- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe (Mediterranean), Asia (west)
- Other names
- Laurierblad
- Traditions
- Greco-Roman medicine, Folk magic and herbal magic
Europe · Herb · № 213
Laurus nobilis
Herb · Europe
Bay laurel
Laurus nobilis
Bay leaf is a culinary herb containing cineole and eugenol. The oil of the berries was used externally for muscle pain; a medicinal effect has hardly been studied.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Bay laurel oil can sensitize the skin; use a low dose and test first on a small patch of skin.
Preparation
External: essential oil as a fragrance in a lotion base and body powder.
Use in traditions
In Greek myth the nymph Daphne turned into a laurel to escape Apollo, and the laurel wreath became his emblem and that of victors. The priestess at Delphi is said to have chewed laurel leaves. The word baccalaureate is said to refer to the laurel wreath. In herbal magic associated with strengthening magic and psychic gifts, blessing and protecting the home, creativity, and carrying a leaf against curses.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Spicy, warm scent. The oil can cause skin reactions in sensitive people.
Preparation and amount
External: a few drops of bay oil as a scent in lotion and powder (see the recipes).
Caution: Bay laurel oil can sensitize the skin; use a low dose and test first on a small patch of skin.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Strengthens magic and psychic gifts, blesses and protects the house, creativity, carry a leaf against curses, success, wisdom, divination, protection, purification, endurance, fidelity, psychic abilities, strength.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with victory, success, prophecy and protection.
Preparation and amount
In ancient Greece the laurel was Apollo's sacred tree. Winners of the Pythian Games received a laurel wreath, which gave us words like laureate and baccalaureate. According to tradition the oracle priestess at Delphi chewed laurel leaves.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
The smoke can be mildly hallucinogenic; ensure ventilation.
Preparation and amount
Write a wish on a leaf and burn it, or place it under your pillow for guiding dreams.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen
- Recipes
- Basic lotionBody powder