Bay Laurel Essential Oil
Bay laurel is native to the Mediterranean region. This evergreen tree growing to 20 meters high with dark green, glossy leaves and black berries is often cultivated as an ornamental shrub. It is little used internally these day, due to its narcotic properties. A ‘fixed’ oil of bay, expressed from the berries is still used for sprains, bruises, earaches. etc. The Greek word for laurel is dhafni, named for the myth of the nymph Daphne, who was changed into a laurel tree by Gaea, who transformed her to avoid Apollo’s attempted rape. Apollo made the tree sacred and thus it became a symbol of honour. Triumphant athletes of ancient Greece were awarded laurel garlands and was given to winners at Olympic games since 776 BC. Today, grand-prix winners are bedecked with laurel wreaths. It was also believed that the laurel provided safety from the deities responsible for thunder and lightning. The Emperor Tiberius always wore a laurel wreath during thunderstorms
| Adulteration: | |
| GRAS Status: | Bay Laurel has GRAS status |
Properties, Indications
and Uses: |
Properties: Expectorant and mucolytic(1)
Indicated for: Colds, virus infections. and moth ulcers.(1)
Uses: Externally for massage in muscular aches and pains including arthritis. Can be inhaled in a blend for the respiratory system.(1)
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| Toxicity: | LD50 - (oral) rat >g/kg; (dermal) rabbit >g/kg.
Irritation/Sensitisation - not known
Phototoxicity - Nil reported |
| Perfumery Uses: | |
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