During outbreaks of the plague in Rome, people were advised to live in the vicinity of bay trees...

Bay Laurel Leaf (Sweet Bay) has a fresh, powerful, spicy-medicinal scent.

Nature: warming, purifying

In a steam inhalation, the vapors open the sinus and breathing passages.

Ideal in massage, bath or compress to relieve aching limbs and muscles, improve circulation, and help in the reduction of cellulite.

Principal Actions: Digestive stimulant; analgesic for sprains and aching limbs and muscles.

Practical Uses

Methods of Use: application, aroma lamp, bath, cold compress, hot compress, diffusor, inhalation, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation, vaporizer

Circulation, Muscles and Joints

The warming properties of Bay Leaf stimulate circulation and promote perspiration.

For poor circulation and low blood pressure: Prepare a massage blend by mixing 2 drops bay leaf, 2 drops black pepper, 3 drops coriander, 3 drops ginger to 20g/4 tsp of carrier oil such as grapeseed or sweet almond oil. Apply to arms, legs, chest and abdomen. Note: If you are prone to dry or sensitive skin, additional carrier oil may be required when preparing a blend with these essential oils.

Used on a compress it can alleviate the pain of muscle aches, sprains and rheumatism.

Digestive System

Bay Leaf is a gastric stimulant that aids in digestion, relieves flatulence and restores the appetite.

To stimulate appetite: Mix 2 drops bay leaf, 2 drops caraway, 2 drops ginger, 4 drops bergamot to 20g/4 tsp of a carrier oil such as grapeseed or sweet almond oil. Rub this blend in a circular clockwise motion over the abdomen as needed. Note: If you are prone to dry or sensitive skin, additional carrier oil may be required when preparing a blend with these essential oils. Alternately, use the above-mentioned essential oils in a diffusor.

Genito-urinary and Endocrine Systems

Bay Leaf can be incorporated (in small amounts) into a bath or massage blend to stimulate menstrual flow where there is scanty menstruation. Other oils that help stimulate menstrual flow: French basil, carrot seed, clary sage, dill, sweet fennel, hyssop, juniper, sweet marjoram, myrrh, rose (cabbage & damask), yarrow.

Immune System

Bay Leaf essential oil is helpful in the treatment of colds, influenza, tonsillitis and viral infections.

To fortify the body during flu: Mix 2 drops bay leaf, 4 drops black pepper, 4 drops bergamot to 20ml/4 tsp of a carrier oil and rub it into the chest, morning and night.

Nervous System

The scent of Bay Leaf is calming and reduces stress; it is helpful for insomnia. The aroma of Bay Leaf enhances mental clarity and alertness; it sharpens the senses.

To relieve feelings of hopelessness: Add 3 drops bay leaf and 3 drops bergamot to a diffusor or vaporizer.

Safety Data: Relatively non-toxic and non-irritant; can cause dermatitis in some individuals. People with dry or sensitive skin may require additional dilution in a carrier oil when applying topically. Use in moderation due to possible narcotic properties attributed to methyl eugenol, a constituent found in Bay Leaf.

Caution: Avoid during pregnancy.

Sweet Bay Leaf  in Aromatherapy

Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis

Note: Top

Parts Used: dried leaves and branchlets

Source: steam distillation from the dried leaf and branchlets of the evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean area, Europe and the United States.

Description and Odor Effect: a greenish-yellow liquid with a powerful spicy-medicinal odor. The odor effect is warming and purifying; improves mental clarity and alertness.

Blends well with: citrus and spice oils, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, juniper, lavender, pine, rosemary, thyme.

Applications: application, aroma lamp, bath, cold compress, hot compress, diffusor, inhalation, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation, vaporizer

Therapeutic Properties: abortifacient, analgesic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-neuralgic, antioxidant, antipruritic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperient, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, hypotensor, insect repellent, laxative, nervine, sedative, stimulant (digestion), stomachic, tonic

Safety Data: Relatively non-toxic and non-irritant; can cause dermatitis in some individuals. People with dry or sensitive skin may require additional dilution in a carrier oil when applying topically. Use in moderation due to possible narcotic properties attributed to methyl eugenol, a constituent found in Bay Leaf. Avoid during pregnancy.

Bay Leaf – Quick Reference

Digestive: dyspepsia, flatulence, loss of appetite

Circulation, Muscles & Joints: muscular aches and pains, sprains

Respiratory: sinusitis

Genito-urinary: scanty menstruation

Immune: colds, influenza, tonsillitis, viral infections

Nervous: mental clarity, calming, stress-reducing

Keyword: Alertness

Bay Magic: Bay leaves are placed beneath the pillow to induce prophetic dreams, and are also burned to cause visions.

Bay Leaf Harmony

Add these oils to 20 ml / 4 teaspoons carrier oil

To boost self-confidence and help you face adversity:

• 2 drops Bay Leaf
• 4 drops Myrtle
• 4 drops Frankincense