Medicinal and Culinary Uses of Bay Leaves, Bark, and Fruit
.Bay Leaves
The leaves of Laurus nobilis are used widely both fresh and dried in cooking and herbal medicines. Fresh bay leaves have the most intense aroma and flavor, and dried leaves become increasingly mellow the longer they are kept. Since the bay laurel is native to the Mediterranean region, its leaves are featured in Mediterranean, French, Moroccan, and Turkish cuisine. Their distinctly aromatic, slightly bitter, spicy flavor make them ideal for soups, stews, and meat dishes. The French include bay leaves in their bouquet garni, a bundle of spices used to prepare soups, stocks, and stews. In general, bay leaves are removed before consumption since their sharp edges can cut the mouth. Try this recipe for Braised Lamb Shanks On Soft Polenta With Bay Leaves from Bon Appetit Magazine.
During the Middle Ages, bay leaf was believed to have many magical and medicinal properties. It was used to induce abortions, keep moths away, and treat a number of maladies and illnesses. Bay's therapeutic properties promote digestive and stomach health. It is used to relieve migraines, since it contains compounds called parthenolides known to prevent migraines, although the exact mechanism is unclear. Bay leaf also contains eugenol, a chemical with antiseptic and anaesthetic properties, making it a popular remedy for bacterial and fungal infections. Believed to help the body process insulin more efficiently, studies have shown that bay helps to lower high blood sugar. In addition, Bay Oil is used for bruises, sprains, and rheumatism because of its calming and warming effect on emotions and general aches and pains.
Bay Bark
Its slightly astringent properties make bay bark helpful with kidney, bowel, pancreatic, bladder, spleen problems like kidney stones. It is used in the form of a tea, usually in combination with berries or leaf, that is either drunk or used as a bath or soak.
Bay Berries
Berries, used mainly in the form of tea, were used in Traditional Chinese medicine to treat amenorrhea, colic, and hysteria. They are also said to promote reproductive health and sex drive. Oil extracted from the berries is applied externally for aches and pains.
Dried bay leaves from all-creatures.org.
Bay oil from Esoteric Oils CC.
Sources:
http://www.sallys-place.com/food/columns/gilbert/bayleaf.htm
http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/bay.html
http://earthnotes.tripod.com/bay.htm
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