Bay Laurel Essential Oil

Bay Laurel
Laurus nobilis

Source: Leaves
Origin: Morocco
Energetics: Yang
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Scent: Bay Laurel has a herbaceous, fresh, fruity and camphorous.
Blends Well With: Pine, Cypress, Juniper, Rosemary, Lavender, Clary Sage and Citrus oils. 

About

A wonderful calming, grounding, camphorous and spicy oil not to be confused with the other bay (rum) essential oil. May assist with promoting confidence and for helping maintain focus in challenging situations. Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt mentions bay laurel oil will reduce swollen lymph nodes if applied to the nodes (use jojoba oil to dilute). Therefore it may have positive effects on the lymphatic system. Bay laurel oil  is also known to support a healthy respiratory system. Please use this relaxing and balancing oil either by directly inhaling or diffusing or diluting for skin application using jojoba or other carrier oil.

Historical Snippets

When looking through the Greek and Roman history, you will see Bay Laurel being used quite a lot, especially on heroes and poets. This is because Bay Laurel is what the crowns and wreaths were made up of. There was also a common belief that the Bay Laurel tree had prophecy and divination powers. Therefore, the ancient Greeks and Romans would take shelter under the tree during thunder and lightning storms. Bay Laurel Oil historically has been used for colic, indigestion, fatigue, hysteria and to promote menstruation.

How To Use

Diffuse: Add a few drops to a diffuser to disperse around the room

Topically: Dilute essential oil with any carrier oil at a 2.5% ratio. This equates to 2.5ml essential oil/oils in total mixed with 100ml of chosen carrier oil. 1ml of essential oil is approximately 20-22 drops of oil.  Decant into a roller or glass bottle with eye dropper to apply easily or a larger bottle if using for massage. Please note this dilution rate is for adults and children over the age of 6. More information on children and essential oils is on our blog page. Essential Oils should not be used directly on the skin without mixing first with a carrier oil

Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops essential oil to a tissue and inhale at a distance while ensuring that the oil does not come into direct contact with the skin. Alternatively, you can smell the oil directly from the bottle.

Shelf Life 

Our freshly decanted Bay Laurel essential oil will last for 2-3 years minimum from when you open your amber glass bottle if stored correctly.

Primary Storage Considerations: Keep away from direct light (U.V. radiation). Keep in the amber glass bottle with lid tightly closed. Only open when you need to and decant into a smaller "working" amber glass bottle if possible (and label so you know what is in it). This is to reduce oxidation.
Secondary Storage Considerations: Keep in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees celsius.

Safety

General
Some essential oils may cause photosensitivity to the skin - Use diluted in Jojoba or other complete carrier oil.
Do not ingest essential oils.
Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Ahimsa Oils offer no advice or recommendations only general information. No therapeutic claims are made within.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the TGA. David Bosley however worked for a long period in consultation with the TGA to ensure correct labelling with reference to the Ahimsa Oil product range.

Specific
Tisserand and Young indicate a dermal maximum of 0.5%.
Tisserand and Young add that Bay Laurel Oil is high in 1,8 cineole and may cause CNS and breathing problems in young children.
For transportation purposes, this product is classed DG due to flash point of 46.1°C

References

Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: Second edition.