Laurel essential oil: properties, uses, natural remedies, effects and tips on the homemade preparation. All information about this essential oil.
The essential oil of laurel is popular for its properties given by a peculiar chemical composition. The chemical constituents of the essential oil contain a good amount of 1,8-cineole, this compound, also called eucalyptol, is widely used in pharmacology. A study according to what the researchers stated, if applied locally, cineole-based lotions would be able to soothe pains of various kinds by carrying out an anti-inflammatory action.
The essential oil of laurel is composed for 45% of eucalyptol. This is why by diluting this essential oil in a good carrier oil, a calming effect can be achieved for muscle aches and spasms.
Among the chemical constituents we point out other terpenes, sesquiterpenes, methylugenol, linalool, geraniol, terpineol, lauric acid, fellandrene and other active compounds.
The properties of the essential oil of laurel
Besides the well-known anti-inflammatory properties, this essential oil is used in alternative medicine for its astringent properties.
In aromatherapy, Laurus nobilis essential oil massages are widely used to relieve arthritis and rheumatism pains. Due to its calming effects, it is used to lower blood pressure and to treat inflammation such as otitis.
Laurel packs, as well as its essential oil, are a popular remedy for treating rashes caused by contact with irritating herbs such as poison ivy, poison oak and nettles.
In medicine, the chemical compound lauroside B, isolated from the essential oil of Laurus nobilis, is being studied for its inhibitory effects on human melanoma (skin cancer). According to preliminary research, it could slow down until it stops the proliferation of cancer cells.
How to prepare an ointment based on laurel essential oil
Like all essential oils, this too cannot be used pure on the skin but needs dilution. The dilution must reach a maximum of 3%.
For the preparation of an ointment it is necessary to use an excellent carrier oil, at the height of the properties of the laurel extract. A carrier oil, in fact, not only has the ability to convey essential oils favoring their application and absorption, at the same time it is able to nourish the skin and provide additional active ingredients useful for body care.
An excellent oil for relaxing massages and for the preparation of ointments is mandrole oil.
Not just ointments, to take advantage of the beneficial properties of this essential oil, just vaporize it in an environment. Even by inhalation, it is able to relieve colds, flu and stress.
A few drops of laurel OE can be added to homemade soap or a face cream to have a soothing action against acne and pimples.
Homemade laurel essential oil
Like all essential oils prepared with steam distillation, laurel oil can also be made at home. The parts to be used are the leaves in order to obtain an essential oil with a herbaceous, fresh, balsamic and almost fruity fragrance.
The essential oil of laurel is produced starting from the leaves of the botanical species Laurus nobilis, typical of the Mediterranean basin area.
The extraction of the essential oil of laurel has a good yield. From 30 kg of raw material, about 700 ml of hydrosol and 45 ml of essential oil are obtained. For the extraction of essential oils, it is always preferred to carry out a preliminary treatment of the vegetable tissues to be used: a more or less mild trituration.
The surrender? The leaves contain about 1.3% by weight of essential oil.
Laurel essential oil, where to buy it
The essential oil of laurel can be purchased in the most well-stocked herbal shops or through online purchases. When purchasing, make sure you are purchasing a 100% pure and unadulterated product. For use, the essential oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil (such as jojoba oil or olive oil).
