Bay Essential Oil

The following is an excerpt from my upcoming book Aroma-Intention: Balance

Bay Laurel

Botanical name: Laurus nobilis

Family: Lauraceae

Parts used: Leaves

Extraction Method: Steam distillation

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis

Synonyms/Common Names: Sweet bay, true bay, bay leaf

Family: Lauraceae

Parts Used: Dry or fresh leaves & berries

Extraction Method: Steam distillation

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Yin Yang Quality: Yang

Primary Constituents: The highest of constituents comes from the oxide: 1,8 cineole at 30-50%. Compounds such as the ester: terpinyl acetate (10-20%), monoterpene: pinene (10-25%, sabinene (5-15%), monoterpenol: linalool (2-5%), phenyl menthyl ether: eugenol (1-3%), and sesquiterpene: phellandrene (1-2%) are significant in bay leaf (Petersen, 2020). Caputo et al. (2017) identified 1,8-cineole (31.9%), sabinene (12.2%), and linalool (10.2%) as the main constituents.

Therapeutic Actions: Analgesic, anticonvulsant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, bactericidal, cytotoxic, sedative.

Effects on Mind, Body, and Emotions: Calming, sharpens senses, improves memory and mental clarity, warming, improves digestion, and suppresses appetite.

Healing Benefits: Reduces stress, relieves pain, sore and tight muscles, digestion problems. Helps to fight tonsillitis, colds, flu, and viral infections. Supports weight loss.

Chakra: Third Eye Chakra (stimulates psychic awareness and intuition). 

Safety Data: A skin-patch test (see massage section in application methods chapter) is necessary because of the potential for skin irritation as the toxic rating is II.

Warning: Phellandrene, 1,8 cineole, and methyl eugenol are the toxic components. Bay shouldn't be taken when nursing a baby or when pregnant. Use caution when using essential oils that contain more than 10% of 1,8 cineole, eucalyptpol, or cajuputol (from GC/MS report). 1,8 cineole especially sensitizes children. Avoid applying to the nose, eyes, or face with full strength. For children younger than ten, don't let diffusion last longer than fifteen minutes in a well-ventilated environment. NEVER apply any essential oil, even if diluted, to a baby's face or a child younger than ten-years old. Using bay leaf oil when diabetic may not be safe due to possible disruption with blood sugar regulation. The central nervous system (CNS) may be slowed down. When used with anesthesia and/or other drugs before and after surgery, there is a chance the combination will cause the CNS to slow down excessively. It is advised to cease using bay leaf medication at least two weeks before the planned operation. For emergency surgeries, be sure to inform your medical doctor that you are taking this essential oil.

Do not use undiluted. Do not take internally unless under the care of a professional aromatherapist.

In a Reiki healing session for a client who is having problems relaxing during meditation I might mix a diffuser blend of 3 drops of bay, 3 drops of lavender, and 4 drops of sweet orange, and Reiki-charge it with the intention of relaxing meditation. Lavender is both calming and stimulating. It works with the third eye chakra in clearing the mind. Sweet orange is uplifting and calming. It can stimulate self-confidence in the solar plexus chakra. Sometimes when we are having difficulty meditating, a little boost in the self-confidence area can be helpful.

Bay oil has a light, olive-to-light yellow color and has a robust, spicy, sweet, and slightly medicinal aroma that also blends well with bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, juniper, lavender, neroli, nutmeg, petitgrain, pine, rosemary, and vetiver.

References

Heath, M. (1996). Ceridwen’s handbook of incense, oils, and candles: Being a Guide to the Magickal and Spiritual Uses of Oils, Incense, Candles, and the Like.

Lattin, A. (n.d.). Introduction to Essential Oil Chemistry. In American College of Healthcare Sciences.

Lawless, J. (1995). The illustrated encyclopedia of essential oils : the complete guide to the use of oils in aromatherapy and herbalism. http://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BA57263003

Loughran, J., & Bull, R. (2000). Aromatherapy and subtle energy techniques: Compassionate Healing with Essential Oils. Frog Books.

Petersen, D. (2020). Aromatherapy Materia Medica Essential Oil Monographs. American College of Healthcare Sciences.

Petersen, D. & ACHS Aromatherapy Department. (2020). Therapeutic Action Guide (20th Edition). American College of Healthcare Sciences.

Schiller, D., & Schiller, C. (1996). Aromatherapy for mind & body. Sterling Publishing Company Incorporated.

Picture Credit

anandasandra. (2017). Laurrel Laurus Nobilis [Photo]. Pixabay.

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