Bay is an evergreen tree that is native to the West Indies, Venezuela and the Guianas. The bay tree grows to a height of 30 feet and bears aromatic, long-pointed leaves, small white/yellow flowers and black berries. Bay is also known as bay rum tree or West Indian bay, which distinguishes it from bay laurel, which tends to be used less often for aromatherapy.
Bay has a strong, fresh, spicy, medicinal, herbaceous aroma.
Bay has been used since ancient times. The Romans believed it symbolised wisdom, peace and protection and in ancient Greece athletes were crowned with Bay leaf wreaths.
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Safety Note: |
Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use on very sensitive skin or directly on mucous membranes. Use in moderation
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Skin: |
Bay is one of the best essential oils to use as a hair tonic. It helps to stimulate the scalp and treat and prevent dandruff. It also helps to restore body and tone to oily, damaged, lifeless hair.
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Mind: |
Bay is both uplifting and grounding and can help clear mental confusion and fatigue and provide clarity of thought.
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Body: |
Bay essential oil can be helpful for general aches and pains and it is sometimes used in steam inhalations as it has an antiseptic effect on the respiratory system.
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Blends well with:
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Orange, Lavender and Lime (To make Bay Rum fragrance add Cinnamon, Clove and Star Anise) |
Disclaimer: The information provided is for personal information and interest. It is not intended to offer a medicinal treatment for any condition. Please consult your GP or nurse if you have any health concerns whatsoever. Essential oils are not to be used undiluted and are not to be taken internally. Keep out of reach of children. If using an essential oil on your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body first (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier). If you have any questions about using essential oils please click on our Ask the Expert link above.
