HOW TO PLANT LAUREL IN OUR GARDEN

Hello friends of the farm today I am going to talk about Laurus nobilis, laurel or lauro which is a shrub or perennial tree up to 15 m high, belonging to the family of lauraceae, which gives its name. It is native to the Mediterranean area and its leaves are used as a condiment in the kitchen. Its leaves are used fresh or dried. Its fruit is a berry similar to a black olive that carries a seed and ripens in autumn. It has many beneficial properties for the organism, hence its multiple applications because it is a plant rich in essential oils, it is expectorant and digestive, it can be used to perfume the environment or stored in small bags inside the cabinets.

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This shrub can be cultivated in rich and humid soils with good drainage so that the roots do not rot, although it tolerates poor soils in hot places. It does not require excessive care. We can grow it in a pot, in the countryside or in the garden, looking for a sunny place for it. And it is sown directly on the earth.
HOW TO SOW.

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The seeds are well cleaned, soaked in water a day before, and the plants in the soil.

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It can grow very large so it is necessary to bear in mind that this shrub can reach 2 meters. It is a plant that resists droughts. It does not need much water. The type of soil you need is substrate. The fertilized ground comes very well. It is placed in the sunniest and warmest area to be able to be. In summer do not put it in full sun because it can dry up.

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THIS PLANT CAN BE REPRODUCED IN THE FOLLOWING FORM:
To reproduce the laurel is very simple. Of a laurel tend to sprout small children next to the trunk. You will take one of these children, take root completely or as much as you can and ale! to plant where you want. These children are born from the seeds that fall from the laurel, from which the birds or the wind blows. Being on the ground, some manage to create new laurels as is logical. Nature has a lot of power.

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That is, the ideal is the reproduction by cuttings (take a branch of the laurel about 50cms and plant it on the ground) as the seeds make it takes a long time to grow the laurel.

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PLAGUES AND DISEASES
Cochineal
Aphids
Hongo fungus
If its leaves turn brown or have fungi it is due to excess water. Let the ground dry. If its leaves turn yellow, it lacks water. They can be attacked by aphid or cochineal. You will treat it with home remedies or specific chemical products.

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BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES FOR THE HEALTH OF THE LEAF OF LAUREL
As for the properties attributed to the laurel, we find that this herb has the following:
The laurel has volatile active components, such as a-pinene, beta-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, geranyl acetate, eugenol, and chavicol.

WHERE AND HOW THE LAUREL IS USED
As you can imagine, being an aromatic herb with so many properties, laurel has been used for many and varied purposes, especially for those related to cooking and natural medicine.

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THE LAUREL IN THE KITCHEN
In gastronomy, laurel is frequently used as a condiment, especially in the preparation of dishes from Mediterranean cuisine. It is usually a key ingredient in soups and numerous stews, as well as in the marinade of meat, fish and seafood. Similarly, it is used to season vegetables baked, sautéed or steamed, and even serves to give flavor to some desserts, such as the popular rice with milk.
Normally, the leaves are used whole or ground, but always dry and never fresh, since, as we said before, the consumption of fresh bay leaves could be toxic.

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THE LAUREL IN MEDICINE
The amazing properties that it has made of laurel, an herb highly valued in the field of natural medicine, helping in the treatment of multiple ailments.

In general, it is used to treat stomach problems, such as indigestion, cramps and loss of appetite, for which it is advisable to incorporate it into the meals or drink an infusion of its leaves.
Similarly, it helps relax the muscles and relieve pain from inflammation, this if you apply your oil on the skin and give gentle massages.
On the other hand, it can help reduce stress and calm anxiety, if you smell the aroma of your leaves and even your essential oil.
Anti-inflammatory: thanks to its eugenol content, laurel helps reduce inflammation and relax muscles.
Anxiolytic: bay leaves have a calming effect, both for the mind and the body, especially when their leaves are burned.
Vasoconstrictors: the laurel helps improve blood circulation and benefits the nervous system, making it ideal for treating migraines and headaches.
Immune system enhancer: being a source of antioxidants, the laurel helps to increase the defenses and protect the body against harmful external agents.
Expectorants: the laurel works as a natural remedy to clear the airways against colds and flu, and even helps to treat allergy and asthma problems, promoting good breathing.
Humectants: in view of the fact that the laurel has an oil rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, its topical use can favor the appearance of the skin.
Antimicrobial: the laurel helps disinfect and eliminate bacteria, preventing possible diseases and infections.
It is known that these compounds have antiseptic, anti-oxidant and digestive properties.
Fresh leaves are a very rich source of vitamin C. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that helps eliminate free radicals from the body.
Vitamin C also has an immune stimulant for rapid wound healing.

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Bay leaves contain folic acid. Folates are important in the synthesis of DNA and when administered during the period of conception, as they help to prevent neural tube damage in the baby.
Bay leaves contain an excellent source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is a natural antioxidant and is essential for vision.
This vitamin is also required for good skin maintenance. The consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin A helps to protect the oral cavity.

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THE LAUREL IN ESOTERISM
Surely it will seem strange, but many claim that this herb has phenomenal magical properties, so it has been used for years as an amulet in spells and rituals.
It is said that fortune tellers and fortune tellers often use it to achieve an alpha state of relaxation and get the trance necessary to perceive voices and even have visions. Also, it is believed that this herb has protective properties of bad energies, so some plant it at the entrance of the home or wear it as an amulet.
On the other hand, there are those who use the laurel as an ingredient in the preparation of love spells, because they trust that this herb has the power to attract true love and improve existing relationships.
The laurel is a very used culinary plant. Always have in your kitchen to flavor your dishes. One or two leaves are added in the elaboration of soups, stews, pickles, sauces or stews. You can use it fresh or dry. The leaves can be collected at any time of the year. Mature leaves taste better than young leaves. We can let them dry and store in airtight containers.

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HOW TO KEEP IT
Take the leaves and let them dry. When they are well dried, pass them through a beater to obtain powdered leaves. That dust you put in a boat and you have an ideal dressing for meals. You can also use whole dry leaves, that depends on taste.
WE FIND THAT THIS SPICE IS CONTRAINDICATED IN:
Pregnant and lactating women.
Children under 6 years old.
Patients with colitis, gastroduodenal ulcers, gastritis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
Patients with epilepsy, Parkinson's and other pathologies that affect the nervous system.
People with respiratory allergies.
Patients with hypersensitivity to essential oils.
As for the side effects, a frequent intake of highly concentrated bay infusions could cause nausea, vomiting, gastritis and stomach ulcers. Likewise, its improper use on the skin could cause contact dermatitis, among other adverse reactions.