Description:   Probably originating in Asia Minor, the Laurel tree now grows all over the Mediterranean. Turkey is still one of the main exporters.

Because of its poor resistance to freezes, laurel cannot be grown outdoors in more Northern regions.  Unlike some other originally Mediterranean plants, the common cultivation in medieval monasteries has not lead to more hardy breeds.

The Sweet Bay is a small tree, usually growing to a height of about 25 feet, but in warmer climates reaching as much as 60 feet.  The smooth bark may be olive-green, reddish, or black.  The luxurious, evergreen leaves are alternate, with short stalks, lanceolate, 3 to 4 inches long, the margin smooth and wavy.  They are thick, smooth, and of a shining, dark green colour.  The flowers are small, yellow and unisexual, and grow in small clusters.  The shrub has been cultivated in Britain since the 16th century.  It is the source of the ancients' crowns and wreaths for heroes and poets, and the modern term of 'bachelor,' given for degrees, is probably derived from bacca-laureus , or laurel-berry, through the French bachelier.  Compare the honorific baccalaureate received by graduates. 

The Delphic priestesses are said to have made use of the leaves (see Magical Uses).  It grows well under the shade of other trees if they are not too close, and is useful in evergreen plantations. The leaves are popular as flavoring in cooking.  They are often packed with stick licorice or dried figs.  They are used fresh, and may be gathered all the year round.

The volatile oil is sometimes used in perfumes.

The dried, black, aromatic berries come from Provence, Spain, Italy and Morocco. They are ovoid, and the kernel of the seed is loose.

The wood is sweet-scented, and is used for marqueterie work.

Main constituents:  The essential oil from the leaves (0.8 to 3%) contains mostly 1,8 cineol (50%); also found are eugenol, acetyl eugenol, methyl eugenol, a- and ß-pinene, phellandrene, linalool, geraniol and terpineol.

The dried fruits contain 0.6 to 10% of essential oil, depending on provenance and storage conditions. Like the leaves, the aroma is mostly due to terpenes (cineol, terpineol, a- and ß-pinene, citral), but also cinnamic acid and its methyl ester are reported.

From laurel fruits, a green mass (melting point about 30°C) can be extracted, which contains several percent of essential oil (main components are two sesquiterpenoids, costunol and dehydrocostuslacton), but is mainly composed of fat: Triglycerides of lauric acid (dodecanoic acid), myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid) and elaic acid.

Properties:  Astringent, Carminative, Digestive Aid, Stomachic

Uses:

Externally-Aids Earache; Dissolves Bruises (Oil)

Internally-Can bring on menstrual cycle, labor, & childbirth. 

Eases blood disorders, breaks liver & spleen obstructions, Antiflatulent.

Safety Considerations:  Since Bay leaves can induce menstruation, pregnant women should avoid using the Bay herb.

Never take the essential oil internally.

Oil should be applied externally in concentrations of no more than 2% due to its strength.

Magical:

Folk Names:  Baie, Daphne, Grecian Laurel

Gender:  Masculine

Planet:  Sun

Powers:  Protection, Psychic Powers, Purification, Healing, Strength

Uses:  The ancient priestesses of Apollo chewed bay leaves & inhaled their fumes to induce a prophetic state.

Use Bay Leaves in clairvoyance & wisdom brews.  Place some beneath the pillow to induce prophetic dreams.  Wear as an amulet to ward off negativity and evil, burn or scatter during exorcism rituals.  Bay Leaves mixed with Sandalwood can be burned to remove curses and evil spells.

Bay leaves are used as decoration at Yule.

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