Bay Laurel Leaf (Laurus nobilis)
Description: GRAS- This is an evergreen tree which can grow up to 20 meters high with dark green, glossy leaves and black berries.
Consistency: Thin
Blends well with: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Ginger, Orange, Patchouli, Rosemary, Ylang-ylang.
Aromatic Scent: Bay has a strong, spicy bay leaf scent.
Cautions: Bay has a high eugenol content and may irritate the skin and mucus membranes, so use with caution. Avoid during pregnancy.
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History:
Bay Essential Oil was very popular with the Romans, who thought Bay was a symbol of wisdom, peace and protection. The Latin ‘Laudis’ means ‘to praise, which is why the victors at the Olympic Games were presented with a Laurel (Bay) Wreath. Bay leaf was sought after for dyspepsia, flatulence, flu, viral infections, and loss of appetite. The Romans used it as an antiseptic, anti-biotic, analgesic, anti-neuralgic, aperitif, astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge, insecticide, sedative, digestive, stomachic, antiseptic, diuretic, and fungicidal properties. Some even thought that Bay served as a tonic to kidneys, liver and reproductive system, aided urinary tuberculosis, regulated scanty periods, sped delivery in childbirth, eased ear infection, lowered blood pressure, assisted in sinus infection, headaches and general aches, pains, sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, and toothache. While wearing the essential oil of Bay laurel, the Romans thought it would take away anxiety, fears, morbid states, psychosis, anti-depressant, for problems in expressing and manifesting possibilities, brought fire to one’s life warming the emotions, aided all degenerative psychic pathologies, awareness, giving confidence, courage and pride. Bay was once used in salves to help rheumatism, muscular pain, circulation problems, colds, flu, dental infections and skin infections. History also talks about how Bay leaves were distilled with rum. The Bay rum so obtained was a famous hair tonic and body rub for colds and muscle pains. It was use in cooking, where a drop goes a long way and said it put the magic back in a pot of soup or stew. It was also used in making stuffing and basting a turkey.