Strong, Spicy and Herbaceous, a traditional tonic for aches & pains
The Origins Of Bay Leaf Essential Oil
Bay Leaf is sometimes known as Laurel Leaf Essential Oil.
Bay is used to promote confidence and to go into new challenges in life with optimism and strength.
Bay Leaf Essential Oil has traditionally been used in tonics for aches and pains.
Extraction
The oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Laurus nobilis Tree
INCI
Laurus nobilis (Bay) Leaf Oil
Aromatherapy Uses
Bay Leaf Essential Oil is a warming oil and has an exceptionally high Eugenol content and although this should therefore be used with caution for those whose skin can easily be irritated, it has benefits for aches and pains in Aromatherapy.
Skin Uses
Bay leaf essential oil is often used in products to clear complexion
Hair Uses
Bay Leaf can be found in many commercial hair tonics to promote hair growth and healthy hair
Therapeutic Properties
Bay Leaf Essential Oil properties lie in the warming effect of the oil, which makes it suitable for aches and pains. It is often used in massage to help the digestive system and as part of a detoxifying procedure.
Bay Leaf Blends well with
Bay Leaf blends well with woods and the more citrus / fresh type oils. Good blending oils are Cedarwood, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Juniperberry, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme and Ylang Ylang
Precautions
The oil should be used very sparingly due to it's high eugenol content.
The Romans often bathed in Bay Leaves to purify the skin, a low dose in Carrier oil is best used in the bath.
When used for hair treatment, once again, keep Bay in low dose to your other oils to avoid scalp irritation.
Never use during pregnancy.
Understanding Oil Extraction Methods
What is Steam Distillation?
Steam Distillation is the most popular method of distillation of Essential oil. High pressure hot steam is passed through the plant material. The volatile compounds of the plant material are transferred to the steam and pass through a coil where they are cooled.
On cooling, the oil being lighter than water will separate from the water where it is possible to syphon off.
The remaining water becomes the floral water / hydrolat of the plant material.
What is Expression?
This is just like the process of peeling a citrus fruit. Effectively it is the cold processing of the fruit to extract the essential oil.
Primarily this technique is used on Citrus Essential Oils where the heat of steam would destroy the scent and properties.
Mechanical pressure is applied to the fruit and the resulting oil is the essential oi.
What is an Absolute?
Absolutes require solvent extraction in order to extract them.
Some plants are very difficult to extract the essential oil, either to produce a quality product or to obtain a yield which is economical. Examples of oils which are normally obtained by Solvent extraction are Vanilla, Jasmine and Rose.
Normally Organic ethanol is used to steep the flowers and then evaporated to leave just the concentrated absolute of the plant.
Important Information
Naturallythinking Essential oils are for external use only. We do not sell aromatherapy oils / products for internal use. The information contained on these pages is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Aromatherapy should not be used by those who are pregnant or under the supervision of a medical practitioner / doctor without consultation with the medical practitioner / doctor. If you have a medical condition or any worries, always consult with a doctor / medical practitioner first.