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Bay (sweet bay)
Laurus nobilis

Botanical Classification bay

Family
Lauraceae

Genus and specie
Laurus nobilis

Other names
Bay, bay laurel and sweet bay.

Description of the herb bay kruie-produkte-ageless-herbal-products

A large shrub / small tree with thick foliage and dark purple berries, follow clusters of small, cream yellow flowers with prominent stamens in spring.
Parts used

The leaves and oil distilled from the leaves are used, but very rarely the fruit.
Properties

It is a spicy and bitter herb that is a stimulant that improves digestion and is a locally antiseptic.

The leaves contain isoquinoline alkaloids, aporphine alkaloids, flavonoids, lignan glycosides and sesquiterpene lactones, while the essential oil contains 1,8-cineole, eugenol, linalool, costunolide and deacetyllaurenbiolide as main ingredients.
Therapeutic uses dandruff, bruises, ulcers, scabies

Internal use
Herbalists use bay to
stimulate appetite
promote digestion
relieve colic
flatulence
A weak infusion of bay leaves (laurel) can be taken at meal times timprove digestion.
It is a popular herb tuse for flatulence, dyspepsia, and indigestion.
Historically it has been used for bladder and kidney ailments, but this has not been extensively researched.
Bay leaves are a vital ingredient of bouquet garni and are commonly added, tgive flavor to, sauces, soups, stock, stews and desserts.

External use
Bay is used externally for
treating dandruff
boosting hair growth
rheumatism
sprains
bruises
atonic ulcers
scabies.
Bay leaves are used in packing figs and licorice tdiscourage weevils.

Aromatherapy and essential oil use
Bay essential oil is a strong oil and although it is mildly narcotic, it has great benefit for helping with rheumatic pain and benefits the skin by toning it.
It is used tpromote hair growth and treat dandruff and is useful in dispersing bruises, inflammation and preventing scarring.
The essential oil, suitably diluted, is alshelpful for sprained limbs.
It has the following properties
analgesic
antiseptic
anti-spasmodic
aperitif
astringent
diuretic
febrifuge
emmenagogue
insecticide
stimulant
stomachic
tonic
It is alsincluded tflavor liqueurs, condiments and various meat products.

Bay

Safety precautions and warnings

The essential oil should be used in moderation and although adding fresh or dried bay leaves tyour bath is a great way tcreate a herbal bath, dnot add bay essential oil tthe bath water as it may irritate the mucus membranes.
Used in the following of our products herb