Herb
Bay
Herb
Bay has had a prominent position in civilisations through
the centuries as a symbol of glory and success as well as
for its medicinal properties.
Bay
–Laurus nobilis – is a hardy evergreen, originating in Asia
Minor and now widely grown. It has dark green leathery leaves
with insignificant flowers that are followed by black fruits.
It can grow to 19m, however it will grow well in a container
and it lends itself well to being shaped.
In
Ancient Greece Bay was held in very high esteem as a symbol
of Glory. Military Generals encircled their heads with a crown
of laurel and carried a twig in one hand. It also has significance
in other cultures for instance the British ‘Poet Laureate’
and the French ‘Baccalaureate’.
It
has also been assimilated into language in phrases such as
‘Given one’s Laurels’ and ‘Look to one’s Laurels’.
The
Greeks believed Laurel had the power of divination and prophecy.
They also believed it would protect against evil, thunder
and lightening and contagious disease. The Bay Tree was sacred
to Apollo, the Greek God of prophecy, poetry and healing.
In
Greek medicine Laurel nobilis was seen as a medicine being
antiseptic, guarding against disease particularly the plague,
anti-fungal, nutritive and a mild sedative. A large dose can
induce a narcotic effect.
Culpeper
in the 16 th Century said ‘the berries are very effectual
against the poison of venomous creatures and the stings of
wasps and bees’.
In
the 19 th Century Bay was classified as calmative, expectorant,
diuretic and sudoific. It was prescribed for slow digestion,
asthma and bronchitis.
The
main components of the oil are Cireol up to 50% and
a
-Pinene, eugenol, gevanoil, linalool, phellandrene, sesquiterpene,
and sesquiterpenic alcohol. It should be noted that with the
eugenol content the oil could corrode metal.
Bay
has been found to boost the immune system, soothe aches and
pains and help rheumatism and arthritis that is why it is
an essential ingredient of the Herbal
Foot Balm.
It
also improves circulation and helps colds and ‘flu exhaustion
and anxiety.
For
‘flu, dyspepsia and virus’ an infusion of leaves or berries
can be beneficial.
Laurel
Tisane
5g
leaves
10g
orange peel
300ml
boiling water
Infuse
for 10 minutes, strain, add honey to taste and drink.
For
rheumatic aches and pains try add 10 drops of oil to a hot
bath.
After
the bath a massage oil made as follows can be applied to the
affected area:
20ml
grapeseed oil
12
drops Laurel oil
NB
The oil should be avoided during pregnancy.
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