Laurus nobilis
Botanical Nomenclature | Laurus nobilis |
Common Name | Bay Laurel, Bay Tree, Grecian Laurel, Sweet Bay, True Laurel |
Taxonomy- Family | Lauraceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Laurus nobilis is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing up to 10m, with thick, leathery, dark green leaves, spherical, black fruits and small, yellow flowers in inflorescence. The flowering lasts from March to April and the harvesting takes place all year round. |
Region Found | Epirus (Acheloos, Chirovouni or Platanousa) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Fruits, leaves |
Active Substances | Vitamin E, essential oil (it contains cineol, geraniol, linalol), tannins, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, isoquinoline alkaloids |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | Laurus nobilis is used in the form of infusion as antirheumatic, antiseptic, diuretic, diaphoretic, antispasmodic and emmenagogue. It is administered for the treatment of colic, indigestion, flatulence, anorexia, catarrhal rhinitis, cough and cold. Also, it is applied to the skin against bruises, dandruff, sprains, rheumatism and herpes. In veterinary medicine the plant is used to eliminate lices and mites. |
Method of Administration | It is administered as expectorant, anti-inflammatory and digestive in the form of infusion from the dried leaves. It is applied to the skin in the form of essential oil, cream and ointment. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | Plant's consumption may cause skin irritation. Overdose causes cytotoxicity, possibly due to the contained flavonoid glycosides. Avoid plant's consumption during pregnancy. |
References | 1)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 299 2)http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0731708512001914# 3)Pa?ti, Suzana Dimitrijevi?-Brankovi?, Igor Pa?ti, Ana Vuja?i?, Gordana Joksi?, Vesna Vasi?, Inhibition of myeloperoxidase and antioxidative activity of Gentiana lutea extracts, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Bi 4)http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail183.php#Cautions 5)http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/bay-leaf.html |