The laurel (laurus nobilis) is a perennial leaf bush (often called small tree) originally from Asia Minor and Mediterranean areas. It has oval, bright and pointed leaves, dark green in the beam and lighter on the underside.

The flowers, which appear in clusters in spring, are yellow and in the female plants they are followed by small black or purple berries. In the wild can reach 60 feet high, but cultivated outside its native habitat only reaches 3 to 10 feet high.

This plant can be found in its grocery store such as «bay leaves» and in its garden center as «Laurel» or «Laurel de Laurel». Always check the name in Latin when you buy plants, especially this one, since there are many «laurels» and «laurels» out there, some that are not even remotely related to it.

For example, the mountain laurel Kalmia Latifolia It is poisonous while Bayberry Myrica pensylvanica It has been used as a laurel substitute in the kitchen and also has its own magical uses.

History and folklore

The scientific name of the swamp laurel comes from Latin Laurus which means «green» and Nobilis which means noble, or high.

The Greek word for bay is DhafniDafne is the name of the Nymph Dafne, to which Gea (or his father Peneo, or herself, according to who tells the story) transformed into laurel to protect her from Apollo’s insinuations.

The tree is sacred to Apollo and it is said that Delphi’s oracle chewed the leaves and inhaled the smoke when looking for visions. It is also associated with honor and glory, and Kings, heroes, triumphant athletes, poets and other great men and women were crowned with it to mean their greatness in both ancient Greece and in Rome.

Folklore or symbolismodesalvictory and honorel Laurel is associated with victory and honor in Greek and Roman mythology. It was used to crown victorious champions and warriors. Formerly, laurel crowns were taken to scare away evil influences. Sabiduría and knowledge The laurel is considered a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. It was associated with the Greek God Apollo, who represented intellect and inspiration. Divine cononexation The laurel is often associated with divine beings and is considered sacred in certain spiritual traditions.Table 1: Folklore and symbolism of the bay laurel

Traditionally, laurel garlands were delivered to the winners of the Pitics Games in Greece and, subsequently, of the Olympic Games (former olive leaves were used).

Today, the winners of the Grand Prix receive laurel crowns. The word laureate as in laureate and baccalaureate poet (lit «laurel berry») and the term «rest in the laurels» are additional reminders of the high status of this tree.

Laurel crowns were taken for their protective properties. It was believed that they protected against the anger of the gods of heaven and Emperor Tiberius always wore laurel during the storms to avoid being reached by lightning. The doctors also carried laurel, since it was considered useful for healing almost everything.

Spread

The laurel requires soft climates and only grows well abroad throughout the year in areas 8-10. However, it is an attractive plant for pots and grows too much. However, it is an attractive pot of pot and does not grow too much. According to tradition, the laurel protects the house from rays and diseases.

You must receive 4 hours of direct sunlight per day and stay relatively fresh. The soil must be rich and well drained, and it must be allowed to dry between irrigation and irrigation, but it must receive a little more water in spring. Insects do not seem to bother this plant too much. It constitutes an excellent hedge and responds well to pruning.

The plant can easily spread by cuttings.

Collection and storage

Collect the leaves as you need them once the tree is established. This herb is better dry than fresh, since fresh leaves are much more bitter. They can be pressed to dry them how flowers are pressed. The very dry leaves are bright olive green.

Guard them in the dark in a hermetic container. Tell them after two years or when they get brown, whatever happens before.

Magical attributes

Laurel is sacred for Apollo and is an appropriate ornament for any altar dedicated to it. His spicy fragrance and his association with the sun make it appropriate for any Sun Fiesta.

The Laurel is also associated with Aesclepius, Ceres, Zeus, Fides, Hermes and Cerridwen. It is considered masculine and is governed by Leo, the sun and the element of the fire.

Laurel leaves can be used to asperge Space, object or person in preparation or as part of any ritual, a branch of many leaves can be used in a group situation.

Laurel leaves can be added to any spell or potion designed to improve psychic capacity and is a great addition to a psychic dream pillow.

Magicod -description Use Protectionhezos Laurel leaves are often used in spells and protective rituals to create a shield against negative energies and entities. Divination and prophecies The laurel leaves can be used for divinatory purposes, for example scrutinizing or as part of a prophetic ritual, to enhance psychic abilities and perspicious. Laurel essential can be used in cleaning rituals to purify a space, an object or a person and attract positive energies. Rituals and spells believe that the laurel increases the power of rituals and spells, which makes it a valuable ingredient in magical practices.Table 2: Magical uses of the Pantanos Laurel

The healers can carry laurel crowns during healing ceremonies and while treating the sick to increase the positive healing energy and protect themselves from the negative energy that the patient’s room can be around. You can also burn the bay leaf in the patient’s room after the disease has passed to purify it and expel any residual disease vibration.

The laurel is exceptionally useful as a fumigant during banishing and rites of special exorcism related to polytergeists. Mixed with sandalwood, it is useful to break curses.

When you finally get rid of that floor partner, former spouse or familiar who thought he would never leave, sweep his footprints with a broom and then smoke the house with Laurel to make sure he will not return. Although it does not make you very funny to leave, if you know what is best for everyone, clean the house of their presence to close it.

The laurel can be taken to protect itself from misfortunes and attract luck in sports competitions.

To make sure you will see your lover again and that neither will fall into the temptation of infidelity, ID together to a laurel and start a sheet, split it in half and stay each with one half.

It is said that if you write a desire on a dry laurel leaf and burn it, your desire will come true.

Domestic use

Lourel leaf is very aromatic and keeps its shape and fragrance well when it dries, which makes it a good complement to many popurris, crowns and other herbal crafts. It combines well in aromatherapy with the begamot and the cedar, lemon, Romeroy Pachulí.

It can also be added to bags to keep the moths away from their cabinets. A laurel leaf cast in a flour bag can also help keep the bugs away.

It is also a useful complement to shampoos and is recommended for hair loss, dandruff and fatty hair.

Healing attributes

The laurel has proven bactericidal and fungicidal properties.

The essential oil can be added to massage oils for arthritis and muscle aches. It can also be added to balms for bruises, itching and other slight skin irritations.

You can place a poultice of leaves and berries cooked over low heat until they are soft on the chest to relieve the head and chest colds.

Curativadescript property and digestive leaves leaves and laurel oil have been traditionally used to facilitate digestion and relieve digestive problems. Respiratory assistance Inhalation of steam or laurel oil can help relieve respiratory conditions such as cough and congestion. Pain. Skin Health Essential oil derived from bay leaves can be beneficial to promote healthy skin and relieve skin conditions.Table 3: Healing properties of the Pantanos Laurel

An infusion of leaves and/or berries favors digestion, helps eliminate impurities and is a good tonic for general health. It is especially useful for women who have problems urinating after childbirth. Pregnant women, however, should not consume laurel beyond the little they can use in the kitchen.

Tea can also serve to calm the nerves.

Add Laurel to your bathing tea helps in vaginal infections, perineal healing after childbirth and urinary infections.

Never never use the essential oil internally except under the watchful eye of an experienced professional.

Culinary use

The laurel is a popular culinary herb. It is slightly bitter and very aromatic. However, it should not eat whole, since the leaf has sharp edges that can cut their mouths, do not chew well and can cause suffocation. Instead, add it to soups, stews, roasts, sauces and other dishes that are cooked over low heat and retain it just before serving or add it to a Bouquet Garni.

This allows the taste to be impregnated on the plate. The sheet can be crushed and added to the dishes to obtain a more intense flavor. It is also a …