04.
The Rest of The Story
bay history, folklore, literature & more
Bay laurel is a small evergreen tree, which seldom grows taller than 20 feet
in the Unite States. Its leathery dark green leaves have wavy edges and grow
on short stalks. Bay berries are dark purple or black.
If all you do with bay is add a leaf or two to soups and stews, you're
missing an opportunity to use a natural soother. Bay will never replace
sleeping pills, but it has a number of benefits, mainly in the area of mental
health.
Low doses of bay oil have been found to sedate laboratory animals, and higher
doses produce temporary stupor. The herb also reduces blood pressure in
laboratory animals, but the effect is mild. Bay has never been shown to put
people to sleep or lower their blood pressure, but these animal results are
suggestive. Many people find that bay infusions are relaxing.
Like most aromatic spices, bay leaf oil kill disease-causing bacteria and fungi.
Bay is not a powerful enough antiseptic to be used in place of appropriate
medical treatment, but for minor household accidents, the fresh herb can be used
externally.
Several modern herbals continue to recommend rubbing bay oil into arthritic
joints, but modern research has never demonstrated any anti-inflammatory
action.
Bay should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. Learn more about the herb on our Bay laurel profile page.