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Information about the herb Bay Laurel
Laurus nobilis, also known as Bay Tree is part of the Lauraceae plant family. Native to the shores
of the Mediterranean Sea and cultivated in Britain since the 16th century.
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General Information
Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis
Common Name: Bay, Bay Tree, Daphne, Grecian Laurel, Indian Bay, Noble Laurel, Roman Laurel, Sweet Bay, True Laurel
Plant Family: Lauraceae
History: Crowns and wreaths for heroes and poets were made from the Bay Laurel. The term 'bachelor' for 'degrees' is derived from bacca-laureus or 'laurel-berry', bachelier in French.
The Native American Indian used Bay Leaves:
- in hot baths for rheumatism
- placed on their heads for headaches
- inside the nostril to clear breathing passages and refresh the brain
Plant Constituents of Bay Laurel
Contains:
Leaves
- greenish-yellow volatile oil
- oxygenated compounds
Berries
- fixed oil, containing laurostearine, the ether of lauric acid
Volatile oil contains:
- cineol
- eugenol
- geraniol
- pinene
Action:
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- carminative (berries) [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines]
- diaphoretic (leaves) [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- digestive [an agent that aids digestion]
- excitant
- emetic [an agent that causes vomiting] (leaves) in large doses
- emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow] (berries)
- narcotic [a drug which relieves pain and induces sleep when used in medicinal doses; large doses of narcotics
- produce convulsions, stupor, insensibility, coma or death]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, Fruit, Oil
Bay Laurel leaves were:
- burned to enhance psychic powers
- burned to produce visions
- placed in windows to protect against lightning striking your house
- wish-making (it is said if you write a wish on a Bay leaf and then burn it the wish will come true)
- used to resist the evils ruled by the planet Saturn
- hung over doorways to keep away poltergeists
- used by the Delphic priestesses in Greece in rituals
- used in the Middle Ages to keep away evil and resist witchcraft
Worn in an amulet, it was said to provide protection from:
- evil
- negativity
The Leaves and Berries of Bay Laurel are commonly used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- hysteria
Female Conditions
- amenorrhea
- brings about a speedy delivery during childbirth
- eases childbirth
- expels afterbirth
- induces menses (periods)
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- flatulent colic
- stimulates appetite
- stimulates digestive system
Inflammatory Conditions
- rheumatism
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- colds
- coughs
- lung disorders
Used as a plaster or poultice in:
- chest problems
- colds
Other
- removes obstructions
Oil is used externally for:
- bruises
- earache
- soothing itchy skin
- rheumatism-
- skin problems
- sprains
Other Uses: The leaves are used:
- as decorations during the Christmas season
- as a flea repellant
- by sprinkling the crushed leaves in your cupboards to keep out cockroaches and other insects
The Oil is used:
- in perfumery
Caution:
- The berries have been used to induce an abortion, so are not suitable during pregnancy
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Bay Laurel without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if your taking any of the following medications.
- None noted
Global Herbal Supplies has Bay Laurel available in the following forms:
- Bay Laurel Essential Oil
- Dried Bay Laurel (Bayleaf)
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
