Bay Laurel
|
Botanical Name |
Laurus nobilis |
|
Family |
Lauraceae |
|
Other Names |
Baie Daphne, grecian laurel, hero's crown, Indian bay, lorbeer, laurier d'apollon, laurier sauce, poet’s laurel, roman laurel, sweet bay, sweetleaf |
|
Habitat |
Scrub |
|
Description |
Evergreen tree or shrub. Maximum 7m/23ft. Stem-solid, round, purple - brown at 1st then becoming more woody. Leaves-pointed, oval, aromatic, dark green, leathery up to7cm long 2.5cm wide. Flowers-small yellow flowers early spring March-April followed by purplish/black berries. |
|
Native to |
Mediterranean |
|
Cultivated in |
France, Spain, Morocco, Yugoslavia, China, Israel, Turkey, Russia cultivated in Britain since 16th century |
|
Part Used |
Leaves, wood, essential oil |
|
Cultivation |
Sunny position, may not survive British winters outdoors. Well drained soil, protected from wind |
|
Harvesting |
Leaves gathered anytime |
|
Preserving |
Dried, or in vinegar |
|
Actions |
Antirheumatic, antiseptic, bactericidal, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, fungicidal, hypotensive, sedative, stimulant, stomachic |
|
Constituents |
Cineal 30-50%, pinene, linalol, terpineol acetate, methyl eugenol Volatile oil (up to 3%) containing cineole, linalool, alpha pinene, alpha terpineol acetate, sabinene, limonene, methyleugenol, p-cymene, thuj-2-en-4-ol Sesquiterpenes –costunolide, eremanthine, zalauzanin C and D, reynosin, santamarine, isolariciresinol, shizandraside |
|
Digestive |
Dyspepsia, flatulence, loss of appetite |
|
Genito-urinary |
Scanty periods |
|
Immune |
Colds, flu, tonsillitis |
|
Other Uses |
Cosmetics. Toiletries, aftershaves, food, soft drinks |
|
Other Notes |
Symbolises bravery and learning Greeks and Romans used the berries in the crowns of victors The term Bachelor (awarded for degrees) may be derived from baccalaureus or laurel berry It was a symbol of immortality in Ancient Greece and Rome Sacred to the gods Apollo and his son Asclepius the god of medicine It is said to protect against witchcraft |
|
Caution |
Do not take internally. Do not use when pregnant Use in moderation |