[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Laurus nobilis
Folk names: Bay, Laurel, Sweet Bay
Family Lauraceae
Origin
Bay is believed to have originated in Asia, but is now considered native to the Mediterranean region.
Botany
Laurus nobilis is an evergreen tree, which can grow up to 20 meters high. However, they are usually pruned back to 3 m. The bark on young trees is smooth and shiny with a reddish tint, and mature trees develop a grey bark. Commonly planted as a hedge or used for culinary purposes.
Historical use
Bay was sacred to the god Apollo in ancient Greece. According to the legend, when Daphne, the daughter of the earth goddess Gaia, was pursued by Apollo, slayer of her bridegroom, she asked the gods for assistance, who changed her into a laurel tree. Apollo then crowned himself with laurel leaves, and declared the tree sacred to his divinity.
A garland of woven laurel leaves was awarded as a symbol of honor or victory in Rome.
Bay laurel was said to confer the gift of prophecy, a wuthering laurel tree in the garden predicted disaster.
In medicine, bay laurel berries were supposed to suppress menstruation and hasten childbirth. Infusions of the bark and leaves were frequently prescribed to alleviate kidney disorders and respiratory problems.
Energetics
Stimulates and circulates Qi
Pungent, Bitter
Essential oils
Created by steam distillation of the leaves, the oil is a pale yellow, or very pale olive green with a strong, fresh odor.
Aromatherapy
Bay laurel essential oil is known for its indulging fragrance. The aromatherapy brings confidence, well-being, and inspires intuitive energy. Perfect for those who lack energy and doubt their own abilities, and are apathetic.
See Psychological and Metaphysical Uses.
Therapeutic actions
Antiseptic: inhibits microbial growth
Anti-fungal: inhibits fungal growth
Anti-bacterial: inhibits bacterial growth
Carminative: relieves flatulence
Expectorant: expels mucus from the airways
Diaphoretic: induces sweating
Digestive: aids in digestion
Tonic: revives the body, brings about vigor and well-being
Uses
Digestive system
Appetite stimulant
Aids digestion
Expels gas and eases bloating
Settles stomach pain from digestion and gas
Has a tonic effect on the liver and kidneys
Benefits digestive health and encourages healthy microbiome levels
Nervous system
Cerebral stimulator
Nerve tonic
Treats headaches and migraines
Lymphatic system
Stimulates and drains the lymph nodes
A tonic for the lymphatic system
Respiratory system
Good antiseptic for the respiratory system.
Expels mucus from the airways, relieving sinus pressure
Recommended for the treatment of chronic bronchitis.
Slows heart rate
Lowers blood pressure
The essential oil is useful in inhaling directly or adding to a diffuser when someone is ill. This aids in their ability to heal and is antiseptic for the air to stop the spread of pathogens.
Skin care
Recommended for conditions like ulcers, boils, acne and abscesses.
here’s where i source my bay laurel
Psychological and Metaphysical Uses.
Bay is beneficial for individuals who lack energy and confidence. For those who lack self-esteem, and doubt their abilities and intellect.
The oil is great for artists and healers, those who rely on intuition and inspiration for their work. Bay laurel promotes confidence, insight and courage.
Bay protects our sensitive, vulnerable energy and allows us to go through life with an air of protection and wellbeing.
Gender essence: Masculine/Yang
Planter: Sun
Element: Fire
Deity: Apollo
Powers: Protection, good luck, psychic powers, healing, purification, strength
Ritual Uses: Chew bay leaves, burn, or inhale the essential oil to induce a prophetic state. Used in clairvoyance and wisdom elixirs. Bay leaves mixed with sandalwood can be used to remove hexes and curse spells, as well as remove fearful energy and energetic beings that may have attached to you.
Safety
Generally regarded as safe.
Frequent use on the skin over a period of a few weeks can cause sensitivity and irritation.
Stop taking bay at least 2 weeks before surgery because it may affect how anestesia works, because bay calms the central nervous system
It is not recommended to eat a whole bay leaf, because they are not digested by our stomach acid and pass through the intestines intact. This may cause damage to the intestines.
Drug interactions
Narcotics- bay leaf may decrease how quickly the body is able to break down these pain medications, resulting in them being in the body for longer. Increasing the effects and side effects.
Sedatives, bay may increase drowsiness while taking a sleep aid.
Application
Culinary, add a fresh or dried leaf into savory dishes including rice, curry and stews
Topical, add the essential oil to a carrier oil and apply where needed
Inhalation, aromatherapy with bay.
Tea, brew into a tea
Extract, tincture
How do you use bay laurel for a holistic lifestyle? Let me know!
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness