Medicinal Uses of the Bay Laurel Tree

All parts of the bay laurel tree have traditionally been used for their digestive, diuretic, astringent, and stomach-soothing properties.

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

In medieval times, bay was believed to have magical properties and used to treat gastrointestinal issues (McCormick Science Institute). Controversially, it was also thought to induce abortions (Nutritional Geography).

In Iranian traditional medicine, an extract of dried fruit was taken orally to stimulate appetite and aid digestion. The leaves were used to alleviate numbness and paralysis. (McCormick Science Institute)

In Israel, essential oil from the fruit was used externally to relieve joint, muscle, and nerve pain. ('')

Traditionally, in Peru, the dried fruit was prepared in hot water and drunk to stimulate circulation. ('')

In India, people ate the fruit to alleviate diarrhea and applied the crushed fruit directly on the skin to reduce prickly heat. ('')

In Turkey, a leaf extract was taken for diabetes, kidney, and stomach disorders, and an extract from flowers and leaves was taken for heart problems. ('')

In Italy, the dried fruit mixed in olive oil was given to relieve the pain and inflammation of rheumatism. The leaves were a main component of a preparation called ricotto to treat respiratory issues. Furthermore, a leaf extract was commonly used by women to stimulate milk production after childbirth. ('')

In Algeria, a leaf extract was used to help reduce blood pressure, and was massaged into the scalp to help treat hair loss. ('')