The Bay Leaf Plant

Laurus nobilis

The Bay Leaf plant is also known as Bay Laurel, Sweet Bay, Indian Bay, Laurel, Bay Laurel, Sweet Laurel, Grecian Laurel, Roman Laurel and Royal Laurel.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Bay Leaf plant is actually a tall stately tree that can grow to the height of fifty feet in the warmer climates. It is more often grown in tubs as an ornamental shrub. Its leaves are shiny, pointed, dark green and grow 1 to 3 inches long.

It has white clusters of flowers that appear in May. It also has small, red-blue single-seeded berries that later turn black and are about ½ inch in size. When bay leaves are dried they have a matte olive green color. The Bay Leaf has a slightly bitter taste and when the oil is released the smell is warm and pungent.

The Bay tree is native to Asia Minor from where it spread to the Mediterranean and other countries that had similar climates. The Bay leaf has been cultivated since ancient times. In Biblical times, people thought Bay leaves would bring good to them and they saw it as a protection against evil.

Commercially, the Bay Leaf plant is used as detergents, toothpaste, cosmetics, perfumes, and liqueurs.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* soothing minor stomach upsets

* relieving gas

* boosting the immune system

* lowering blood sugar levels

* migraine headaches

* bacterial infections

* gastric ulcers

* arthritis and rheumatism

Apply externally for:

* bruises and sprains

* insect bites .

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter: Bay leaf is available in grocery stores and health food stores.

At home:

Tea: Pour I cup of boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of crushed leaves and steep for 10 minutes. Drain the tea then drink.

Parts used: Leaves and berries

Collection: Leaves can be picked anytime.

Constituents: Eugenol, parthenolides,

Action: Tonic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emetic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant

SIDE EFFECTS:

Not serious:

* Bay Leaf is regarded as safe, but is known to cause skin irritation for those who are prone to allergies.

* This herb should be avoided during pregnancy because it is a urine stimulant.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

* Oil from ripe berries is used in the veterinary field.

* The acid from the leaves discourages moths and silverfish.