MEDICINAL PLANTS

The cherry laurel is a beautiful large tree that stays green all year, with leaves much like those of the laurel: stout, hairless, dark green on top and paler on the underside, with teeth on the edges and sustained by a small tail. The flowers are white and are grouped in upright clusters that rise in the meetings of the leaves. The fruits are like small black olives. The leaves, when chewed, they know of bitter almonds. It breeds in the Caucasus and the southern shores of the Black Sea. In our peninsula can be seen as crop species, usually as an ornamental tree in gardens.

FLOWERING

It blooms between March and April and fruits ripen a little later. Interesting collection of leaves, where the medicinal active ingredients. It should pick the youngest leaves. For its medicinal use should be fresh.

APPLICATIONS

The leaves contain a glycoside called prulaurasina that through certain processes, free hydrogen cyanide, responsible for the odor of bitter almonds. This acid is extremely toxic, so it strongly advises against the use of this plant without a proper control. As for the actions attributed to him, the most accepted one is that in terms of its behavior as an antispasmodic used primarily against whooping cough. It is also soothing nerves and respiratory stimulant. But we must emphasize that their use may cause more problems than benefits, so they should only be used as a flavoring. The most characteristic symptoms of poisoning Laurocerasus sheets are: nausea, vomiting, palpitations and elevated body temperature. This plant began to be used for medicinal purposes in the eighteenth century, and since then produced many casualties, some fatal. The first job given to this tree was as a garden ornament, until someone discovered it certain properties. Possibly, we would not have lost anything if it had continued to be used only as an ornamental plant because its virtues are many other less toxic species.

ADMINISTRATION

Given its high toxicity, we will be sharing those dosage forms for external use.
Infusion. Boil water in a liter of 20 g. Of leaves is allowed to cool the infusion and is used externally for washing swollen parts.
Water-cherry laurel. Used as an antipruritic. It is prepared from the leaves of the tree. You can also buy it in pharmacy, but without forgetting that it no longer be used externally.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Rosaceae
HABITAT: Valleys of the Caucasus
FLOWERING: March and April
PART USED: Sheets
CASTILIAN: Laurel cerezo
CATALAN: Llorer reial
GALICIAN: Loureiro romano

USES

Toxic Strong, Strong flavor, Moderate respiratory stimulant.