Bay Laurel - The Magick Moon

Bay Laurel (Bay Leaf) – is whole and sold by the ounce.

Bay Laurel, also known as Bay Leaf, Bay Tree, Roman Laurel, or Sweet Bay, and comes from an evergreen native to Asia Minor and the Mediterranean region. It can grow to a height of 10 to 18 meters but can be successfully grown in a pot to reduce the size. It grows well in shady and damp areas of the garden in most soil types though its preference is soil that retains moisture and is well drained.

The leaves are waxy and oval-shaped. The flowers are greenish yellow in color and grow in small umbrels. The tree is pyramid shaped, and its scientific name is Laurus, which means 'praise', and Nobilis, which means 'famous or notable'. Do not confuse this with the Mountain Laurel, which is a native of the United States, and has poisonous leaves.

The leaves of the Bay Laurel can be used fresh or dried, and can be harvested at any time of the year.
Bay Laurel is a great Sun herb, and may be used to represent the element of fire as shown below.

Sprinkling crushed bay leaves in your cupboards will keep out cockroaches and other insect pests. Place a whole leaf in flour to keep out weevils.

Bay leaves give the wearer strength if they are engaged in contact sports. Bay oil can be used in the ear for earaches, to relieve the pain of bruises, and to soothe itchy skin.

Native Americans have used bay leaves in hot baths for rheumatism, and place them on their heads to cure headaches. They also place a fresh piece of leaf inside the nostril to clear the breathing passages and refresh the brain.

Magical Properties:
Zodiac: Leo
Gender: Male
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deities: Adonis, Apollo, Eros, Fides
Basic Powers: Bay Laurel is a strong protection and purification herb. It helps you to avoid curses and jinxes, promoted clairvoyance, helps prevent unwanted attention or interference, aids in prophetic dreams, great for purification bathing (e.g. ritual bath), helps to remove curses and promotes overall wisdom with psychic powers and visions, promotes dreams, repels and banishes negative energy and evil.

The bay laurel possesses powerful magical properties for granting wishes. Bay leaves can be found at your local super market. You will need 3 bay leaves to perform this simple but effective wishing spell.

When the moon is 'New' write your wish out on a piece of paper. Fold the paper into thirds and place 3 bay leaves inside, visualizing your wish coming true. Now fold the paper into thirds once again and hide it away in a dark place. Keep visualizing your wish coming true as you do this. Once the wish is granted, the paper should be burned as a thank you. Never tell anyone your wish, as soon you tell someone it will negate the magic.

For another kind of magic you can use bay laurel when packing clothing and linens, they help keep the items fresh and keep bugs out.

Medicinal Usage:
Bay laurel is used by herbalist for chest colds, infections, flu, coughs and bronchitis by taking a cloth that has been soaked in boiled bay leaves and placing it on the chest for relief.

You can massage bay laurel essential oil onto an affected area to relieve sprains, swellings, backaches and arthritic and rheumatic pains.

Using an infusion of bay laurel will promote sweating, which will help clear flu and feverish type symptoms.

Bay laurel will settle the stomach and help treat digestive disorders. They are useful for proper digestion and can reduce flatulence, breakdown and digest certain food types such as proteins.

Another interesting benefit of using bay laurel is as a deodorant, and as a hair rinse to help to treat dandruff.

Culinary Usage:
Bay is a popular herb for cooking with due to the aromatic nature of the dried leaves, although the leaves are removed at the end of the cooking process and is not eaten. In cooking, bay laurel serves as an appetite stimulant and also assists with the digestive process of heavy foods.

Cosmetic Usage:
N/A

Usage Example:
To prepare a rub using bay laurel, combine bay leaves and a little olive oil and heat for approximately 20 minutes.

Ensure the heat is kept very low to prevent the oil from overcooking, burning or smoking. Strain the oil from the leaves, allow the tea to cool and then rub or massage onto a bruised area of the body.

Use the stained leaves from the tea or rub when warm to make a poultice by spreading them on a cloth and applying to an ankle sprain.

NOTE: Although there are medical usage notations provided for Bay Laurel listed above, we are not doctors, and do not provide this educational information as medical advice. We suggest you consult with a physician or certified herbalist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information provided above is strictly informational, and not meant or intended as medical advice. The Magick Moon, nor its employees shall be held responsible, or liable for the misuse of herbs listed in this section.

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