The essential oil of L. nobilis is believed to have originated from Asia Minor, but is also now considered a native to the Mediterranean region. * Not to be confused with Pimenta racemosa, (West Indian Bay), or Umbellularia california (Californian bay).
Bay Laurel essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of the evergreen tree which grows up to 20m, but is generally kept to below 3m. The trees are often planted in gardens to produce leaves for use in the kitchen.
Pale yellow to pale olive green in colour, Bay laurel essential oil and has a powerful herbal, camphoraceous, sweet, spicy, warming aroma.
From Salvatore Battaglia's The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy:
In history:
L. nobilis was considered sacred by the god Apollo. Gaia's daughter Daphne, according to legend, was pursued by Apollo, who slayed her bridegroom. She asked the gods for assistance and they changed her into a laurel tree, so Apollo crowned himself with a circle of laurel leaves and declared the tree sacred to his divinity.
A garland of woven laurel leaves was awarded as a symbol of honour or victory in Rome. In the Middle Ages, distinguished men were crowned with a wreath of berried laurel, hence the term Poet Laureate. University graduates were known as bachelors from the Latin baccalaureus (bacco - a berry, and laureus - of laurel). They were forbidden to marry as it was believed it would distract them from their studies.
Traditional use:
Bay laurel was said to confer the gift of prophecy, and a withering laurel tree in the garden predicted a disaster.
Bay laurel has long been used in herbal medicine. Infusions made from the berries was supposed to suppress profuse menstruation and hasten child-birth. Infusions of the bark and leaves were frequently prescribed to alleviate kidney disorders and respiratory problems.
Bay laurel essential oil is helpful for the digestive system and may stimulate the appetite. It expels wind, settles stomach pain and is a tonic for the liver and kidneys.
It’s a good antiseptic for the respiratory system and is recommended for treating chronic bronchitis.
A very effective nervine stimulant, Bay laurel is helpful for those who doubt themselves.
For use on the skin, it’s helpful for acne, boils, ulcers and abscesses.
Ideal for people lacking confidence and energy, Bay laurel is recommended for those with low self-esteem or who doubt their intellect and abilities.
Bay laurel is most suitable for creative types due to its ability to promote courage, confidence and insight.
Bay laurel blends well with the citruses, pine, cypress, juniper berry, the eucalyptuses, rosemary, frankincense, cedarwood atlas and the lavenders.
Safety
Although generally considered non-toxic, extended use on the skin (around 3 weeks) can cause dermal irritation and sensitisation. Tisserand and Young also state that it may cause CNS problems and breathing difficulty in young children. Use in the bath will increase the likelihood of irritation and sensitisation so it’s best to avoid use in the bath.
For free qualified advice on how to use it, email info@GalaxyAromatherapy.com.
Always take care when choosing your essential oils. Look for botanical names and expiry dates on the label. They should come in dark coloured glass bottles to protect them, and have dripulator tops. Following these guidelines will help to ensure you're buying good quality, pure essential oils.
*Terms:
antiseptic - destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria
bactericidal – destroys bacteria
carminative - settles the digestive system and aids with gas
digestive stimulant - stimulates the digestive system
expectorant – expels mucus in the respiratory system
nervine stimulant – stimulates the nervous system
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