Bay
- Dilute well to avoid skin irritation, especially a person who has sensitive or allergy - prone skin.
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| Bay |
| Origins | Roman emperors wore sprigs of bay not only as a sign of wealth, but to ward off evil spirits. Greek priestesses chewed the leaves for their soporific effect, and after gastronomic banquets it was chewed as a breath freshener. |
| Description | Popular as a culinary herb, bay is an attractive evergreen shrub whose shiny leathery leaves produce clusters of yellowish-green flowers in spring. The spicy-smelling oil is extracted from the leaves and is yellowish-brown in colour. |
| Therapeutic effects | As a pulmonary antiseptic, it helps relieve bronchitis, colds and flu. Also used to aid digestion and sleep, to soothe rheumatic aches and pains, and as a general tonic. |
| Uses | Inhalation, baths and massage. Widely used in perfume and exotic bath essences for its uplifting effects. |
| Blending note | Blends well with cypress, hyssop, lavender, lemon, neroli, rosemary. |
| Cautionary note | - Do
not use during pregnancy. - Dilute well to avoid skin irritation, especially a person who has sensitive or allergy - prone skin. |
| * This image is 'eye candy' it does not represent the actual plant. | |