One of the most widespread and used aromatic herbs in the kitchen is certainly bay leaf. Thanks to its scent and aroma, it is ideal for flavoring especially meat or fish dishes.
For this reason, many grow it in gardens or in pots, to always have it available.
However, not everyone knows that this plant, in addition to being a symbol of good luck, is also traditionally used to relieve various types of pain.
In fact, in addition to intestinal problems, this aromatic herb could also relieve muscle and joint pains
The easiest way to benefit from the amazing properties of laurel is to make flavored oil. There is nothing complicated, but it will take a lot of patience. In fact, several days are needed to allow proper maceration.
Here is what you need
- 250 grams of olive oil;
- 50 grams of bay leaves;
- 1 glass container with at least 250 milliliters of capacity.
First, let’s proceed with the drying of the bay leaves. The fastest method is to put them in the oven, at the lowest temperature, placing them on a well-spaced tray.
It will then be necessary to leave the door ajar and continuously turn the leaves so as not to burn them. They will be ready when they are dry and crumbly.
At this point, we begin to chop them with the help of a mortar and put everything in a glass jar. Before doing this procedure, however, it is necessary to sanitize the container and the caps, as also recommended by the Ministry of Health.
The procedure is identical to that used to make long-life spicy oil.
So just immerse everything in boiling water for about 40 minutes, taking care to wear latex gloves.
Now put 25 grams of chopped bay leaves in the jar and pour in the olive oil. We close hermetically and let it macerate for at least 15 days.
After the necessary time, we filter the oil and add another 25 grams of crushed bay leaf.
We let another 15 days pass and then filter the oil again, eliminating the bay leaf.
Uses, properties and warnings
Laurel flavored oil is edible and can be used, for example, to dress meals or salads. As reported by Humanitas Research Hospital, this aromatic herb has astringent and diuretic properties. In addition, it stimulates the appetite and relieves painful symptoms due to colic, or stomach ulcers.
Finally, if heated for a few seconds, it can also be applied to sore parts of the body where a massage can be performed.
So, in addition to intestinal problems, this aromatic herb could also relieve muscle and joint pain. In traditional medicine, this oil is also used to treat bronchitis and flu symptoms.
Of course, these tips do not replace the advice of a doctor or any drug therapies.
In case of joint, muscle or digestive problems it is good to contact a specialist.