* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description: A large shrub or small tree (rarely up to 20 m) bearing simple, leathery leaves with somewhat wavy margins. Male and female flowers are usually borne on separate trees. Inconspicuous, yellowish white flowers occur in small clusters and develop, in the case of female trees, into black fruits resembling small olives. L. azorzca is also used medicinally.
Origin: Mediterranean region. The true laurel tree was important in Greek mythology and history, and is still a part of the modern vocabulary in such expressions as "a crown of laurel", "baccalaureus Scientiae" - bachelor of science, "poet laureate" or "resting on your laurels".
Parts Used: Leaves (Lauri folia) and the essential oil from the leaves (Lauri aetheroleum), rarely the fruit (Lauri fructus).
Therapeutic Category: Digestive tonic (amarum).
Uses and Properties: Bay leaf is used in traditional medicine mainly for gastrointestinal complaints (indigestion, dyspepsia and flatulence). It has been used as a general medicine since ancient times but the efficacy for historical indications (especially kidney and bladder ailments) is not well documented. The essential oil has become popular in aromatherapy. It should be well diluted in suitable carrier oil and can be rubbed as a counter-irritant onto rheumatic or sprained limbs and bruised skin. The main use of laurel (both the leaves and the leaf oil) is in the food industry, as spice and as flavouring agent. The essential oil shows insecticidal effects.
Active Ingredients: Essential oil in the leaves (up to 1% of dry weight) has 1,8-cineole, eugenol, linalool, costunolide and deacetyllaurenobiolide as main ingredients. In addition, leaves contain isoquinoline alkaloids (reticuline), aporphine alkaloids (boldine and others; similar to those in Peumus boldus), flavonoids, lignan glycosides and sesquiterpene lactones (costunolide).
Pharmacological Effects: Monoterpenes and sesquiterpene lactones are diuretic, spasmolytic, antimicrobial; they are considered to be responsible for the digestive effects. Also the alkaloids and lignans are biologically active.
Status: Traditional medicine; Pharm.
User Group Forum
Share your questions and information with the ZooScape community!
Be the first to post!
Directions
Stir 1/4 of a teaspoon into a glass of water and consume 3 times daily, with meals.
Cautions
Not recommended if you are pregnant or lactating.
Do not take if you are currently taking prescription medication to treat diabetes.
Additional Information
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
TerraVita is packed in childproof, tamper-proof pharmaceutical-grade recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
