Laurel Leaf Essential Oil (Laurus nobilis)

Admired for its beautiful and aromatic leaves since the Greek & Roman renaissance, this evergreen shrub is native to Mediterranean countries. Representing victory, Bay Laurel as a medicine to these cultures for thousands of years to aid with aches, pains & is used for flavoring in many cultural dishes.

• Abortifacient
• Aids in Menstrual Initiation (Emmenagogue)
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-tumor
• Astringent
• Bug Repellent
• Digestive Aid (Stomachic)
• Rheumatism
• Stimulant

Aromatic Scent: Herbaceous with sweet & spicy overtones ~ Strong, intense camphoraceous, cooling, refreshing, with phenolic clove-like companion notes.

Dr. Nick Notes

Laurel leaf is an incredibly potent, broad-spectrum anti-microbial agent that boasts comprehensive digestive support and aids in respiratory infections. Laurel essential oil is one of my first exploratory investments when I started experimenting with essential oils under John Steele’s guidance, wisdom and expansive apothecary. Laurel essential oil makes for a cool, dry, respiratory ingredient that is useful in reducing congestion or excessive phlegm.

Laurel offers moderately potent counter-irritant properties when applied topically and can be used for mild pains, aches or bouts of arthritis. With the potency of this essential oil, it’s important to dilute this Laurel into a carrier oil before topical application on the joints or chest to avoid irritation. During upset stomach or bloating, Laurel can be inhaled or applied to the abdomen (diluted) with a circular massage to address stomach upset.

Some friends in Ashland, Oregon once took me to their distillation facility and I had the opportunity to purchase some wildharvested Laurel essential oil. When exposed to the distillation of Laurel, I recognized the pungent, camphorous notes and the wild edge laurel expresses – the hydrosol makes for a wonderful mouthwash alone or in conjunction with water!

How to Use

• Add a few drops in a hot bath to help support rheumatic aches and pains
• For topical application, dilute in a carrier oil using 2.5% max and 0.5% for those with sensitive skin
• Add to a room diffuser using a couple drops for respiratory and asthmatic relief (recommended to blend with other oils due to it's abrasive nature)
• Topically for pain, inflammation, or colds onto the chest, see dilution above!
• Infuse with eucalyptus, howood, ravensara or peppermint for a potent respiratory tonic - use the palm-inhalation method or an Essential VAAAPP.

~ Be Blessed ~

Precautions:  To be avoided during pregnancy; known to induce periods and abortions. The oil is to be diluted before external application.

Blends Well With: Allspice (CO2), Sweet Basil, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Himalayan Cedar, Cypress, Eucalyptus Radiata, Geranium, Ginger, Howood, Juniper, Lavender, Oregano, Peppermint, Pine, Ravensara, Rose, Rosemary, Mountain Savory, Sweet Marjoram, Tea Tree, Thyme, Blue Yarrow, Ylang Ylang

Cultivation: Organic | Wild
Country of Origin: France | Turkey
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Parts of Plant Used: Leaves

Terpenes: 1,8-Cineole, Pinene, Terpinyl acetate, Linalool, Sabinene, Methyleugenol, Eugenol, Camphene, Linalyl Acetate, Terpinen-4-ol, Terpineol, Myrcene, Borneol, Caryophyllene, Terpinolene, y-Terpinene

References

Simon, J.E., A.F. Chadwick and L.E. Craker. 1984. Herbs: An Indexed Bibliography. 1971-1980. The Scientific Literature on Selected Herbs, and Aromatic and Medicinal Plants of the Temperate Zone. Archon Books, 770 pp., Hamden, CT

Tisserand, R., Young, R., & Williamson, E. M. (2014). Essential oil safety: a guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.

Basak, S. S., & Candan, F. (2013). Effect of Laurus nobilis L. Essential Oil and its Main Components on α-glucosidase and Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Activity. Retrieved October 30, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813252/

* The information provided on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only and reflects historical, cultural, and experiential perspectives. This product has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual experiences may vary. Always use personal discernment and consult a qualified healthcare professional when appropriate, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. *