Bay Laurel

Species name:Laurus nobilis

Also known as: Bay laurel, laurel, sweet bay, bay tree.

Bay laurels, or crowns of small woven branches of bay, were once used to recognize Greek scholars. This is where we get the common baccalaureate title given to those who achieve a bachelor’s degree signifying academic achievement.

Bay laurels were also worn by the victorious gladiators in ancient Greece and Rome. 

Fumes from burning bay laurels were believed in ancient times to increase the clarity and accuracy of prophetic visions.

Now, bay leaves are regularly used to add their distinctive flavoring to various culinary masterpieces.

Home Remedies using Bay Laurel Essential Oil:

Benefits of Bay Laurel Essential Oil:

Bay laurel essential oil is a great tool in restoring a calm, clear thought process, and clearing the head. 

It also has been used to treat colic, indigestion, as a memory enhancing aid, or can help with muscle and joint pain when combined with another carrier oil and massage therapy.

In the past, bay laurel essential oil was widely used to treat colic, indigestion, to promote menstruation, and as a fever reducer. 

It was also believed to calm hysteria, put the mind at rest, and aid in clear, level headed thinking. 

It is also widely used to add fragrance to detergent, cosmetics, and various scents, especially to impart the typical trademark fresh balsamic scent bay is known for. 

The spicey scent of bay is said to refresh the mind and allow for more clearly focused thoughts and concentration, but it is still primarily used in scents and cooking.

Essential oil of bay can be added at a rate of nine drops to each ounce of hair care products such as shampoo or conditioning treatments to enhance their effectiveness. Bay laurel essential oil has long been used for skin and hair care.

Bay laurel essential oil can also be used to massage rheumatic joints when mixed with a carrier oil. You can use bay laurel essential oil in any recipe that calls for dried bay leaves. 

Just remember that one drop of bay leaf essential oil represents the essential oil content of a whole handful of bay leaves, you must blend it with a carrier oil suitable for cooking, prior to using in the kitchen. 

Extra virgin olive, canola or soy bean oil are all suitable choices, that can be mixed at the rate of three drops of bay laurel essential oil to each ounce of carrier oil. It may help to reduce the cooking temperature when bay laurel essential oil is included in cooking.

Side Effects of Bay Laurel Essential Oil:

Bay laurel essential oil is not known to be toxic, and is not considered an irritant, but sensitization can occur when used in higher than recommended concentrations. 

The main ingredient of bay laurel essential oil is methyl eugenol. Methyl eugenol is considered to have a narcotic property if it is taken in large doses, so be aware of that, and avoid this oil in pregnancy or use in very diluted mixtures only.