Bay leaves - Aromatic (Laurus nobilis)
Culinary UsesBay leaves are not usually ingested, fresh or dried. They are added to foods, impart their flavor, then are removed and discarded. They do not have to be dried before using, but when they are, have a better, sweeter flavor.
Bay leaf is a flavoring agent utilized extensively in French as well as many other cuisines. It has a wide variety of uses in bouillon, soups, stews, meat, fish, poultry and marinades. Always discard the leaf before serving. Also know as sweet bay, sweet laurel, bay laurel and laurel leaf. Store in a cool, dry place, away from bright light, heat and moisture. Available fresh, dried whole leaves or ground dried leaves.
Health tip
Bay leaves greatly improve flavor if you are cutting down on salt. Try adding a bay leaf or two when you boil potatoes to replace salt. Always remember to remove the whole bay leaves after cooking in any dish .
Spiritual Properties and Uses in MagicBay Laurel is one of the very best protection and purification herbs. Worn as an amulet or used as a talisman it wards off negativity and evil.
It can be used as a smudge or burned as incense in exorcism rites.
Placed beneath one's pillow it induces prophetic dreams, it is used in clairvoyance and wisdom teas, and the smoke can be inhaled to bring prophetic visions.
History In Greek and Roman mythology the nymph Daphne daughter of the river god Peneus was being chased by an enamored Apollo, desperate for her love. She grew weary of the pursuit and begged her father to turn her into a laurel tree. Apollo placed his affections for Daphne to the tree and declared it sacred and that men who returned victorious would wear a crown of its leaves.
The Oracles at Delphi (priestesses of Apollo) chewed bay leaves and inhaled their fumes to induce prophetic visions.
The leaves are used at the pagan celebrations of Yule for their evergreen characteristic, to bring the light of summer into the darkest days of the year.
It has also long been given to anyone who distinguishes him/herself of a worthy deed.
Healing Properties and UsesThe leaves and the fruits of the Bay Laurel are used medicinally. When taken internally it aids in digestion and is slightly tonic and purifying.
It is used for nervousness, paralysis and as an aid in urination after childbirth.
Applied externally bay is a deodorant and soothing, and is used in salves for itching, sprains, bruises, skin irritation, and rheumatic pain.
Simmer the leaf and berry until soft and use as a poultice with honey for chest colds.
It is relaxing when used in a bath, use eight tablespoons crushed leaf and berry for every quart of water and steep for forty-five minutes; add to bath water.
|