COMMON NAME: Laurel Leaf, Bay Leaf, Bay, Sweet Bay, Laurel, True Bay, Mrditerranean Bay

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Laurus nobilis

FAMILY NAME: Lauraceae (Laurel)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Mediterranean Area

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Hungary, France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, China, Turkey

HISTORY INFORMATION: Used for years as a culinary herb. Rings of bay leaf were worn on the head as crowns to show merit or reward in Greek and Roman times. It was used medicinally to promote menstruation, induce abortion, ease fatigue, soothe hysteria, help colic and indigestion and ward off the plague. During the Middle Ages, people believed you would be healthier if you lived among bay trees. Bay leaf was sacred to the god Apollo in Greek and Roman Mythology. The nymph daughter of the earth goddess Gaia, was pursued by Apollo, slayer of her bridegroom. Daphne asked Zeus for help and he changed her into a laurel tree. It was then that Apollo took the laurel tree as his sacred tree. Scientific studies have shown bay leaf to depress heart rate and lower blood pressure.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Use caution with the herb and oil, because they contain small amounts of methyl eugenol (a possible narcotic). A fixed oil is expressed from the berries. There are several species called Bay, so we choose to call this oil Laurel to avoid confusion. The most often confused is Bay from the West Indies (Pimenta racemosa). There is also a California Bay (Umbrellularia calfornia) used as a spice, but it is toxic; and there is Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) which is associated with bitter almond and is also toxic. Essential oils from Mexican Bay (Litsea glaucescens) and Red Bay (Persea borbonia) are also distilled

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: An evergreen tree growing to 60 feet high with dark green, glossy leaves bearing small yellow flowers that produce small purple or black berries.

PARTS PROCESSED: Dried leaves.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Greenish-yellow.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Oxide/Alcohol/Ester. Cineol (up to 50%), pinene, linalool, terpineol acetate, methyl eugenol.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antifungal, antineuralgic, antipruritic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperient, aperitive, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, hypotensor, insect repellent, nervine, stimulant (digestive), stomachic, tonic (kidneys, liver, and reproductive system). Used for dyspepsia, flatulence, loss of appetite, scanty periods, colds, flu, tonsillitis, viral infection, improving circulation, helping reduce cellulite, reducing stress, vapors improve mental clarity and alertness, sharpen the senses, lessens muscular pain, promotes perspiration and as a disinfectant.

MENTAL USES: Every experience is valuable. Everything I do is valuable.

EMOTIONAL USES: Feeling bad about yourself, failure, never good enough TO good self esteem, healthy pride, competent.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that your self-esteem needs support. Laurel Leaf teaches grace: no one earns or deserves spiritual reward. There are no good or better souls. It is about being, not doing. No matter who you are or what you do, you can feel good about it. It is time to honor yourself no matter what. Stop making excuses why life isn't good to you or why you shouldn't be honored. For those that depend on the intuition or inspiration for their work, laurel leaf builds confidence and is especially good for spiritual artists.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath (with proper carrier oil), cleanser - household, diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic, possible skin irritant, avoid overuse (narcotic-like), avoid in pregnancy, cross-sensitization with costus.