Bay Leaf
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Laurus nobilis
Lauraceae
Mediterranean bay, sweet bay
South-West Turkey
Wild harvested
Steam distillation
Gökova, Turkey
February 2024
Leaves
Middle/top
5 years
Description
Mediterranean bay is an evergreen tree which grows up to 20 meters. Its leaves are green/dark green, glossy, 5-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide and fruits are black, small and olive-like. It is indigenous to the Mediterranean but widely cultivated in Europe and USA as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Dried leaves are commonly used in soups, sauces and stews in Mediterranean and North American cuisines, as well as natural insect repellent for kitchens and pantries. Both the leaves and berries as well as the essential oil of the Mediterranean bay are also known for their medicinal properties.
Heritage Rooted in Honor and Tradition
Historically, the Mediterranean bay holds deep cultural significance, revered by ancient scholars, warriors, poets, and athletes who wore bay leaf wreaths as a symbol of honour in ancient Greece and Rome. Widely celebrated in Mediterranean and North American cuisines, dried bay leaves add rich, aromatic flavours to soups, sauces, and stews. But their benefits don't stop at the kitchen. They also serve as a natural insect repellent, making them essential for your pantry. Beyond culinary uses, both the leaves and berries, along with their essential oil, have long been prized for their medicinal properties.
Pure Aromatic Excellence
Goya Botanicals Bay Leaf Essential Oil is extracted through gentle, unpressurized steam distillation, ensuring the purest essence of these wild, ancient trees. High in 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), it boasts a fresh, fruity, and herbaceous aroma—perfect for both aromatic and therapeutic use.
Uses & Benefits
Bay leaves have been used to treat a variety of ailments, from gastrointestinal and urinary issues to rheumatism and diarrhea. In Persian tradition, they’ve been trusted to address more complex conditions like epilepsy, neuralgia, and Parkinson’s disease.
Today, bay leaf essential oil is a versatile solution across multiple industries, including medicine, food, and cosmetics. Its proven antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties make it a valuable asset for health and wellness. The oil is known to alleviate discomfort from hemorrhoids, ease rheumatic pain, and soothe dermatitis. Research has also highlighted its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and even antitumor benefits, making it a potent tool for both therapeutic and preventative care.
In the cosmetics world, bay leaf essential oil is a go-to ingredient for soap and hair products due to its natural antidandruff effect. Not only does it nourish the skin and scalp, but it also serves as a botanical biopesticide in postharvest crop protection, proving its sustainability and versatility.
Technical Documents
References & Disclaimer
Essential oils are highly concentrated, powerful herbal extracts derived from various plant sources. Due to their potent chemical compositions, they may exhibit strong biological and physiological effects on the body. The above information is drawn from available scientific research and traditional knowledge, as referenced in the accompanying list of sources. It is important to note that this content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any health condition.
While essential oils have been used for centuries in wellness practices, their effects can vary widely depending on factors such as individual health, application methods, and the specific oil in question. Therefore, Goya Botanicals does not assume responsibility for any adverse effects or harm that may result from the use of, or reliance upon, the information provided here. We strongly encourage users to consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating essential oils into any health regimen, especially in cases of pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy, or for use with children.
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Aqili-Khorasani, M.S. (1992). Collection of Drugs (Materia Media). Enqelab-e-Eslami Publishing and Educational Organization, Tehran, Iran, pp. 624–630.
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Bakkali, F., Averbeck, S., Averbeck, D., Idaomar, M. (2008). Biological effects of essential oils: A review. Food. Chem. Toxicol, 46, 446–75.
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Zargari, A. (1990). Medicinal Plants, Vol. IV. Tehran University Press, Tehran, pp. 325-328.
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Kilic, A., Hafizoglu, H., Kollmannsberger, H., Nitz, S. (2004). Volatile constituents and key odorants in leaves, bud, flowers and fruits of Laurus nobilis L. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 52, 1601–1606.
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Sayyah M., Saroukhani G., Peirovi A., Kamalinejad M. (2003) Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf essential oil of Laurus nobilis Linn. Phytother. Res., 17, 733–36.
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Demir V., Guhan T., Yagcioglu A.K., Degirmencioglu A. (2004). Mathematical modelling and the determination of some quality parameters of air-dried bay leaves. Biosystems Engineering, 88, 325-355.
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Kivçak, B., Mert, T. (2002). Preliminary evaluation of cytotoxic properties of Laurus nobilis leaf extracts. Fitoterapia, 73(3), 242-3.
