Bay

Species name: Laurus nobilis

Also known as: Sweet bay, laurel, laurel tree, sweet laurel, bay leaf and true laurel.

Bay comes from an evergreen tree found in Venezuela, the West Indies, and the Guianas. The bay tree has long, glossy, green leaves, tiny white or pale yellow flowers and black berries.

It may have originated in southern Asia and migrated from there showing up in Greece and Rome both as food and symbol.

The Romans believed that bay oil was symbolic of wisdom, and peace. 

Further, they believed bay would afford them protection, and keep them safe. Laurel leafs wreaths were presented to Olympians because they come from the Laurel tree, and ‘Laudis’ is Latin for 'to praise’.

The trees must be at least five years old before the leaves and twigs can be collected and subjected to salt water steam distillation.

Home Remedies using Bay Essential Oil

In vapor therapy the herbaceous scent of bay oil can be used to treat infections, fever, and various neural aches and pains.

When diluted with a carrier oil in can be used for massage or added to a bath calming emotions and relieving aches and pains.

Note: Essential oil of bay leaves may irritate the mucus membranes such as nasal passages.

Bay laurel essential oil works well with ginger, lavender, patchouli and pine.

Benefits of Bay Essential Oil

In small doses, bay oil's spicy scent is stimulating, but at larger doses, it produces a sedating effect.

Bay oil can be used in the treatment of joint, muscular, and nerve pain. It can also trigger inspiration and has a calming effect on the mind.

It works equally well for diabetes related problems such as neuralgia, nerve impairment, or circulatory problems. It promotes blood flow in scanty menstruation and works as a tonic

The therapeutic properties of bay oil are diverse, including antiseptic benefits when cleaning cuts, scrapes, abrasions, or burns. It helps prevent infections and has been used to treat dental infections, colds, skin infections, and dental abscesses.

As most everyone knows, the kidneys and liver are the body’s filtration system. When the digestive system, liver, and kidney’s become sluggish and fail to work properly, the resulting toxicity affects the entire body. Bay oil can help act as a tonic to get these systems working more efficiently, and benefit the whole body as a result.

It has historically been used as a poultice for poison ivy and other plants that can cause itching and rashes.

Due to the presence of lauric acid it can work as an insect repellent keeping away pests like moths.

Side Effects of Bay Essential Oil

Essential bay oil has a high eugenol content and may irritate the skin and mucus membranes, so it should be used with caution on the skin.

Pregnant or breast feeding women should avoid use.

Please consult with a doctor before starting any essential oil therapy.