Bay laurel essential oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the bay laurel or bay leaf tree, and it’s been used by ancient Greeks and Romans for various medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
These days, you can easily get your hands on a bottle of bay laurel essential oil because it is quite popular, courtesy of the many health benefits it brings. It’s also one of the most versatile essential oils out there — its camphorous aroma with a hint of sweetness makes it blend very well with many different essential oils. Some wonderful examples are lavender, clary sage, bergamot, eucalyptus, patchouli, ginger, frankincense, fennel and cypress.
Without any more ado, let’s take a look at some of the perks that this oil offers:
It Alleviates Nerve and Joint Pain
One of the most well-known traditional uses of bay laurel essential oil is for easing neuralgia, which is pain brought about by a nerve that’s irritated or damaged. It’s also revered for its ability to reduce painful joints. When planning on employing bay laurel essential oil for relieving nerve and joint pain, it’s a good idea to have it diluted with the carrier oil of your choice before it is applied or massaged on problem areas.
It Eases an Achy Abdomen, Too
Bay laurel essential oil mixed with your preferred carrier oil may also be gently massaged on the abdominal region each time that it’s aching. It is especially helpful if your belly ache is caused by muscle spasms or cramps of the muscles in your abdomen. Oftentimes, it also employed for pain caused by excess gas or flatulence.
It Prevents Infection of Minor Wounds
Do not panic if you cannot find a tube of skin antibiotic in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit. That’s because you may use bay laurel essential oil in keeping at bay an infection. It’s for the fact that this volatile oil with an unmistakable camphorous odor is scientifically-proven to possess antibacterial properties. By the way, bay laurel essential oil also has astringent properties, which means that it can help put a stop to bleeding.
It Relieves Nasty PMS Symptoms
Taking a whiff of bay laurel essential oil or having it massaged on the pelvic region once diluted with carrier oil can be very beneficial for women who are being nagged by premenstrual syndrome or PMS. For many years now, bay laurel essential oil is utilized for dealing with nausea, abdominal pain and even mood swings that PMS brings. This essential oil is also helpful for those who have irregular period because it’s regarded as an emmenagogue.
It Calms Both Body and Mind
Bay laurel essential oil’s fragrance is admired for its ability to soothe not only the body, but also the mind. It’s exactly due to this why it is commonly used for relieving stress, thus keeping at bay the many complications that it can bring in the long run. Needless to say, people who suffer from anxiety and insomnia may count on this oil, too.
It Keeps Mosquitoes and Others Away
Last but not least, bay laurel essential oil may be employed for warding off mosquito bites because of the fact that mosquitoes cannot stand its camphorous odor. It may also be used for repelling many other kinds of insects that love to bite or sting. You can take advantage of bay laurel essential oil’s insect repelling properties by diluting it with carrier oil or adding a few drops of it to your favorite lotion, and then applying it.
JUST A FEW WORDS BEFORE YOU START USING IT. When shopping for bay laurel essential oil, always go for something that’s therapeutic grade. Using it topically entails dilution with good quality carrier oil. Remember to do a skin patch test beforehand, and refrain from using it if you notice signs of irritation. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or diagnosed with a medical condition and currently taking medications for it, never use bay laurel essential oil for any therapeutic purpose without first informing your doctor.
