Bay Laurel Leaf essential oil is derived from the Bay Laurel tree, which is also botanically known as Laurus nobilis, through a process of steam distillation. This oil is commonly confused with Bay oil, which comes from Pimenta racemosa instead. Although these two oils share similar qualities and have similar properties, they come from two very different plants.
Both the ancient Greeks and the Romans regarded the bay laurel leaves to be highly sacred and valuable, as they symbolized victory and high status. The Greeks also considered it to be a potent medicine that was capable of protecting them against plague and various diseases. Today, bay laurel leaf and its essential oil contains numerous medicinal properties that can be used to address a variety of health ailments.
Benefits
The essential oil of the bay laurel leaf is known to be an expectorant as it is able to clear up excess phlegm and mucus lodged within your respiratory tracts, thus relieving congestion of the nasal passageway. This hence helps to promote a freer and unobstructed breathing passage. As such, bay laurel leaf essential oil is great for those suffering from coughs, colds, flu and bronchitis.
Extracts of the bay laurel leaves have been used to stimulate menstrual flows, thus making the essential oil a good, natural remedy for irregular and improper menstrual cycles. It helps to stimulate and regulate menstrual cycles, thus ensuring that your menstrual flows are proper, timely and regular.
Bay laurel leaf oil is also known for its analgesic qualities, and it is often used to provide pain relief to a variety of ailments like muscular and joint problems associated with arthritis, rheumatism, gout or to sore, aching muscles after an intense workout session. Simply rub it onto the desired areas, and you will feel better in no time! Besides offering muscular relief, the oil can help to alleviate pain arising from headaches or migraines.
Being antibacterial in nature, this oil can also be a great addition to your first aid kits as it helps to clean bacteria out from wounds, cuts, bruises or scrapes incurred. This thus prevents infections from setting in and prevents such wounds from becoming septic or from incurring tetanus. As such, it generally helps to prevent complications and speeds up the healing process.