Other Names: Blackberry, Lazkirazı, Lazüzümü, Georgian cherry, Indian cherry, Prunus laurocerasus, Cherry laurel, Lauriercerise, Mongo, Monguer
Botanical Information: It is a shrub from the Rosaceae family, growing up to 6 meters tall, and does not shed its leaves during the winter months. Its leaves are constantly green, shiny, hairless, with slightly curved edges, oval, and short stems. Its flowers are white, clustered together, and may rarely bloom in autumn. Its fruits are first red and then black, spherical or egg-shaped, and the seed inside is quite hard.
Places of Cultivation: The plant, which is native to the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey, later spread to Europe and America.
Collection – Storage: Since it does not shed its leaves, it can be collected and dried in almost every season of the year, and if possible, the most appropriate is to collect and dry it between May and September. Fresh leaves are not used because they are poisonous. Its fruits are edible, but its seeds are poisonous.
Known Composition: Its fresh leaves contain sugar, tannin, calcium oxalate and a glycoside called prulurasin. Taflan juice (Aque Laurocerasi) is prepared from its fresh leaves.
Benefits:
It calms the nerves.
It relieves complaints in bronchitis.
It cuts cough.
It relieves spasm.
It is useful for menstrual delay.
WARNING: Since fresh leaves are poisonous, only dry leaves can be used.
