This sturdy evergreen tree is a native of West Indies, Venezuela and the Guianas. Nowadays the oil is obtained mostly from Morocco and Spain. The bay tree grows to about 10 meters (30 feet), has long aromatic lance-shaped leaves, small white-yellow flowers and black berries. Bay oil was very popular with the Romans, who thought that the herb was symbolic of wisdom, peace and protection. The Latin ‘Laudis’ means ‘to praise”, which is why the victors at the Olympic games were presented with a laurel (bay) wreath. In the past, bay leaves were distilled with rum and the “bay-rum” so obtained was a famous hair tonic and body rub for colds and muscle pains .

The leaves are collected from a tree that is at least 5 years old and are subjected to steam distillation (salt is often added or seawater used in the still). The extraction usually yields about 0.5-1.5%.

The therapeutic properties of bay oil include; antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-neuralgic, antispasmodic, aperitif, astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge, insecticide, cholagogue, sedative, stomachic, sudorific and tonic.

The chemical composition of bay oil includes; a-pinene, b-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, a-terpineol, geranyl acetate, eugenol and chavicol.

The benefit of bay oil lies in its calming and warming effect on emotions and general aches and pains, including rheumatic pains. It also settles the digestive system, excess gas and also acts as a tonic on the liver and kidneys. In small amounts it has a stimulating effect, while larger doses produce a sedating effect. Bay essential oil is also helpful with hair and scalp conditions and it is mostly used to combat hair loss and is used with success in treating sprains, strains and bruises.

Bay oil can be used in the treatment of rheumatism, neuralgia, muscular pain, circulation problems, colds, flu, dental infection, hair growth, general health of the scalp, diarrhea and skin infections.

In vapor therapy, bay oil can be used for an infection, for fever and general aches and pains. It can also trigger inspiration and has a calming effect on the mind.

As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, bay oil can assist with calming emotions and relieving aches and pains, especially when combined with rose and juniper, but care must be taken as it can irritate the mucus membranes.

Bay oil blends well with other oils including Cedarwood, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper berry, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme and Ylang-ylang.