How to use bay leaf for allergies in children and adults?

Bay leaf has a large number of useful properties, so it not only functions as a seasoning in cooking, but is also used in folk medicine to treat various diseases.

It is often used instead of pharmacological drugs to relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction. There are various ways to use bay leaves for allergies, including internally, externally, and in the form of baths.

This article discusses the most effective methods, including those intended for children, when the use of antihistamines is undesirable.

Beneficial properties of bay leaf

Bay leaves are actively used in various traditional medicine recipes due to the following beneficial properties:

Supplying the body with vitamins of various groups and a set of necessary beneficial elements;
Improving appetite and normalizing digestive processes;
Elimination of swelling by removing excess fluid from the body;
Normalization of blood pressure;
Relieving nervous tension;
Relief from moderate joint pain;
Suppression of the activity of tuberculosis bacillus;
Antifungal and antibacterial effects;
Elimination of the main symptoms of allergies;
Suppression of fever;
Strengthening the immune system;
Prevention of cancer;
Prevention of salt deposits in joints;
Help in the treatment of many diseases, including diabetes;
Normalization of sleep;
Normalization of the chemical composition of the blood.

Hypertension

Few people in our time have not heard anything about hypertension, or high blood pressure. This is not surprising - after all, in the modern world, every third adult is faced with this problem and is forced to look for ways to solve it.

Blood pressure is considered elevated if its value is 140/90 mmHg. Art. or higher, regardless of the person's age. Most often, high blood pressure is an independent disease called hypertension. But sometimes hypertension is a symptom of some other disease (for example, kidney disease, thyroid disease, adrenal gland disease). In this case, in addition to reducing the numbers, the underlying disease must be treated.

Indications for use

In folk medicine, bay leaf is used as an independent remedy or as an addition to therapy prescribed by a doctor.

If you have the following indications:

Malignant neoplasms;
Inflammatory processes affecting the mucous membranes of the oral cavity;
Diabetes;
Respiratory diseases;
Disruptions in the menstrual cycle;
Arthritis, arthrosis and other inflammatory lesions of joints and cartilage;
Severe bruises and mechanical injuries;
Damage to ligaments and tendons;
Dermatological rashes;
Skin pigmentation;
Deterioration of the immune system.

Bay leaves are often used for diabetes, but this should only be done after consultation with the attending physician, since the product is not approved for use in all forms of the disease.

Contraindications for use

Despite the large number of positive properties, it is not possible to use bay leaves to treat allergies in all cases.

You should first make sure that there are no following contraindications:

Inflammation of the pancreas in acute or chronic form;
Ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract;
Tendency to frequent constipation , since bay leaves contain a large amount of tannins that have astringent properties.
Severe damage and diseases of the kidneys , liver, heart and blood vessels.
Pregnancy , since bay leaf can provoke uterine contractions, which can lead to miscarriage.
Low blood pressure;
Allergy to spices and addiction to it;
Climax.

How to choose the right bay leaf?

Bay leaves are sold in various forms: they can be packaged in bags or collected in bunches along with twigs.

If you want to use it to eliminate allergy symptoms or for other medicinal purposes, you need to pay special attention to the process of choosing the spice.

The spice must meet the following criteria:

A clean surface without heavy dirt or damage caused by plant diseases;
Uniform color without yellow or brown spots , dark green color indicates freshness and high quality of the spice;
A strong but pleasant spicy scent that is not bitter.

The absence of the described signs indicates improper storage or processing of the bay leaf; in this case, it cannot be used for culinary or medicinal purposes.

How to store bay leaf?

It is important not only to select and purchase high-quality bay leaves, but also to ensure optimal storage conditions.

The basic rules are given below:

or securely sealed glass containers are best for storage
The shelf life is no more than 3 months , so you should not buy a large amount of spice at once.

The appearance of a bitter odor indicates that the bay leaf should be thrown away.

Sometimes it is possible to extend the shelf life if you additionally dry the leaves, provide them with reliable protection from moisture and keep them in a vacuum container.

How to buy quality raw materials?

In order not to make a mistake and purchase a truly high-quality product for the purpose of preparing products for external use or drinking, you need to follow only three simple rules:

The best packaging is a transparent bag, as you can examine the quality of the leaves in detail and refuse to purchase a low-quality product.
The shelf life of the leaf is 2 years after collection. You should not buy expired material, even at a big discount.
Well-dried leaves will never have any foreign stains. They should be dark green with a slight brownish tint. Other colors immediately indicate the poor quality of the product.

Both fresh and dried leaves are suitable for preparing homemade decoctions and infusions. Their value does not suffer at all during the drying process. Proper drying allows you to preserve plant materials for 2 years, while reducing its weight several times.

Rules for use in case of allergies and preparatory procedures

Bay leaves do not require additional preparation; immediately after purchase, they are ready for use for medicinal or culinary purposes.

When treating allergies, you must know and follow the following rules:

At the first appearance of allergy symptoms, there is no need to use bay leaves or other methods of self-medication; you should seek professional medical help to determine the reasons for such a reaction of the body;
Before using bay leaves for the first time, you should make sure that you are not allergic to this plant . To do this, a small amount of a product based on it is applied to the skin near the elbow joint or wrist: if there is no redness, itching or burning within an hour, bay leaf can be used without fear;
Particular caution should be exercised if you plan to treat allergies in a child who is under one year old . Improper preparation or use of bay leaf-based products can worsen the condition and lead to exacerbation of symptoms.

Features of using the product for newborns

As a rule, allergic reactions in newborns are associated with imperfect immunity. It develops as we grow older, so the period of exposure to the environment and new foods is often accompanied by atopy.

Bay leaf is successfully used for allergies in infants, as well as for prevention and daily care.

Many modern parents, looking through products of natural origin, opt for laurels, because bathing in a spicy decoction is absolutely safe for children’s sensitive skin.

Allergies in infants are quite common. Bay decoction, lotions based on it, oils and baths help fight it.

Bay lotions cope well with irritation, itching, swelling and inflammatory processes. Baths eliminate baby diaper rash, rashes of various origins, including manifestations of diathesis. Oils are symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Bay decoctions for rubbing and baths can be used daily. It is not recommended to take the decoction orally for children under 7 years of age.

Contrary to popular belief, the spicy decoction should only be used externally for babies.

Internal use of bay leaf for allergies for children and adults

The use of allergy remedies made from bay leaves is allowed for adults and children over one year of age.

Some herbal medicine specialists believe that such remedies can also be given to infants in minimal doses, but all pediatricians approve of such treatment, so you should first consult your doctor.

The recipe for preparing a product intended for internal use is given below:

Bring a liter of water to a boil and add 10 large leaves , both fresh and dried plants are suitable;
Continue cooking over low heat for 3 minutes , stirring the mixture;
The pan is removed from the heat and tightly closed with a lid ; in addition, it is recommended to wrap it in a towel or blanket;
After 6 hours, the broth can be strained to get rid of plant residues;
The decoction is ready for use; it should be stored in a dark and cool place , away from children and animals.

Taking the decoction orally should be carried out in accordance with the following rules:

A single dosage for adults is 2 tablespoons , taken 3 times a day. Exceeding the dose is unacceptable, since bay leaves contain a large number of substances that actively affect internal organs and various systems of the body;
Children over 7 years old take the decoction in the same way as adults;
Children under 7 years of age take the decoction according to an individual regimen, which is determined after agreement with the pediatrician;
The duration of treatment is 4 months , during this period it is possible not only to get rid of the main symptoms of allergies, but also to minimize the risk of relapses in the future when exposed to irritating factors.

If any side effects occur, the decoction should be discontinued.

Conclusion

It is very easy to prepare several options for remedies from laurel that are highly effective against various manifestations of allergies: cough, rhinitis, rashes, diathesis in infants. Their use is quite safe, if you take into account the list of contraindications, and also consult with an allergist first. Recipes for preparing decoctions and infusions are extremely simple and accessible, and the cost of the finished herbal medicine will be several times lower than any pharmaceutical product, no matter which manufacturer is preferred.

Bay leaf baths for children and adults

Another way to treat allergies is bay leaf baths; Despite the lack of oral administration, it is important to follow the basic rules and instructions so as not to harm the body.

The preparation of the concentrated product and the specifics of the procedure are described below:

in dried form to it
Bring the water to a boil and continue the cooking process for 10 minutes;
After the specified period has expired, remove the container from the stove , close the lid tightly and let stand for 30 minutes;
The broth is filtered to get rid of the grounds;
Concentrated liquid is added to the bath , the volume of water in it should be from 15 to 20 liters;
Staying in a bath with a decoction is allowed for no longer than 15 minutes.;
After completing the procedure , carefully pat dry the areas of the body where there are signs of allergy with a cotton towel;
After such a bath, it is recommended to wear underwear and clothes made from natural materials so as not to provoke the appearance of new irritations;
The duration of treatment is unlimited , but the procedure should be repeated no more than 2 times a week.

The temperature of therapeutic baths for adults and children over three years of age should not exceed 38 degrees.

Baths for the treatment of allergies in infancy are prepared according to different rules, detailed instructions are given below:

Pour a liter of water into the pan and add 1 bay leaf.
The pan is placed on the fire , the water is brought to a boil;
Continue cooking until the volume of water is reduced by half;
The broth is added to the bath while bathing the baby , and the water temperature should not exceed 37 degrees.

Taking baths with the addition of a decoction allows you to get rid of itching and burning, which is especially important in childhood, since the risk of scratching and secondary infections is reduced.

The procedure additionally has a general calming effect and helps strengthen the immune system.

External treatment of allergies with bay leaves for adults

Below are the main ways to use bay leaves to treat allergies in adults:

Bay leaf tincture - a tablespoon of bay leaves is kneaded and poured with two glasses of vodka; as additional ingredients, you can use willow bark or lilac flowers, which are taken in the same quantity. The product is kept for 1.5-2 weeks in a darkened room, after which it is used to apply compresses. The procedure is carried out before bedtime, the compresses are removed when waking up in the morning. The measures taken can reduce the amount of rash, get rid of itching, dry out weeping irritations and eliminate swelling. Allergy symptoms usually disappear after 2-3 procedures, after which such treatment is stopped so as not to dry out the skin and cause burns;
A decoction intended for internal use, the recipe for which is described above, can also be used for external treatments . It is enough to moisten a sterile cotton swab in it and wipe the areas of the body with allergies; the procedure is repeated 1-2 times a day. The average duration of the course is from 5 to 15 days, depending on the positive dynamics. The method is well suited in the presence of weeping irritations, since the decoction will promote their drying and healing.

A little about laurel

A subtropical evergreen tree or subshrub is found everywhere on the Mediterranean coast, in Western Transcaucasia, and is also cultivated on the Canary Islands. Its leathery castings are very rich in valuable essential oils with healing properties.

The name of the plant is translated from Greek as “triumph”. In Ancient Greece, it was used not only for ritual purposes, decorating the heads of champions, warriors and generals who returned with victory with laurel wreaths. Smoke from burning dry leaves was used to fumigate rooms for aromatization, and laurel was also a popular spice at all times.

External treatment of allergies with bay leaves for infants

Bay leaves can be used for external treatment of allergies in infants from the age of 3 months.

The main purpose of the procedure is to accelerate the removal of toxins and allergens from the body that contribute to the appearance of diathesis on the skin, as well as to provide symptomatic therapy.

Recipes suitable for newborns are given below:

First grind 50 grams of bay leaves and pour a glass of vodka , then keep in a dark and cool room for 2 weeks. Use the resulting infusion to treat skin in areas with signs of allergies;
You can use pharmaceutical laurel oil , but due to its high concentration it can cause burns to the delicate skin of infants, so the product is first diluted with the same volume of clove oil.

Bay oil recipe

If you wish, you can make your own bay oil:

Dry bay leaves are crushed , but not very much, so that later it is convenient to sift;
Pour into an airtight container;
The leaves are poured with preheated oil so that it covers the leaves in excess; usually either olive or linseed oil is used;
The container with oil is put away in a dark , warm place for about a week;
After the required time has passed, the oil is filtered from the leaves , after which it is ready for use.

It must be remembered that infants are prohibited from instilling homemade or pharmaceutical bay oil into the nostrils to treat allergic rhinitis; this procedure is intended only for adults and older children.

In infants, long courses are not recommended; treatment should be stopped immediately after the signs of allergy disappear.

External treatment of allergies with bay leaves for children over 1 year old

For children over one year old, but under 7 years of age, it is recommended to treat allergies using bay leaves externally.

The following methods are used for this:

Lubricating skin rashes with laurel oil , the treatment regimen is the same as for infants;
Adding a decoction made from 50 grams of leaves poured with a liter of boiling water to the bath. This amount is enough for one bath of a child; the procedure is carried out no more than once a week. Using a decoction during water procedures will reduce inflammation and the severity of external manifestations of allergies, and get rid of severe itching;
External treatment of rashes with a decoction intended for internal use by adults . You should wait for it to dry on its own without washing the product off the skin. The procedure is carried out 1-2 times a day, but children are not recommended to undergo long courses: treatment is stopped after the amount of rash decreases and itching disappears.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis with bay leaf

Rhinitis is one of the common manifestations of an allergic reaction; external use of drugs is ineffective to eliminate this symptom.

It is recommended to take a course of internal administration of a decoction of bay leaves, but it is much more advisable to choose one of the following treatment methods:

An alcohol solution is prepared , proportions: a tablespoon of leaves per glass of vodka. The product must be kept for 2 weeks, after which it is used to moisten gauze or cotton swabs, which are applied as compresses to the area of the paranasal sinuses or the projection area of the nasal cavity. Compresses are applied before bedtime and removed in the morning. It is recommended to undergo 2-3 procedures per week if signs of a runny nose caused by allergies appear;
Rinsing the nose with bay decoction not only relieves rhinitis, but also provides antiseptic treatment of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and relieves local inflammation;
Instill 2-3 drops of bay oil into the nose when the first signs of allergic rhinitis appear. It is recommended to prepare the oil yourself according to the same recipe that is used for external treatment of infants, since pharmaceutical products can burn the mucous membranes;
Inhalations are one of the most effective ways to treat rhinitis. It is necessary to prepare the decoction according to the standard recipe, bring it to a boil in a saucepan and let it cool to the optimal temperature so as not to get burned. After this, tilt your head over the container with the product, cover it with a towel and begin to inhale the vapors. The procedure continues until the decoction has completely cooled, after which you should lie down on the bed, and after half an hour get up and tilt your head to facilitate the removal of residual mucus, which should be blown out. Inhalations are practiced not only to treat allergic rhinitis, but also for preventive purposes to strengthen the immune system.

Symptoms

Symptoms that may indicate increased blood pressure include:

headache;
dizziness;
“flies” before the eyes;
discomfort in the heart area.

If any of them appear, you should measure your blood pressure. If it is higher than normal, you need to take care of reducing it.

Does it happen that nothing bothers a person, but his blood pressure is elevated? Unfortunately, such cases are not uncommon. This is why it is so important to control your blood pressure even when you feel normal. Many people mistakenly think that if there are no symptoms, then there is no need to reduce blood pressure. Indeed, why take pills if you feel good? Alas, the frequency of complications of hypertension does not depend on whether you feel it or not.

Hypertension can cause serious complications.

Dangerous complications:

myocardial infarction;
stroke;
renal failure.

The higher the pressure, the greater the risk of their development.