Tables
Bay essential oil (CT Laurus nobilis)
Bay in aromatherapy
In aromatherapy, bay essential oil is valued for its broad spectrum of action. It has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It helps alleviate symptoms of chronic fatigue, absent-mindedness, and overwork, and is suitable for colds. It accelerates cell renewal, is used to treat acne, wounds, and scratches, and relieves gum inflammation. Due to its many positive properties, it is often used to freshen hard soaps and is often found as an ingredient in hair cosmetics (e.g. hair tonics). It is also often found in men’s cosmetics (e.g. perfumes, aftershave tonics).
The essential oil is colorless or slightly yellowish in color, and is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves, which are harvested in October and November. The dominant chemical component is 1.8 cineole. The smell is very penetrating and intense. 50 kg of leaves are needed to produce 1 kg of laurel essential oil.
Laurel as a plant
Laurel probably originates from the Mediterranean or Asia Minor, and has been used in various forms since ancient times. This evergreen tree has small, yellowish, star-shaped flowers, which produce black, fleshy berries. It is best known for its lanceolate, dark green, smooth and strongly aromatic leaves, which are widely used in cooking and household.
Laurel in history and mythology
Throughout history, laurel has been associated with prestige, victory, power and authority. The laurel wreath belonged to victorious Roman generals and winners of sporting competitions. Later, it is found as a symbol of power among Roman emperors. In Greek mythology, laurel is associated with Apollo – because of his strong love, which she wanted to escape, the nymph Daphne turned into a laurel. Laurel is also a symbol of poetry.
– Botanical name: Laurus nobilis
– Extraction: steam distillation of leaves
– Smell: aromatic, camphoraceous, lemony, spicy
– Scent intensity: distinct
– Note: low
– Maximum RIFM concentration: up to 2 % (1 to max. 4 drops per 10 ml)
MIXES WELL WITH: rosemary, thyme, lavender…
RECEPTIONS:
Vaporizer or diffuser (for a beneficial effect on the respiratory system)
2 drops of essential oil (k EO) of laurel
1 k EO of eucalyptus
2 k EO of boswellia
Tonic (after shave)
2 k EO of laurel
2 k EO of Roman chamomile
2 k EO of juniper
Vaporizer or diffuser (for a good morning)
3 k EO of laurel
2 k EO of spearmint
2 k EO of orange
