Bay Laurel Hydrosol

Latin Binomial: Laurus nobilis
Plant Part: Leaves
Extraction: Steam Distilled
Growing Practice: Ethical
Country of Origin: USA

2 oz and 4 oz sizes are sold in colored glass bottles with a spritzer cap; the 8 oz size is sold in a colored bottle with a polycone cap.

Herbaceous with a spicy edge. Hydrosols are useful to help purify and brighten personal space-in a car or on an airplane. Bay Laurel Hydrosol is used in aromatherapy as a general tonic and immune booster. Topical use may help prevent infection.

BioChemical Class: oxide, esters, alcohol

Laurus nobilis from the family Lauraceae is native to the southern Mediterranean region. It is grown commercially for its aromatic leaves in Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, and Mexico.Bay laurel is a pyramid-shaped tree or large shrub with aromatic, evergreen leaves and shiny gray bark. It can reach 60 ft. in height in its native range, but generally is much smaller, 3-10 ft. tall. in culture. Bay laurel sometimes produces suckers from the base. The leaves are elliptic, 3-4 in. long, rather thick and leathery, and shiny dark green. Leaves have sharp edges and can easily cut. Clusters of small yellow flowers are produced in spring, followed, on the female plants, by shiny black or purple berries about 0.5 in. long.

Bay laurel is the true laurel of Greek and Roman mythology. A poet laureate is an accomplished poet, and the Roman poet, Ovid, retold the story of the Greek nymph, Daphne, who was transformed into a laurel tree by her father, Peneus, so that she could avoid the amorous pursuit of the god, Apollo. (Cupid had shot an arrow into the fair maiden's heart so that she would not love Apollo.) Thereafter, Apollo wore a wreath of laurel to show his love for Daphne. Laurel has always symbolized victory and merit, and a baccalaureate (baca lauri, Latin for "laurel berry") still is a symbol of accomplishment. Bay laurel has been credited with magical properties, like protecting from witches, the devil and lightning.

This product contains no preservative. Keep refrigerated. For external use only.

The information provided on these pages is not a substitute for necessary medical care, nor intended as medical advice. Always keep hydrosols tightly closed, refrigerated, and out of reach of children. If redness or irritation occurs when applied to the skin, stop using immediately and contact your health provider if necessary.