Bay leaves for joint pain and circulatory disorders: a renewed ancient remedy

Bay leaves for joint pain and circulatory disorders: a renewed ancient remedy
Bay leaves ( Laur nobilis ), ubiquitous in Mediterranean cuisine, have powerful medicinal properties. The essential oils and bioactive compounds it contains not only add flavor to stews, but also provide surprising relief from joint pain and circulatory disorders. Modern science confirms what traditional herbal medicine preached: bay leaf is a natural anti-inflammatory and vasodilator.

Advantages of the scientifically proven
fight against joint inflammation:

Cineol (eucalyptol) and eugenol: These compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes (such as COX-2) and reduce swelling and pain in arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatism.

Lactone sesquiterpenes: They modulate the immune response and reduce chronic inflammation.

Improves blood circulation:

Vasodilation: Linalool and eugenol relax the walls of blood vessels, facilitate blood circulation and relieve the feeling of heaviness in the legs, varicose veins or cold hands.

Mild anticoagulant: Prevents the formation of microclots that block capillaries (study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 2019).

Analgesic and muscle relaxant effect:

Eugenol acts as a natural analgesic and blocks pain signals.

The magnesium and potassium contained in the leaves help loosen tense muscles around the affected joints.

Detoxifying:

It stimulates the removal of uric acid and toxins associated with joint inflammation.

Natural recipes for practical use
1. Anti-inflammatory
massage oil Continue on the next page
, show more on the next page Ingredients
:

10 dried bay leaves (or 15 fresh ones)

1 cup carrier oil (extra virgin, almond, or coconut olive)

10 drops of ginger essential oil (optional, enhances the effect)

Preparation:

Crush the bay leaves in a mortar.

Heat the oil in a water bath (max. 70°C). Add the bay leaf and cook for 20 minutes without boiling.

Remove from heat, cover and leave to cool for 24 hours. Filter through a cloth.

If you use, add ginger essential oil.

Application:
Massage painful joints (knees, elbows) or the feeling of heavy legs twice a day. Store in a dark jar (lasts 3 months).

2. Bay leaf and ginger wrap (for acute flare-ups)
Ingredients:

5 bay leaves

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

1 liter of water

Preparation:

Boil the water with the bay leaf and ginger for 10 minutes.

Turn off, cover and leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Voltage.

Application:
Soak a towel in a hot infusion (compatible with the feel). Apply to the painful area for 15 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times a day. Heat + active ingredients are absorbed quickly.

3. Revitalizing bath for poor circulation
Ingredients:

20 bay leaves

1 handful Epsom salt (magnesium)

5 sprigs of fresh rosemary (improves blood circulation)

5 liters of water

Preparation:

Continue on the next page
Boil the water with the bay leaves and rosemary for 15 minutes.

Pour into a bathtub with warm water. Add salt.

Application:
Soak the legs or body for 20-25 minutes. Do this 3 times a week. Ideal for varicose veins, tired legs and swelling.

4. Ingredients of Oral Cardiovascular Anti-inflammatory
Infusion:

3 DRIED bay leaves (fresh can be hepatotoxic when raw)

1 slice of fresh turmeric

500 ml water

Honey (optional)

Preparation: