Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil Benefits & Uses

Overview Of Bay Laurel Leaf Oil

An evergreen herb with many benefits, bay leaf essential oil can work miracles for the body, mind, and hair. Find out why you should incorporate bay leaf oil into your everyday life to remedy body aches, speed up wound healing and boost your hair growth.

What Is Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil?

Bay laurel leaf (often shortened to just bay leaf) is an evergreen shrub from the plant Laurus nobilis native to the Mediterranean regions and the Black Sea regions. It is now mostly cultivated in the European continent as an everyday ingredient for food and personal care, but in ancient times, the bay leaf plant was believed to have magical properties that kept evil and diseases at bay. Common names of the bay leaf are laurel leaf and sweet bay.

Regarded as highly sacred and valuable by the ancient Greeks and Romans, bay leaf represented victory and nobility. Today, bay leaf essential oil's numerous medicinal properties have made it a natural remedy for health issues and boosting immunity.

Bay leaf essential oil is often extracted through the steam distillation of its leaves and stems. This extraction method is the most effective way to harness the “essence” of the plant and help its benefits shine through.

What does Bay laurel leaf essential oil smell like? This oil has a pepper or clove-like sweet spicy aroma.

(Fact – Bay Laurel Essential Oil and Bay Essential oil (Pimenta racemosa) are different oils. However, bay laurel essential oil is often mentioned here as bay oil.)

Name	Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil
Botanical Name	Laurus nobilis
Native to	Mediterranean region
Properties	Anti-neuralgic, antispasmodic, aperitif, astringent, cholagogic, febrifuge, sedative, stomachic, sudorific and stimulant
Main ingredients	Alpha-pinene, beta pinene, chavicol, geranyl acetate, eugenol, sabinene, beta linalool, terpinene-4-ol
Aroma	Fruity, herbaceous and camphor like
Blends well with	Bergamot, cedarwood, lemon, eucalyptus, wild orange, coriander, geranium, juniper, thyme, rosemary and ylang ylang essential oils
Category	Herbaceous
Substitute	Basil, thyme and juniper berry essential oil

16 Benefits of Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the numerous therapeutic benefits of this versatile citrus oil. Here’s a quick guide to get you started on this plant’s many benefits.

It’s An Antiseptic

An essential oil that is naturally antibacterial, bay leaf essential oil is the perfect addition to your home's first aid kids. This antiseptic essential oil can help clean wounds, cuts, and scrapes to prevent septic infection while also speeding up the healing process.

It Eases Pain

Bay laurel essential oil from the bay tree is known to have analgesic qualities, which can provide pain relief for achy muscles and joints. Rubbing this oil over sore muscles or temples can ease post-workout pain as well as alleviate migraines.

It Helps With Appetite Loss

Exuding a fresh, appetizing scent, bay leaf oil is also an aperitif that helps improve appetite, making it a must-have for those who struggle to meet their nutritional requirements. Diffusing it can help promote hunger and prevent acute dietary deficiencies.(1)

It Supports Healthy Hair And Scalp

An astringent essential oil, bay leaf is the perfect companion to boost hair growth and strengthen brittle hair. Applying this essential oil on the scalp with carrier oils can moisturize and prevent dandruff and flaky scalps.

Say No To Biotic Growth

Biotic growth refers to the growth of microbes, fungi and bacteria in the body. The antibiotic properties of the laurel leaf oil inhibit the growth of these pathogens thereby protecting the body against ailments. It is also used in the making of therapeutic soaps.

Ebru SebnemYilmaz, Mahir Timur and Belma Aslim published their study on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of bay laurel leaf essential oil in 2013. Their conclusion was that bay laurel leaf essential oil had both these properties, although they were less potent than other synthetic antioxidants. (2)

Another research accepted in 2017 found out the antifungal nature in bay laurel leaf essential oil. It was found that the antifungal properties in the oil were potent. (3)

Stop Convulsions with Bay Oil

Spasms can be a small twitch to something as serious as convulsions. Nervous affliction, diarrhea and whooping cough are all because of spasms in the body because of the extreme contraction of muscles, intestines and respiratory tract. If excessive, these spasms can prove fatal. Regular use of the oil will provide relief from spasms because of its antispasmodic properties. In traditional use, this oil was rubbed on the tummy for respite.

Want To Know How To Lower Symptoms Of Neuralgia?

Neuralgia indicates towards damaged nerves and can cause severe pain. It happens when the blood vessels put pressure on the ninth cranial nerve or the glossopharyngeal. The pressure is the result of excitement, shouting laughing etc. So, which properties of bay essential oil are responsible for treating neuralgia? Its astringent, nervine and analgesic properties are responsible for soothing the blood vessels and nerves, thus giving relief from neuralgia.

Would You like To Get Relief From Pain Naturally?

Apply the organic oil of bay laurel tree on the affected region. The analgesic properties of the oil provide pain relief, naturally. It can be used to subdue physical pain and soreness, coughs and colds. Its soothing nature is also good for skin irritation.

Not Feeling Hungry? Try This Solution

Loss of appetite can be because of many reasons – hectic lifestyle, underlying health issues or mental health issues. Loss of appetite coupled with unhealthy eating habits can result in severe long-term health complications. To increase hunger an aperitif such as laurel leaves oil is useful. Simply apply the oil on the abdomen and enjoy your delicious food. Inhaling its camphoraceous aroma also induces hunger.

Hold Your Teeth, Hair and More Tightly

The steam distilled oil’s astringent properties cause it to contract the skin cells and tissues more tightly. This property has several uses. It is used to tighten the hair and teeth; it is used to tighten the skin, thus maintaining its elasticity; and, it contracts blood vessels, thus stopping hemorrhaging.

Definitely Fights Infections

The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of the essential oil are useful when applied on wounds and cuts as it stops infections. It can hence be used to treat cold and flu, coughs and fever, and conditions such as athlete’s foot and tapeworms. After an active day’s work, a bath with warm water added with a drop of the herbal oil cleanses the whole body. (However, this oil must not be considered as a substitute for any treatment.)

Wanna Sweat More?

Sweating is good (except if you are suffering from hyperhidrosis). Sweat removes excess salts and toxins from the body, thus building up the immune system. It is a cheap detoxifier. It also brings down body temperature. Bay oil, being a sudorific, causes the body the sweat.

Don’t Be bothered By Pests Anymore

Another property of this oil that is useful is its ability to drive away flies and insects. It is used in fumigants and insect repellants.

Maintain Oral Health

Although not a popular choice in oral healthcare like peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil, bay leaf can be used for its antimicrobial properties. It can be blended with lavender oil for a better after effect in the mouth.

Get Normal Menses

The essential oil of bay leaf is high in folic acid and is useful in treating delayed and obstructed menses. It also reduces discomfort and cramps. However, consult a gynecologist about using the oil during pregnancy.

May Prove Useful in the Fight Against Cancer

Preliminary studies have shown positive results of using bay leaf and bay laurel oil in the treatment of breast cancer. However, it is too soon to vehemently state its positive effect on cancer treatment, as these properties have not been evaluated by the scientists. Au contraire, this oil has carcinogenic properties because of its compounds and hence must not be used on young children.

Bay Leaf Essential Oil Uses

Want to get the most out of this refreshing and herbaceous scent for its hair-boosting benefits? Here is how you can incorporate bay leaf oil and add it to your daily routine.

Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil For Hair

1. It Is A Natural Hair Conditioner

Laurel leaf essential oil from the laurel tree is filled with antioxidants that can help with taming hair and restoring its shine. Apply it to the hair with a carrier oil to flaunt smoother and fuller locks.

2. It Fights Bacterial And Fungal Infection Of The Scalp

Bay leaf essential oil is perfect for tackling scalp issues and psoriasis, as it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can remedy fungal infections. Try applying it to your scalp with a carrier oil to restore scalp health and improve hair growth.

3. It Fights Dandruff And Itchy Scalp

This natural oil is a wonder at tackling dandruff and itchy scalps. Cleansing and refreshing, it helps remove flakes and helps regulate natural hair oil, keeping the scalp free of dandruff and itches.

4. It Helps Regrow Hair

Perfect for boosting hair growth, laurel leaf essential oil helps strengthen brittle hair to prevent excessive hair loss. Stimulating for the scalp, it promotes hair growth by gently improving follicle strength for greater hair growth.

5. Relaxing Head Massage

Applying the essential oil with a carrier oil on the scalp is not only good for the hair, but also for the mind. Laurel leaf oil is known to have tranquilizing effect. It is massaged on the head to increase blood circulation and transfers nutrients to the roots.

How To Use Bay Laurel Leaf Oil

There are many ways to harness the benefits of laurel leaf essential oil. Some people do it through direct inhalation from the bottle, while others incorporate it with carrier oils to make it friendly on the skin and hair. Here’s how you can incorporate this herbaceous and refreshing oil into your everyday life.

Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil For Sinus and Nasal Congestion

Everyone dreads sinus and nasal congestion no matter the season, be it a pollen allergy or the cold winter air. Luckily, laurel leaf essential oil is perfect for clearing airways and leaving your atmosphere more comfortable and breathable. It’s antibacterial and cleansing by nature, so diffusing it around your home can help purify the air from congestion-causing bacteria and improve breathing for carefree comfort 24/7.

To purify the air around your living and working spaces, add 1—3 drops of bay leaf oil into a vaporizer and diffuse it into the air. Alternatively, you could also inhale it directly from the bottle for instant relief from congested airways.

Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil For Pain Relief

A potent pain reliever, applying it onto your forehead can relieve headaches, and massaging it on sore muscles can bring about almost instant pain relief. Because it is a plant with analgesic properties, bay laurel leaf is perfect for easing aches and pains.

Direction To Use:
To make your own ache relief rub, add 1—3 drops of bay leaf essential oil to a carrier oil and massage away for instant relief and a daily pick-me-up.

Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil In An Aroma Diffuser

Though it is normal to inhale the scent of bay laurel leaf oil straight from the bottle, diffusers are a better way to help spread essential oils into the air for a calming atmosphere that lasts all day. Here are some tips when using laurel leaf oil with an aroma diffuser.

Direction To Use:

Set it up according to the manufacturer's instructions
Place it at least 2-feet above the ground to get the full benefits
Fill the tank with filtered water to reduce mineral buildup and to prolong the life of your diffuser
Don’t skimp on the essential oil! Remember, adding more oil makes the scent last longer. Most people add about 3 to 15 drops per 100ml of water
Experiment and mix & match essential oils to tailor your own unique blend of scent
Take time to explore your own diffuser and find a spray setting that suits your fancy

The aromatic molecules of this botanical marvel relax the mind and if used during the early stages of depression may treat the mental ailment.

Safety When Using Bay Laurel Leaf Oil

Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and follow caution when using them to keep ourselves and loved ones safe from its side effects. Generally these oils are safe, but a few guidelines must be followed to avoid any adverse effects. Also, the oils are different, made up of different compounds. Some people may be allergic to certain compounds while others may be allergic to others. Concentrated oil must be bought after careful deliberation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
While buying essential oils be wary of the terms fragrance oil, perfume oil and natural identical oil.
The term pure essential oil can be widely seen on the bottles. These may be made from substandard sources.
Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients or compounds in the oil.
Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application.
Do not add too much of the oil in the diffuser.
Avoid using essential oils of sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
Keep it out of reach of kids and fur kids.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers must always consult their gynecologist about using concentrated plant oils, regardless of the type of oil.
Patients who have to undergo surgery or who have undergone surgery must stop using essential oils four weeks before and four weeks after surgery. Consult the doctor before resuming aromatherapy.
Do not diffuse the oil near kids and pets. Consult a doctor before doing so.
Some essential oils may trigger unwanted effects in pets. Consult an aromatherapist to know the oils that are safe for cats, dogs and other pets.
Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
Check the label to see if the oil is photo-toxic.
Always do a small patch test before topical application.
If aromatherapy is performed directly from the bottle, make sure that the oil does not touch the skin.
The common unwanted effects caused by essential oils up on topical application are rashes, redness and swelling.
If you show signs of irritation, stop use and consult a health professional.
Some essential oils cannot be used by people with kidney problems, whereas some essential oils cannot be used with blood disorders. It is always advisable to consult a doctor about your essential oil needs and predisposition for diseases.
The shelf life of essential oils is different. Check the label of the specific product to know the shelf life, the expiry date and storage method.

Recommended Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil Products

Want to add bay leaf oil to your everyday routine for an uplifting boost? Click the links below to add our 100% pure and natural bay leaf oils to your shopping cart.

WE RECOMMEND

Bay Leaf Essential Oil

Organic Bay Leaf Essential Oil

Frequently Asked Questions

3 Sources

Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil Uses for Skin, Hair, and Aromatherapy