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Bay Laurel Essential Oil |
| Bay laurel is native to the Mediterranean region. This evergreen tree growing to 20 meters high with dark green, glossy leaves and black berries is often cultivated as an ornamental shrub. It is little used internally these day, due to its narcotic properties. A ‘fixed’ oil of bay, expressed from the berries is still used for sprains, bruises, earaches. etc. The Greek word for laurel is dhafni, named for the myth of the nymph Daphne, who was changed into a laurel tree by Gaea, who transformed her to avoid Apollo’s attempted rape. Apollo made the tree sacred and thus it became a symbol of honour. Triumphant athletes of ancient Greece were awarded laurel garlands and was given to winners at Olympic games since 776 BC. Today, grand-prix winners are bedecked with laurel wreaths. It was also believed that the laurel provided safety from the deities responsible for thunder and lightning, the Emperor Tiberius always wore a laurel wreath during thunderstorms. |
| Botanical Name: | Laurus nobilis (L.)
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| Family: | Lauraceae
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| Synonyms: | Sweet bay, true laurel, bay, bay laurel, roman laurel, noble laurel, Grecian laurel, true bay, Mediterranean bay.
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| Similar Oils: |
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| Parts Used: | Leaves
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| Extraction Method: | Steam Distillation
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| Appearance: | Greenish-yellow liquid.
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| Aroma Description: | Herbaceous, fruity, fresh, camphorous.
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| Perfume note: | Middle to Top
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| Blends well with: | Clary sage, juniperberry, rosemary, cypress, lavender, pine, and other citrus and spice oils.
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| Historical Uses: | Traditionally, Bay laurel was used to treat hysteria, indigestion, colic, and to promote menstruation and for fever. Used as a fragrance component in detergents, cosmetics, toiletries, and perfumes, especially aftershaves.
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| Modern Uses: | Used extensively in perfumes, cosmetics, foods of all types and alcoholic and soft drinks.
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| Cautions: | Use in moderation, can be a narcotic. Do not use if pregnant, dilute before use, can cause dermatitis. Relatively non-toxic and non-irritant.
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| Aromatherapy Uses: |
Digestive System - Dyspepsia, flatulence, loss of appetite.
Genito-urinary System - Scanty periods.
Immune System - Colds, flu, tonsillitis, virus diseases.
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| Main Constituents, % |
| Cineol |
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| Pinene |
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| Linalol |
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| Terpineol |
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| Methyl eugenol |
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| Physical Actions |
| Antirheumatic, antiseptic, bactericidal, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, fungicidal, hypotensive, sedative, stomachic. |
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| Toxicity |
| LD50 - (oral) rat >not known mg/kg; (dermal) rabbit >not known. |
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