Bay Essential Oil

Pimenta racemosa

Bay Essential Oil is often confused with Bay Laurel Essential Oil –Laurus nobilis

Bay Essential Oil blends well with the essential oils of Cedarwood, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme, and Ylang-Ylang.

Known Uses

The antiseptic property of Bay Essential Oil can protect wounds from infections such as Septic or Tetanus and inhibits the growth of microbes, bacteria and fungi. Bay Essential Oil can also reduce pain, and is particularly effective in pain resulting from coughs and colds, viral infections, influenza, and sprains. It further acts as a sedative to relieve nervous afflictions like epilepsy, hysteria, convulsions, anxiety, stress, depression, anger etc. and relieves the spasms that cause cramps, coughs, aches, diarrhea, and convulsions. Bay Essential Oil promotes perspiration, facilitating in the removal of toxins, excess salt, water, and fat from the body. Perspiration also brings down body temperature in the case of fever.

As an astringent, Bay Essential Oil can induce contractions in muscles and tissues. It strengthens the grip of gums on teeth, pulls up the sagging skin and muscles, strengthens the hold of the scalp on hair roots, and induces contractions in the blood vessels, thus helping to stop hemorrhaging. Bay Essential Oil is also effective in regulating menstruation and eases pain and other complaints associated with it.

Bay Oil promotes the discharge of bile into the stomach, helping to maintain the acid balance. It helps regulate hormones, enzymes, and the nervous system, increasing alertness. Bay Oil can also be used in sprays, vaporizers, and in various other ways to keep insects away.

History

The Bay tree is native to the Caribbean Islands from where it is believed to have spread to other parts of the world. Bay Oil held an important place in Ancient Rome and Greece in their religion, culture, and in their medicines. Today, Bay Essential Oil it is harvested mostly in Morocco and Spain.

Warning

Due to the presence of high concentrations of eugenol, this oil can cause irritations on the skin and mucus membranes. Dilute Bay Oil with a carrier oil to test for any allergic reaction. It should be avoided during pregnancy.