Bay Oil
Bay essential oil is native to West Indies belonging to the Lauraceae family and is extracted from the Laurus nobilis tree. Bay oil was very popular among the Romans who believed that the herb was a symbol of wisdom, protection and peace. The Latin word ‘Laudis’ means ‘to praise’, which is basically the reason why winners at the Olympic games were presented with a laurel also known as bay wreath. As of today, the oil is obtained from Morocco and Spain, but the strong sturdy evergreen tree is native to West Indies, Venezuela and the Guianas. The bay tree grows to a height of 30 feet and bears aromatic, long-pointed lance shaped leaves and flowers that are small and have shades of white and yellow and berries that are black.
Common Name : Sweet bay, laurel and Mediterranean bay.
Latin Name : Laurus nobilis
The leaves are collected from a tree that is at least 5 years old and the leaves are subject to steam distillation along with salt. Sometimes salt water is used for this process. The extract that is yielded gives about 0.5-1.5%. of the oil. This warming oil is often said to promote confidence, courage and insight and is used in aromatherapy since it is a good antiseptic for the respiratory system; helps to work up the digestive system; expels wind, and settles stomach pain. Externally, the oil is mostly used to fight hair loss, treat scalp problems, and gives a healthy scalp in general. Bay oil has a chemical composition of a-pinene, geranyl acetate, b-pinene, methyl chavicol, myrcene, limonene, linalool, neral, a-terpineol, eugenol and chavicol. Bay oil is deep yellow in color with a scent that is sweet, fresh and spicy and is of medium to watery viscosity.
Uses: Compared to the medicinal aspects of the use of the oil, the therapeutic properties of bay oil is that it acts as an antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-neuralgic, antispasmodic, aperitif, astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge, insecticide, cholagogue, sedative, stomachic, sudorific and tonic. Bay oil is very effective and can be used in the treatment of rheumatism, diarrhea, circulation problems, neuralgia, muscular pain, cold, flu, dental infection, hair growth, general health of the scalp, and skin infections. Some precautions that need to be followed while using bay oil are: Since Bay oil has a high eugenol content and may irritate the skin and mucus membranes, it should be used with caution on the skin. It is best that pregnant women avoid it.
