Evoking both strength and serenity, bay essential oil is warm, spicy, and subtly sweet. Carrying centuries of symbolism - from ancient victory wreaths to modern aromatherapy blends to soothe the mind and invigorate the spirit. Whether you know it as bay laurel, sweet bay, or simply laurel, this essential oil’s rich history and multifaceted uses make it a treasured addition to any aromatherapist’s collection.
History & Folklore
The story of bay essential oil begins in the sun-drenched hills of the Mediterranean, where the Laurus nobilis tree has grown for thousands of years. In ancient Greece and Rome, the bay tree was considered sacred to Apollo, god of prophecy, music, and healing. Victorious athletes, poets, and generals were crowned with laurel wreaths, a symbol of honour, wisdom, and triumph. The phrase “resting on one’s laurels” still echoes that ancient reverence.
In Roman households, bay branches were burned to ward off evil and disease, while physicians and herbalists of the Middle Ages valued laurel leaves for their purifying and digestive properties. By the time of the Renaissance, bay was a fixture in European apothecaries, a fragrant ally in everything from cough remedies to perfumes.
Even today, bay retains its association with clarity, courage, and protection. When we diffuse or apply bay essential oil, we’re connecting to a lineage of healing and ritual that spans millennia.
Beyond its practical uses, bay has long held a special place in folklore. Ancient Greek oracles are said to have chewed laurel leaves or inhaled their smoke before entering trance-like states to deliver prophecies. The tree itself was believed to be immune to lightning, and so households often planted bay near their doors as protection from storms and misfortune.
In traditional European herbalism, bay was used in cleansing and blessing rituals, symbolising renewal and divine favour. The Victorians later adopted laurel as a symbol of achievement and poetic inspiration, often using its motif in art and architecture.
The Art of Extraction
Bay essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the tree’s aromatic leaves, and occasionally its berries. The process begins with freshly harvested leaves, which are gently crushed to release their volatile oils. Steam passes through the plant material, carrying the aromatic compounds upwards. Once cooled, the resulting liquid separates into pure essential oil and hydrosol, known as floral water.
It takes a considerable quantity of leaves to produce even a small bottle of oil, which is one reason bay essential oil (Laurus nobilis) is prized among aromatherapists. Its counterpart is West Indian bay (Pimenta racemosa), a different species native to the Caribbean, with a spicier, more clove-like aroma, which we use in our Pine, Cypress and Bay blend, the scent acting as a reminder of foliage gathered in winter.
Best Uses
Bay oil is celebrated in aromatherapy for its ability to stimulate the mind and sharpen focus, and can help to provide a welcome break from the festive noise of the season. It can help to encourage creative thinking and promote a sense of determination, perfect for study, work, or any task that requires sustained concentration.
It can also help clear the airways, especially during seasonal changes. Its natural antibacterial and antiviral properties make it a valuable addition to steam inhalations or diffuser blends designed to purify the air and promote easy breathing.
Botanical Notes
At first encounter, bay essential oil offers a rich, spicy top note, reminiscent of freshly crushed leaves, black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. As it unfolds, softer floral and balsamic undertones emerge, lending warmth and depth. The overall impression is bright yet grounding, with an invigorating clarity that awakens the senses without overwhelming them.
Perfumers often describe it as a bridge note - versatile enough to balance citrus, floral, and woody oils. We love it in our seasonal blend of Pine, Cypress and Bay, a celebration of tranquil forests and the botanicals gathered to adorn our homes during the festive season. Try it in our limited edition room diffuser for a cosy, evocative scent in the home.