Laurus Nobilis – AKA Laurel

Laurel (Bay or Sweet Bay)

Botanical Family: Lauraceae

Extraction Method/Origin: Steam distilled from leaves—France

Chemical Constituents: Oxides: 1,8 cineol (up to 50%); Alcohols: linalol (>15%), α-terpineol (<10%), borneol, geraniol, cis-thujanol-4; Monoterpenes (up to 28%): α and β-pinenes (<18%), sabinene (>10%), limonene; Esters: α-terpinyl acetate (up to 10%), bornyl, geranyl & linalyl acetates (<10%); Phenols: eugenol (<9%), terpinen-4-ol (<3%); Lactones: costunolide (<2%), artemorine, laurensolide; Sesquiterpenes: β-caryophyllene, humulene, β-elemene, phellandrene.

Properties: Antiseptic, digestive, diuretic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory.

Folklore: Ancient Greek and Roman generals would wear crowns of laurel leaves when victorious in battle. Both the Greeks and the Romans believed that the laurel tree had great powers of divination and prophecy and that all one had to do to avoid thunder and lightning or evil spirits was to run under a laurel tree.

Historical Uses: Both the leaves and the black berries were also used to alleviate colic, indigestion, and loss of appetite. During the Middle Ages, laurel was used for angina pectoris, asthma, fever, gout, migraine, palpitations, and liver and spleen complaints. Laurel has also been used as a fragrance component in cosmetics and perfumes.

Other Possible Uses: Laurel oil is primarily produced in the country formerly known as Yugoslavia. Laurel may help with loss of appetite, asthmatic conditions, chronic bronchitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, flu, hair loss (after an infection), pediculosis, scabies, and viral infections.

Body System(s) Affected: Digestive, Immune, and Respiratory Systems.

Application: Apply to Vita Flex Points and/or directly on area of concern; diffuse.

Oral Use As Dietary Suppliment: Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for human consumption by the FDA. Dilute one drop oil in 1 tsp. honey or in 4 oz. of beverage (i.e. soy/rice milk). Not for children under 6 years old; use with caution and in greater dilution for children 6 years old and over.

Safety Data: Repeated use can possibly result in contact sensitization. Moderate use is recommended. Avoid during pregnancy.

Odor: Type: Top to Middle Notes (20–80% of the blend); Scent: Sweet, fresh, spicy, camphorous, medicinal; Intensity: 3.