In Flanders, the bay laurel plant is mainly grown as a terrace plant. On festive occasions, such as weddings, receptions and fairs, bay laurel is used as a welcoming plant. It is an evergreen plant with charisma and status that also has its place among plant lovers (at the door, on the stairs, in the garden, etc.) who continue to cultivate (topiary) the bay laurel with passion and tradition.
Kitchen princesses or princes also know that the bay leaf is indispensable in a Bouquet Garni. The bay leaf is warm and digestive (humoral leather). Use in soups, marinades, carrots, fish and meat is used by spice lovers. Laurel has a beneficial effect on digestion. It acts as a digestive aid provided of course one does not overdo it, 1 leaf is usually enough. And if you can then pick fresh, bonding with nature is a little closer.
In medicine, bay laurel is also a well-known remedy. Listing everything would be too much, but a limited list : bactericidal, restoring balance, respiratory disorders, analgesic, expectorant, aphthous, arthritis, flu, poliarthritis, toothache, diuretic, etc....
For applications, you can also consult your pharmacist if necessary.
Another use is in potpourri; bay laurel possesses good essential oils.
An increasingly important application here is the use of laurel in flower arranging. In Advent wreaths and flower arranging, the beautiful leaves are increasingly appreciated.
Laurel essence used to be used in perfumery more than now. Here too, a catch-up is being observed. Bath oils and especially male perfumes (After Shaves, Eau de toilette), are just some of the uses. (There may be an allergic reaction in some people).
And LAST bot NOT least, even laurel was used in the preparation of alcohol. We found a recipe of an Italian Vermouth and a Rosolio die alloro.
