All About Bay
Bay leaf, or laurel, has been used since ancient times as an analgesic, for stomach complaints, and to treat certain skin infections. Its strong aroma can help as an insect repellent and to improve mental concentration.
Fun Fact
In ancient Greek times, bay leaves from Laurus nobilis were used to make the laural wreath, a symbol of high status.
Bay Research
While Laurus nobilis lacks human studies, there were over 50 scientific in vitro and in vivo studies found on multiple subjects. Antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal studies demonstrated action in vitro. The plant also showed insect repelling action in multiple studies. Further, the plant may offer analgesic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-parasitic, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, cardioprotective, anticonvulsive, and wound healing potential. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Bay Herb and Essential Oil
Latin Name: Laurus nobilis
Family: Lauracae
Other Names
- Sweet bay, true bay, Noble laurel, Daphne, Grecian, Mediterranean bay, Roman laurel
- Not to be confused with West Indian Bay (Pimenta racemosa) of the Myrtaceae family, high in eugenol, beta myrcene, and chavicol (Tisserand & Young, 2014).
Plant Description
Bay is a hardy evergreen shrub with hard green leaves. It belongs to the family Lauraceae, along with cinnamon and camphor.
Herb Description
Dried leaves are used extensively as a spice through out the world.
Essential Oil Description
Oil is steam distilled from the fresh leaves and branchlets to create a thin, pale yellow to greenish colored oil that smells spicey, camphoric, fresh, and slightly sweet.
Key Constituents
- 1,8-cineole / Cineole / Eucalyptol / Cajeputol
- Linalool / Beta Linalool / Linalyl Alcohol / Linalyl Oxide
- Pinene / Alpha Pinene / Delta Pinene / Beta Pinene
- Terpenyl Acetate / Alpha Terpinyl Acetate
- Methyleugenol
- Eugenol
- Herb contains glycosides and anthocyanin
