Scientific name

Prunus laurocerasus

Family

Amigdalaceae

Origin

Western Asia

Synonyms

Cherry laurel

Used Parts

Drug consisting of leaves

Chemical constituents

• Cyanogenic glucosides

Lauroceraso in Erboristeria: Properties of the Lauroceraso

In the past the plant was used as a remedy for cough, but today its use has been abandoned.

Biological activity

Because of the cyanogenic glucosides contained within it, the use of the laurelcerin has not obtained official approval for any type of therapeutic indication, although in the past it was used as a remedy against cough and as a respiratory and antispasmodic stimulating remedy.

The use of lauroceraso has also been prohibited in the cosmetic field. In fact, at the moment the plant is used almost exclusively in the homeopathic field.

Cherry laurel in folk medicine and homeopathy

As mentioned, in the past the lauroceraso was used to counteract respiratory disorders, such as obstinate cough.

Currently, the plant is used within homeopathic medicine, where it can be found in the form of granules and oral drops.

In this context, the lauroceraso is used in cases of spasmodic cough, pertussis, dyspnea, spasms of the throat, pharynx and esophagus, intestinal spasms, rectal tenesmus, heart failure and vascular insufficiency.

The amount of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary greatly from one individual to another, also depending on the type of disorder that needs to be treated and according to the type of preparation and homeopathic dilution that is intended to be used.

Pharmacological Interactions

not known

Warnings

Today the lauroceraso must be considered only an ornamental plant, not to be used in therapy for the presence of cyanogenic glucosides, which free hydrogen cyanide by hydrolysis.