Laurel Remedies To Improve Your Respiratory Health

Although topical and oral use of bay laurel can be very effective in relieving respiratory problems, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The bay laurel ( Laurus nobilis L. ) or laurel-sauce is a plant belonging to the lauraceae family. It contains carbohydrates, fats and proteins as well as vitamin C and minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorus or potassium, among others). All these nutrients allow it not only to have culinary uses, but also medicinal uses. Therefore,  there are many remedies with laurel.

This plant has been used for thousands of years to relieve various discomforts, from gas to heavy digestion.

Bay leaves also help stimulate appetite. In some herbal medicine treatments for people who need to gain weight, bay leaf infusions are recommended before meals.

Besides its use as a digestive, its medicinal properties also allow  relieve certain respiratory problems.

Inhalation of bay leaf to expel phlegm

Laurel inhalations can help expel mucus in congestion.  Humidity is what brings relief.  However, some consider that certain compounds contained in the leaves of  laurel also contribute.

So the most popular bay remedies are the aromatic vapors that are prepared either with the leaves of the plant or with the essential oil.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water (500 ml)
• 6 bay leaves or 5 drops of bay oil

Preparation

• Boil 2 glasses of water and when it reaches boiling point, remove from heat, then add 6 bay leaves or 5 drops of bay leaf essential oil.
• Pour the hot water into a bowl.
• Cover your head with a towel and place your face near the bowl, so that you can inhale the bay leaf fumes.
• Repeat as many times as you deem necessary to get relief.

Homemade cough syrup with bay leaves

According to popular beliefs, bay leaf is also a good ingredient for making cough syrups. You can do it yourself at home, because it is very easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 6 bay leaves
• 6 tablespoons of brown sugar (90g)
• The juice of an organic lemon

Preparation

• Take a saucepan and add the 2 cups of water and the bay leaves. Bring to a boil for 15 minutes.
• Once the leaves are infused, filter the water and let cool.
• Pour the liquid into a bowl, then add 6 tablespoons of brown sugar and the juice of an organic lemon.
• After mixing everything well, the homemade syrup is ready. You just have to pour it into a bottle and store it in the cold for 7 days. Then you can take it when you have a cough or have flu symptoms.
• Consult your doctor before starting to consume these types of home remedies, as they may cause interactions with certain medications and foods.

Laurel leaf compress

You can prepare an infusion with bay leaves to make your own compresses.  These can help you alleviate some specific, mild discomfort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water (500 ml)
• 3 fresh bay leaves

Preparation

• In a saucepan, heat 2 cups of water until it begins to boil.
• Add the fresh bay leaves to the boiling water and let stand for a few minutes.
• Dip a cloth in the infusion and place it on your chest as a compress.
• Another option is to soak bay leaves in hot water and place them directly in the form of compresses on the chest.
• Cover your breast with a towel and reheat the leaves whenever they cool.

Laurel oil

It is said that the aroma of bay leaf oil can help relieve various discomforts in case of  influenza , colds, colds and others.  Its pungent smell will allow you to breathe easier. 

To prepare bay leaf oil, you need to have a glass jar and clean it well as this will be the container to store the oil until it is used up.

Ingredients

• 4 or 5 bay leaves
• 2 cups of sweet almond oil (500ml)

Preparation

• Put the bay leaves in the container and add the sweet almond oil. It is important that the leaves are clean.
• Seal tightly and let the oil marinate for 40 days.
• Once the bay oil is ready, you can use it when you have blocked nostrils or when you want to improve your breathing. This remedy is simple and effective.

Should we consult our doctor about bay leaf remedies?

Before you start using home remedies with bay leaf, you should consult your doctor. Otherwise, they risk causing interactions  and unwanted effects.

On the other hand, we must remember that we should not replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor with a home remedy, even when its benefits are highly appreciated, as it can lead to complications. In all cases, if the professional authorizes it, it can be used in addition to a healthy lifestyle.