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Bay Leaf (whole) - Laurus nobilis

1/2 Oz
£1.19
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NOTE: 1/2 Oz Increment!

Medicinally, the leaves of the Laurus Nobilis tree, also known as Sweet Laurel, have been used since the ancient times to treat problems associated with the liver, stomach, and kidneys. They were also used for treating bee and wasp stings. Nowadays, herbalists use bay leaves for treating various health complaints.

Here are some ways in which bay leaves are used today: Coughs & Colds: Placing a cloth soaked in water in which bay leaves have been boiled provides relief from cough, cold, bronchitis and chest infections.

  • Fever: Bay leaves infusion promotes sweating, breaking a fever, and flu symptoms.
  • Digestion: Bay leaves are used for treatment of digestive disorders. They reduce flatulence.
  • Diabetes:
    A study was conducted by the Department of Human Nutrition, Pakistan, to test the effect of bay leaf on type 2 diabetes. Forty people with type 2 diabetes were chosen for the study. They were divided into four groups and each group was given different quantities of bay leaf. At the end of the 30-day study, it was observed that all the subjects showed a marked increase in serum glucose. The conclusion was that using bay leaf reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 diabetes.
    A similar study was conducted at the Department of Medical Technology, Zarqa Private University, Jordan. Similar to the above study, all subjects showed a remarkable decrease in levels of plasma glucose. Bad cholesterol levels also dropped. The conclusion of this study was that bay leaf not only improves insulin function, but also reduces cardiovascular disease risks.
  • Magical:
    Sacred to Apollo, god of healing, poetry, music, light, prophecy, and surprisingly, plague. It is sometimes called Daphne because of the ancient Greek story featuring Apollo. The nymph Daphne was the daughter of the earth, Gaia, and the river, Peneus. She admired the goddess Diana and, like her, enjoyed the woods and hunting. She refused all suitors and wished to remain unmarried, as Diana did. Her father supported her in this. Apollo fell in love with her, but she did not want him. The more he pursued her, the more she ran from him. When he was about to catch her, she asked her father the river for help, and he turned her into a bay tree. Apollo said that if he could not have her for his love, he would have at least the leaves of the tree to decorate his harp and wear as a crown. That's why in ancient times, crowns for military victors were made of bay leaves.

    It was used to roof the Temple at Delphi, which was the location of the famous oracle. In modern times, people will inhale the scent of these burning leaves is said to help increase psychic ability. Witches often stuff dream pillows with bay to help encourage divinatory dreams.

    This herb makes a nice incense when mixed either with sandalwood (Mercury) or with other Sun substances like frankincense or cedar.

    Because of bay leaves' association with love, they are also combined with various other herbs to make a handfasting incense, and it is said to attract lovers, especially men, probably because of the myth about Daphne.

    You can make a good oil for dressing candles or blessing musical instruments (which are ruled by Apollo) by crumpling or grinding the herb and infusing them in Sun-warmed oil (sunflower would be a nice Sun oil to use--add a couple drops of vitamin E to help preserve it). Bay leaves are protective of the home and person (when worn as an amulet).

    During the waxing moon, wishes can be written on the leaves, which are then burned on the Full Moon to empower the wish.

    • Availability: 33 In Stock