We are still in the middle of the winterseason. In the winter, the element water gets more power. More rest, more going with the flow is important. As is eating well, being careful with your energy and keeping your feet warm. A warm footbath will make you fall asleep more easily.
Last month, we already mentioned some winterherbs and how you can apply them. This month, we would like to put another winter herb in the spotlight: bay leaf.
In classical times, bay leaf was a symbol of victory. It is found in the Eastern mediterranean. You can only use dry leaves. You cook the leaves with your dishes. The longer you cook them, the more aroma you get from them. You cannot eat the leaves, so you will have to take them out, before serving the dishes. You can use bay leaf in sauces, soups and stews. Under the header ‘food&drinks’, you will find a recipe with bay leaf.
Many beneficial properties are attributed to bay leaf. It is said that you can use this herb for upper respitory problems, flu, toothache, sinusitis, sore throat and bronchitis. Bay leaf is an aromatic, bitter herb, which also aids digestion.
Bay leaf oil is used in aromatherapy for muscle aches, nerve pain and pulled muscles.
You can also bruise two dried leaves, pour hot water over it and let it simmer for a while for a delicious cup of tea.
There is the possibilty to make incense of bay leaf. Or actually, you can make your own incense of almost every dried herb.
You will have to dry the herbs organically, or put them in the oven for a few minutes on 650 Watt. After they are dried really well, you can pulverize them in a mortar. Next step is to pulverize some Arabic gom with just a little bit of water. Now put the dried and pulverized herbs with the gom. This will become a vicous substance. You then make little balls and let them dry very well. When it is all dry, you can ignite the little balls and you will have your own, homemade incense!
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January 2019
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