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Bay leaves are not only a popular aromatic spice that is hardly missing from any kitchen, but also a powerful medicinal force that we can use for our health. Although the bay leaf is medicinal on its own, its effects are multiplied if you combine it with ordinary olive oil. It is an old and very effective healing cure that was known and used already in ancient Greece.
Nature’s power, which they compare to the effects of aspirin
This medicinal oil is extremely effective for external use. It is very strong in fighting rheumatic pains, migraine, acne, lymphatic ulcers and also ear infections. For internal use it was given for abdominal pain, to restore liver cells and for diseases of the kidneys and urinary bladder. In addition, it is an excellent prevention against many diseases and infections, especially diseases of the heart and circulatory system. Like aspirin, this oil has the ability to thin overly thick blood.
How to make it?
We need:
- 30 g of bay leaves
- 250 ml of olive oil
Procedure:
Crush the dried bay leaves into as small pieces as possible and transfer them into a sealable glass jar. Pour in the oil and let it infuse for 15 days in a dark, cool place. From time to time you can shake the contents of the container. After 14 days strain it and you can use it. The oil is used for rubbing – for example in the case of a migraine we rub the temples. If it’s an ear infection, it’s good to slightly warm the oil and drop a few drops into the ear. In case of abdominal pain, kidney or liver problems, or to strengthen immunity take 1/2–1 teaspoon of the oil.
Special recipe for rheumatic pains and joint pain
If we want to relieve rheumatic pain, prepare a strong decoction of bay leaves. Pour 70% alcohol over dry bay leaves (about 40–50 g) and let it steep for one day in a clean canning jar. Then add half a liter of olive oil and transfer the whole mixture to a water bath, where heat it for at least 4 hours on low heat. The mixture must not be boiled, because the alcohol would evaporate. Finally, strain the oil and use it to rub the painful areas.
