Next time you’re wandering amongst sculptures and spot a leafy-looking crown adorning the head of an heroic statue, there’s a strong chance it’s representing Laurus nobilis leaves.
Bay laurel and Grecian laurel are other names by which Laurus nobilis is known. These leaves were traditionally used by the Ancient Greeks as a botanical graduation cap for scholars and a victory crown for – well, for victors.
The humble bay leaf has seasoned many a casserole you’ve eaten so far in your lifetime with no doubt many more to come. It’s one of the key herbs tied up with string as the perennial classic bouquet garni, along with parsley and thyme.
Laurus nobilis essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of this large, aromatic evergreen shrub.
It’s part of the flowering plant family Lauraceae, which it shares with cassia, cinnamon bark, Ishpingo (a gorgeous, exotic plant in Ecuador), ravintsara and rosewood.
The primary constituent of Laurus nobilis oil is 1,8-Cineole, aka Eucalyptol (40-50%). Bring to mind the popular uses of eucalyptus (hello, eucalyptus and honey lollies!!) and this gives you some clues as to what bay oil can be good for.
In folk medicine, the leaves and berries were used as a general tonic to foster enjoyable meal times. Nowadays in your busy modern life, try diffusing Laurus nobilis oil as a scent aperitif. If you do this at dinner parties, your guests will either marvel at you being ahead of the curve or conclude that you’re bonkers, but hopefully more of the former than latter. And it’s infinitely preferable to a scented candle that’s filled with synthetics and potentially harmful irritants.
A multitude of benefits are offered by this essential oil. So as always, please be sure to research its more specific uses in your favourite trusty essential oils reference book to tap into the full range of its diverse applications.
This will also connect you up with The Good Oil Team for our personal support and coaching. We'd love to help you on your journey to vibrant well-being the natural way!
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Aromatically, Laurus nobilis oil is spicy and somewhat camphorous.
Diffusing this around your home and office will be both relaxing and uplifting, so it’s a great chill out tool.
But don’t assume that chilling out with Laurus nobilis means you’re dialling up Sloth Mode! It’s also uplifting, so combine that with feeling relaxed and it’s a great way to get into a highly productive zone.
If you want to follow the lead of the Ancient Greeks, be inspired by their donning of success stories with crowns of these leaves, both academically and out on the more gladiatorial plains! Diffuse Laurus nobilis when you’re studying and boost your confidence and courage when you want to take on new challenges. It’s also been found to help creativity, so if you keep staring at a two year old flyer for pottery classes every time you open the fridge, inhale Laurus nobilis to move those wishful but dragging feet forwards.
Insects give this oil the wide berth, so diffusing it can also serve as a lovely non-toxic spicy-fresh-scented repellent shield. Bonus points!
You’ll notice I’ve only talked so far about diffusing and inhaling this oil.
It can certainly be topically applied, but it can potentially bring up sensitivity or irritation with delicate skin, so always be sure to dilute it well with a good quality carrier oil like Young Living V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Complex if you’re going to apply it to your chakras or Vita Flex points.
Young Living includes Laurus nobilis in its fabulous Breathe Again™ Roll-On, along with Eucalyptus Blue (grown and distilled on Young Living’s own farm in Ecuador), Eucalyptus staigeriana, globulus and radiata plus peppermint, copaiba, myrtle and rosehip fruit oil.
It’s ready-to-go in a base of coconut oil so you don’t need further dilution unless your own skin sensitivities tell you so. This roll-on is an awesome portable way to use essential oils. Keep it handy in the winter months when fresh air support is extra-vital.
And if you’re out in the garden or camping, Breathe Again™ Roll-on is a good way to keep those bugs at bay.
My preferred source of essential oils and diffusers is Young Living. Not all oils are created equal. Quality varies immensely, so please ensure you are choosing a brand with complete transparency from seed to seal, such as Young Living. Discover why we love them so much in this short video.
Essential oils are potent, so as always, please follow directions on the bottle and the usual guidelines for safe use of authentic essential oils.
This will also connect you up with The Good Oil Team for our personal support and coaching. We'd love to help you on your journey to vibrant well-being the natural way!
Any questions? Please get in touch via our Contact page.
