Bay Laurel Essential Oil

Laurus nobilis

Also known as Laurel, Sweet Gay or Bay Laurel

Bay Laurel 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 Bay Laurel tree has been used therapeutically and medicinally from the earliest times. Bay Laurel Essential Oil has traditionally been used to alleviate digestive complaints, and was known to have ‘interesting’ anti-viral activity against the SARS virus, which causes acute respiratory syndrome. Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in ‘Advanced Aromatherapy’ said, “Its positive effects on the lymphatic system are undeniable. Rubbing a few drops of bay laurel essential oil on swollen lymph nodes will produce an immediately noticeable relieving effect.” In modern aromatherapy applications it is included in blends for breathing support, and can be safely used as an immune system support agent.

The antiseptic property of this oil protects wounds from infections such as Septic or Tetanus and inhibits the growth of microbes, bacteria, or fungi in the body. Bay Laurel Essential Oil has analgesic and astringent properties, each of which helps provide relief from pain in its own way. Being an analgesic, it reduces pain from such conditions as rheumatism, neuralgia and muscle pain. As an astringent, it induces contraction in the blood vessels, thus relieving the pressure on the cranial nerve, giving immediate relief from pain. 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 it induces contractions in the blood vessels, thus helping to stop hemorrhaging.

Bay Laurel Essential Oil relieves conditions caused by spasms such as cramps, coughs, aches, diarrhea, nervous afflictions, and convulsions, which are excessive contractions of the respiratory tract, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and internal organs. It also promotes the discharge of bile into the stomach, helping to maintain the acid balance and keeps it safe from infections, ulcers, and acidity.

Bay Laurel Oil regulates menstruation and relieves the pain of complaints associated with it. It promotes perspiration, which removes toxins, excess salt, water, and fat from the body and reduces fever. Bay Laurel Essential Oil is lethal to insects and can be used as a mosquito repellant or bug spray. As a sedative, it helps provide relief from epilepsy, hysteria, convulsions, anxiety, stress, depression, anger, etc.

History

Bay Laurel Oil originates from Asia Minor, but has been well established in all the Mediterranean countries for many centuries. The laurel tree was introduced to Italy before the time of Christ. It arrived in Britain around the sixteenth century. In Greece and in south and west France, wild bay trees are very common. The tree became a symbol of military glory for the Greeks. Generals would encircle their heads with a crown of laurel and carry a twig in one hand. From this derives the British ‘Poet Laureate’, and the French Baccalaureate. It originated in the Renaissance, when gifted scholars would be crowned with laurel. It was a symbol of victory, achievement and protection.

Warnings

Bay Laurel Essential Oil is generally regarded as safe. Although it may be used as a dietary supplement, it is advised not to use it in this manner for children under 6 years of age. Repeated use may cause contact sensitization and if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare professional prior to use. Tisserand and Young say that Bay Laurel Essential Oil is potentially carcinogenic and that oils high in 1,8 cineole (i.e. having strong therapeutic properties) may cause Central Nervous System (CNS) and breathing problems in children.