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Bay leaves

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Hoser View Drop Down
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    Posted: 25 February 2012 at 04:18

Bay Leaves

I guess we've all heard the tales about Bay leaves....you must remove them before serving because they are poisonous. Well, this is nothing more than an old wive's tale. Bay laurel is a cousin of the mountain laurel, which is indeed deadly poisonous. The only real danger you may suffer from eating a bay leaf is choking on it before getting it down your throat.
 
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According to Wikipedia Bay leaves have been said to be poisonous, but this has never been proven. 

Some types of laurel plants are poisonous. It is important to use only Bay Laurel. There is some evidence to suggest that Bay leaf is a uterine stimulant so it should be avoided during pregnancy.

Bay leaf works great to soothe the stomach and relieve flatulence. A tea made from the leaves soothes minor stomach upsets. The oil from the leaves is said to relieve the aches and pains of rheumatism, sprains, bruises, and skin rashes. When pulped, Bay leaves can be applied as an astringent to burns and bruises. Studies have shown Bay to have mildly narcotic and sedative effects on mice, therefore it can be tried in a tea before bed for better sleep, or after a stressful day.

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marissa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 February 2012 at 09:56
I had never heard anyone say they were poisonous! I always assumed you took it out because no one wants a mouthful of dry leaf...

Originally posted by Hoser Hoser wrote:

Bay laurel is a cousin of the mountain laurel, which is indeed deadly poisonous. 

Actually, the mountain laurel is not a true laurel.  They aren't related at all, they just have similar looking leaves and thus the common name of laurel.  But some true laurels ARE poisonous. (plant nerd on board!  Tongue)
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