Laurel Tree Facts

'Honour', 'Achievement', 'Protection from thunder and lightning'

In Greek mythology, the Mountain Nymph Daphne was pursued in Arcadia by the god Apollo – she pleaded with Mother Earth for help and was turned into a Laurel.

Bay leaves, from the Bay Laurel tree, are used worldwide, especially in soups, sauces, stews, stocks, and bouillon.

In ancient Greece and Rome, emperors, heroes, poets, and athletes wore laurel wreaths.

Olympic victors were crowned with laurel garlands as early as 776 BC. The tradition continues today with poet laureates and laurel wreaths for racing champions.

The term “baccalaureate” comes from “laurel berries”, symbolising academic achievement.

Bay leaves and berries have traditionally been used for their digestive, diuretic, astringent, and stomach-soothing properties.

An essential oil made from the bay laurel tree (oleum lauri) can be used as a liniment to treat bruises and sprains.

In medieval times, the bay tree was believed to have magical properties and was controversially thought to induce abortions.