualities, however, it can cause skin irritation.
• Camphor. It activates the growth of new cells, has antimicrobial and analgesic properties.
• Linalool. It is characterized by its bactericidal effect, boosts immunity, stabilizes the work of the hormonal sphere.
• Pinen. Provides antiviral effect, gives a diuretic effect.
• Geraniol. Antifungal qualities are characteristic of this substance.
• Felllandren. It has antibacterial action and the ability to remove excess fluid from the body.
• Phytosterol. Beneficial effect on the cleansing of blood vessels.
• Fatty acid. Provide good skin tone, have a positive effect on the hair roots.
• Tannins. Stabilize the work of the digestive tract, clean the intestines.

Considering the composition of the product, we can draw the following conclusions about its beneficial properties.

• The oil stabilizes the work of the digestive organs, promotes an increase in appetite, eliminates pain symptoms and indigestion.
• Heals small ulcers of the gastric mucosa, positively affects the body in a situation of poisoning.
• Blocks seizures in patients with diseases of the respiratory system. It can be an effective tool in the fight against colds and cough.
• It activates the work of the cardiovascular system and has a beneficial effect on the proper circulation of blood.
• Stabilizes the endocrine system. Normalizes the menstrual cycle. Reduces sugar levels in patients with diabetes.
• Reduces spasms, positively affects the work of muscles and joints.
• Excretes harmful substances, slags and toxins from the body.
• It can fight viruses and bacteria, can be used as an antibiotic.
• It is an aid in oncological processes.
• Due to the action of antioxidants, oil can be used as a cure for stress, depression. Increases physical activity. Fights fatigue.
• It strengthens the immune system.

Particular attention should be paid to the possibility of using oil for cosmetic purposes.

• This product actively treats inflammation on the skin. It can be an effective remedy for acne and blackheads, makes pigment spots less pronounced, contributes to the narrowing of pores.
• When caring for nails, this oil is used to level and strengthen the nail plate. In case of using the product in the field of hair care, there is no doubt that it will stimulate the growth of hair follicles, eliminate dandruff, reduce irritation on the scalp, relieve dryness.
• Laurel remedy contributes to the process of renewal of skin cells and is well struggling with cellulite, not only eliminating the "orange peel", but also preventing its formation.

Summarizing all the information about the benefits of bay oil, you can read the indications for use of this tool:

• sleep disturbances, depression, memory impairment;
• colds, pneumonia, antritis;
• headaches, dilated veins and blood vessels, strokes;
• radiculitis, arthritis, arthrosis;
• neurosis and neuralgia;
• skin diseases, including psoriasis and allergies;
• constipation, pancreatitis, intestinal flatulence;
• disorders of the urinary system.

In no case can not use the product presented in its pure form. The fact is that the constituent cyneol can provoke irritation on the skin and cause allergic reactions. To check how the body will respond to a new tool, you must conduct a special simple test. To do this, drop a little oil on the elbow bend and carefully examine whether a drop of redness and irritation has left. If discomfort is not observed, then the tool can be used.

In addition to individual intolerance, which can be identified with the help of the test recommended above, the following contraindications should be considered:

• dry and very sensitive skin;
• low pressure;
• the period of pregnancy and lactation;
• age up to 2 years.

Oil intake should be stopped if allergies and headaches appear after several servings. Usually, these symptoms are observed in overdose. Before, in practice, to get acquainted with the properties of bay oil, you must consult with a specialist. The negative reaction of the body to the use of the product can be caused by its low-quality nature. Perhaps it turned out to be a low-grade product, and the rules for its manufacture in production were violated. In order not to encounter low-quality products, you can try to prepare this oil yourself at home.

For the manufacture of homemade oil is quite suitable dry seasoning, which is in the kitchen of every housewife. However, the leaf should have a uniform light olive color. During the cooking process, this ingredient takes on a dark green color and looks like a flowering leaf.

Leaves with faded coloring, faded and brown or red spots on the surface will not work. It is better to throw them away and not to apply even as seasoning. The aroma of such a stale product will not give either in food or in oil. In the manufacture it is recommended to use glass containers. Consider several options for cooking tools.

• Prepare about 30 bay leaves. It is better to use a fresh product, but for lack of one, dry ingredients will do. Crush the leaves. It is recommended to do this by means of a coffee grinder.
• Heat 250 ml of olive oil to a temperature of 45-50 degrees and mix with bay leaves.
• We twist the tare well with a lid, shake it up and place it in a dry dark place. Insist 14 days, regularly shaking.
• We filter, press, and remove the finished product for storage in a dark place.

• Heat 250 ml of unrefined first pressed oil.
• Grind a pack of bay leaf.
• Mix the ingredients, shake the jar, and set in a dark place for 10 days.
• Boil water in a saucepan. We put jar in boiling water, slightly unscrewing the lid in advance.
• We wait until the consistency cools, and again remove for 10 days.
• After this period, the substance is filtered. Product is ready!

• Fill 30 g of laurel with a glass of vegetable oil.
• We remove for two weeks in a dark dry place. During this time, you need to mix the composition 2-3 times.
• Strain and squeeze the resulting product.

• Crush 20 g of dry bay leaf and 3 g of juniper needles.
• We supplement the substance with 40 g of butter. Stir well.
• We remove the storage in the refrigerator.

As already noted above, the presented product has a very wide scope of application, and in each case has its own rules and peculiarities of using this medicine.

Consider the most popular alternative medicine recipes, including laurel oil.

• With a cold. Boil a pot of water, drop 5-7 drops of ether there and inhale the vapors of the mixture for 10 minutes. Such inhalation will cause an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect. As a preventive measure, you can hang a special medallion around your neck, dripping a small amount of oil, and wear it during the period of virus activity.
• For joints. On one piece of sugar you need to drip a little bit of ether and dissolve. Only during the day you need to eat three such pieces. After three days of admission will require a week break. All you need is 3 courses, after which you should take a break for six months.
• Foot fungus. Put 10-15 drops of ether into the basin of hot water and place the legs there. After the foot bath, wipe thoroughly, rub with some other, non-essential oil, and put on clean socks.

This is an effective way to treat stress, depression, insomnia and other problems associated with the violation of the nervous system. The best treatment will be the combination of two oils. For example, bay oil is in harmony with citrus and lavender, pine ether or cypress. Mix 3-4 drops of the product and place in the oil burner. Inhalation of fragrant beneficial fumes will provide not only a good mood, but also protection against viruses.

In addition to medicine, bay oil is also widely used in cosmetology.

• For body. When caring for the skin of the body should be added to the usual compositions of 3 drops of essential fluid. Often the main means to add are shower gels or soap.
• For lips. In the case of lips cracking and chapped lips, you can combine laurel oil with almond or carite, and lubricate the surface of the lips with the resulting mixture. If there is herpes on the lips, then it can be cauterized with a clean tool.
• For the skin around the eyes. To care for this delicate area of ​​skin, you can add one drop of oil to the usual creams.
• For face. In this case, a drop of oil is added to any face mask. This ingredient will narrow pores, reduce inflammation, activates skin immunity. This method will be especially effective for oily or combination skin.
• For hair. We supplement the base of the mask with oil in the proportion of 30 g per 5 drops. This tool will help to cope with dandruff, strengthen the hair roots, will have a general regenerating effect. Aromatic combing is also a good hair care method. To do this, brush the teeth of the comb with 4-5 drops of oil and comb the hair for 5 minutes.

This is another effective method of dealing with tension and stress. Also, a bath with added oil can be an auxiliary tool in the treatment of diseases of the urinary tract. The ether must be combined with sea salt, pine concentrate (or any other needles), milk. After that, the resulting mixture is added to the recruited water and take a bath for 20 minutes. Rinsing the body after the procedure is not carried out.

In most cases, the feedback is positive. Most often, consumers use it for skin and hair care. The ability of the oil to be quickly and well absorbed, as well as the absence of a greasy film, is noted. After use, the scars dry up, the skin softens. If the oil is used for hair, then there is a positive effect in the treatment of seborrhea, hair falls out less and stay clean for a long time.

Negative reviews are related to the specific aroma of the oil. Not all people like the fragrance of laurel, so they do not use the leaves of this plant, even as a seasoning. But this is still a subjective opinion, since most consumers find the aroma of oil refined and noble. In addition, in favor of the funds says its relatively low cost compared to other esters. If you make it at home, it will cost you a lot of money.

In the next video you will find the use of bay leaf for hair care.