Don't just let it rest on it's laurels...

...Laurel Leaf essential oil is one for every home, let's put it to work for us. 

Laurel leaves have been regarded highly sacred in both the ancient Greeks and the Romans. Their value being in the their symbolism for victory and high status. The Greeks also considered it to be a potent medicine that was capable of protecting them against plague and various diseases.  To the Romans, it was a symbol of wisdom, peace, and protection.

Bay laurel was used to fashion the laurel wreath of ancient Greece, a symbol of highest status. A wreath of bay laurels was given as the prize at the Pythian Games because the games were in honor of Apollo, It is also the source of the words baccalaureate and poet laureate, as well as the expressions "assume the laurel" and "resting on one's laurels".

Today, some of that carries over in the way we can value the Bay Laurel tree for its benefits for those who seek natural solutions for health care. I think you will love what you learn about this oil, as you read it - and even more so as you experience it. 

Bay Laurel Leaf essential oil is derived from the Bay Laurel tree, which is also botanically known as Laurus nobilis, through a process of steam distillation. This oil is commonly confused with Bay oil, which comes from Pimenta racemosa instead. Although these two oils share similar qualities and have similar properties, they come from two very different plants. This is why it is so important to notice the Latin name on any bottle of oil that you purchase. You don't have to remember all of the names, just be sure that you are getting what you are intending to. Names of oils can be closely related and there can be very different chemistry profiles involved. 

Health Benefits of Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil:

1.  Respiratory Support

You can diffuse bay laurel leaf oil aromatically in a diffuser or personal inhaler. ​The essential oil of the bay laurel leaf is known to be an expectorant, clearing up excess phlegm and mucus and relieving nasal congestion. This oil is a valuable part of doTERRA Breathe respiratory blend as well. This, as a single oil or in a blend is one that is great to have handy when needing relief from coughs and congestion. The properties in this oil are credited for being antispasmodic, and thus able to provide relief from even the really uncomfortable cough. 

We love how essential oils do not only address and soothe the symptoms, but are also equipped for the root cause. Laurel leaf also has antibacterial and antiseptic properties to aid the body in fighting off the threat that caused the problem in the first place. 

TIP: 
Another nice way to use this oil is by making a steam inhalation. Add a few drops of the oil into a bowl of hot, steaming water and inhale the vapors, You can even mix it in combination with eucalyptus, lemon and oregano essential oil to produce optimum results!


2. Regulates Menstrual Flow

Extracts of the bay laurel leaves have been used to stimulate menstrual flows, making the essential oil a good, natural remedy for irregular and improper menstrual cycles.  

Remember we said there are antispasmodic properties, this also can help to menstrual cramps - relaxing the uterine muscles. Added benefit may be the relief of commonly associated problems, such as nausea and fatigue.

TIP: Dilute the oil with a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oils) in a 1:1 ratio and gently massage onto your abdominal area for pain relief and to stimulate menstruation.


3. Relieves Discomfort

The analgesic properties in Laurel Leaf make  it an option for addressing muscular and joint discomfort. This is great news for those with ongoing issues as well as for those who are looking for relief after an intense workout session. Another time to consider Laurel Leaf essential oil is for the relief of  head tension. 

This oil is very calming to the nerves as well and may help with discomforts related to disturbances of the nervous system. 

In the presence of discomfort, we are usually looking for fast relief. Essential oils work fast and have additional benefits that are not offered by more conventional approaches that may also have unwanted side effects and may be harmful to your overall health in the long run. So, reach for the oil first. You will know quickly if it is going to be effective. If you don't experience the outcome you are looking for within 20 min, then you can always move to a different approach (a different oil or a more conventional approach). 

TIP:
When addressing pain, topical use may be best approach, simply dilute the oil with a carrier oil and gently massage onto the affected areas. Diluting is going to add to benefits of the oils by improving absorption and creating a little heat as you massage it in. You can also add a few drops of the oil in a warm compress and press gently onto the affected areas.

4. Helps to Support Wound Healing

This oil is also a great addition to your first aid kits as it helps to clean bacteria out from wounds, cuts, bruises or scrapes incurred. It may also help to speed up the healing process.

TIP: 
Apply around the wound, not directly on an open wound. Apply diluted bay laurel leaf oil onto the affected areas using a cotton swab, 


5. Supports Digestive Health

Gently massaging diluted laurel leaf oil onto your abdominal area to suport your digestive health! This oil may boost appetite, so great for those who suffer from loss of appetite due to various reasons, Not only that, it also may help to remove excess gas from the stomach and intestines, and prevents the formation of gases in these digestive organs as well, This is going to be supportive in relieving any symptoms of indigestion, bloating or pain. Its antispasmodic qualities at work! 


6. Insect Repellent

Diffusing Laurel Leaf essential oil or adding few drops of the oil to a spray bottle containing water, and spraying it all over surfaces and cracks to may prevent those little creatures from taking up residence.   

Like so many of our essential oils, one of their purposes is to protect the plant from pests. This oil is no different, containing  potent insect repelling qualities, If you eliminateing toxins from your environment is important to you, this is an added perk 

Commercial pesticide bottles are detrimental not only to the environment, but to your health as well if you breathe in too much of it. Using essential oils as insect repellent has that extra benefit of eliminating yet another toxin from your life!

 
7.  Promote Hair Growth

I am excited about this use! Laurel leaf oil is also thought to be a good tonic for the hair. If you are looking for a natural way to boost hair growth and prevent excessive hair loss, this is one to give a try. Because it is also an astringent, it helps to tighten the grip of the hair follicles and the hair roots, preventing loss of hair. It helps to moisturize the scalp too, preventing dandruff and flaky scalp. Healthy scalp means healthy hair. 

Simply dilute the oil with a carrier oil in a 1:1 ratio and apply onto the scalp and hair. Rinse off after a few minutes.


Safety Precautions:  Bay laurel leaf essential oil, when used in aromatherapy, is often mixed with other essential oils such as rose, rosemary, thyme, lavender, ylang-ylang, juniper berry, coriander, ginger and eucalyptus essential oils, 

When applying bay laurel leaf oil, it is important that you dilute it heavily with a carrier oil in a 1:1 ratio and perform a skin patch test first to ensure you do not have any sensitivity. I would also recommend starting at higher dilution 1-3% when applying it topically. Because of its  high concentration of eugenol, it has been known to irritate the skin. 

There is not much reason to consume bay laurel leaf oil internally and as always, discuss it with your doctor or a medical expert if you are going to uslaurel leaf oil as a form of treatment, because the oil can interfere with your pre-existing prescribed drugs to produce unwanted side effects.


Chemistry, for those of you who are a little more curious about how we think we know how these oils work: 

The main constituents of bay essential oil are alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol, beta pinene, chavicol, geranyl acetate, eugenol, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, myrcene, and neral.

---