Description
Bay Leaf Essential Oil
Bay Leaf Essential Oil must not be confused with Laurel Leaf Essential Oil, which, confusingly, is also referred to as Bay Laurel Leaf Essential Oil.
Nevertheless, Bay Leaf Essential Oil has nothing to do with the bay leaves we use in the UK for seasoning food, for home remedies and medicinal purposes.
Instead, it is Laurel Leaf Essential Oil, with the botanical name Laurus nobilis, that is derived from the leaves of the Bay Laurel tree, from which we obtain, what we know in the UK as, bay leaves.
The Laurus noblis tree is commonly referred to as a Bay tree in the UK, and, it is this tree which produces bay leaves for cooking.
The Laurus noblis tree is from the Lauraceae plant family.
Conversely, Bay Essential Oil, or as we refer to it, Bay Leaf Essential Oil, has an entirely different botanical name: Pimenta racemosa.
The Pimenta racemosa plant, is actually from the Myrtaceae or Myrtle family.
Myrtaceae is native to the Caribbean islands and is also referred to as West Indian Bay Tree, Bay Rum Tree or Ciliment.
Bay Leaf Essential Oil, is also known as Bay Essential Oil, and West Indian Bay Leaf Essential Oil.
Bay Leaf Essential Oil Health Benefits
The essential oils of Pimenta racemosa var. racemosa inhibited the development of all microorganisms tested – Candida albicans (CDC-B385), Candida krusei (ATCC 6258), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 23357), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and three different bacterial strains of nosocomial origin: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae.
Laurel Leaf Essential Oil is thought to include these health benefits: Analgesic + antibacterial + antifungal + anti-inflammatory + antimicrobial + antineuralgic + antioxidant + antirheumatic + carminative (reduces digestive upset, bloating and gas) + decongestant + digestive + diuretic + emmenagogue + expectorant + immune boosting + stimulant + tonic
Please consult the Glossary Of Terms for more information.
Bay Leaf Essential Oil Traditional Health Benefits
West Indian Bay Leaf Essential Oil has been traditionally added to hair tonics.
It has also been diluted in a suitable carrier oil for use as a rub for common aches and pains.
As a natural antiseptic and antifungal, it has also been used for wound healing and yeast infections.
Other uses include digestive and respiratory support.
Cautions & Contraindications
Bay Leaf Essential Oil Pimenta racemosa contains very high levels of Eugenol (usu. c. 35%)
Acute, rather than chronic, use is advised.
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Wild As The Wind Bay Leaf Essential Oil
Wild As The Wind Bay Leaf Essential Oil is a premium quality aromatherapy oil, suitable for therapeutic purposes.
- INCI: Pimenta racemosa
- Plant Family: Myrtaceae
- Method of extraction: Steam distillation
- Part used: Leaves
- Appearance: Dark yellow, thin consistency
- Perfumery Note: Top
- Chemical Family: Phenols
- Aroma: Fresh, spicy & herbaceous
- Shelf life: 5 years
- Origin: Dominican Republic
Medical / Scientific Sources:
- Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Laurus nobilis L. Essential Oils from Bulgaria: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412751/
- Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils of Pimenta racemosa: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Chemical-composition-of-leaf-essential-oils-of-Pimenta-racemosa-Mill-J-W-Moore-from_tbl2_233792734
- Composition of West Indian bay oils: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0308814677900048
- Antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Pimenta racemosa var. racemosa (Myrtaceae) leaves: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309419228_Antimicrobial_activity_of_essential_oil_of_Pimenta_racemosa_var_racemosa_Myrtaceae_leaves
Wild As The Wind Essential Oils
Wild As The Wind offer one of the most extensive ranges of premium quality, therapeutic grade UK essential oils available online.
Professional therapists use Wild As The Wind Essential Oils, including Osteopaths and Massage Therapists.
Wild As The Wind Essential Oils are also used domestically, for home remedies as well as in green cleaning products etc.
Wild As The Wind Essential Oils Are Suitable For:
- Diffusing & nebulising
- Diluting to make body & bath oils (1% dilution)
- Using in your household first aid kit (average 2% dilution)
- Adding to your shampoos, conditioners & liquid soaps (5 drops per 100ml)
- Diluting to make face oils (2% dilution)
- Formulating effective household cleaners & sanitisers (average 5% dilution)
Please consult How To Use Essential Oils for more information on how to use aromatherapy oils, and how to blend them.
However, not all essential oils are suitable for all applications. For this reason you must read the specific safety advice, including cautions and contraindications, for the specific essential oils you intend to use.
Wild As The Wind Customer Ratings:
Etsy: 5 stars Facebook: 5 stars Google: 4.9 stars
Wild As The Wind Essential Oil Availability
Wild As The Wind Essential Oils are available in the UK.
Wild As The Wind Customer Guarantees
Wild As The Wind essential oils are cruelty-free & vegan friendly. They are also some of the purest, most bio-active essential oils in the world.
Sian T. (verified owner) –
Hi there, I previously ordered Bay Leaf oil and you asked what I planned to do with it. I diffuse it with marjoram as an anti-anxiety blend and I use bay in summer against mosquitoes. Thanks so much. I’m really happy with your oils.