Bay (Laurus nobilis)
Folk Names: Baie, Bay Laurel, Bay Tree, Daphne, Grecian Laurel, Indian Bay, Laurel, Laurier d'Apollon, Laurier Sauce, Lorbeer, Noble Laurel, Roman Laurel, Sweet Bay, True Laurel
Description: Bay laurel is an evergreen bush or tree native to the Mediterranean. Despite its warm origin, it tolerates low temperatures well so long as they are frost free. In ideal situations (the Mediterranean), the tree may grow up to sixty feet, but in cooler climes, it rarely reaches more than twenty-five. The dark green leaves are glossy and alternating. Like most evergreen plants, the leaves are leathery and lanceolate, pointed at both ends. The bark is smooth and olive-green, sometimes with a reddish hue. The entire plant is aromatic. Whitish or yellowish unisexual flowers form in small umbels in axillary clusters from April to May. Later small black egg-shaped berries appear. These are glossy and ovoid or globose.
Effects: strong
Planet: Sun Zodiac: Leo
Element: fire
Associated Deities: Aesculapius, Apollo, Ceres, Daphne, Eros, Faunus, Fides, Zeus
Traditions:
The priestesses of Apollo at Delphi chewed (not recommended) and inhaled the fumes of burnt bay leaves (in addition to the gasses issuing through the volcanic vents) to gain prophetic visions. It was said that the nymph Daphne was change to a bay tree by her own wish by her father Peneus, a river god, to escape Apollo’s love. Apollo had been struck with one of Eros' love arrows, and she had been struck with the opposite one. Apollo made a crown of leaves from the tree and declared triumphant men of war would wear these. They were also given to poets, athletes, statesmen, and conquerors, and used in festivals to his honor. The word bachelor in bachelor degree may come from bacca-laureus, or laurel-berry, through the French bachelier. A wreath of bay may have been awarded to the first winning Olympic athletes.
According to Greek myth, Hermes invented fire by striking a pomegranate against a laurel.
Magic:
Bay leaves are excellent for divination. Throw some leaves on a fire. If they crackle, it is a good omen. If a healthy tree suddenly dies, it is a death omen.
Place the leaves under your pillow for pleasant dreams or prophetic ones. If something has been stolen, you may see the face of the thief who has robbed you. You may also add them to brews for clairvoyance, wisdom, and memory. A leaf placed on blank paper or kept between blank pages is said to provide inspiration, or you may pass a leaf over a black page before writing. As incense, bay may be used for visions or exorcisms. Use a leaf or spray of leaves to sprinkle water during purification rituals.
Bay is said to give strength to wrestlers and athletes during competitions. Carry a leaf in your pocket to defend against illness and malign spirits, and plant it near your home to prevent sickness. Kept in windows or worn, bay protects from lightning, plague, and witches. The leaves may also be scattered during exorcism, or added to an amulet to ward off evil and negativity. Bay is excellent to retard hauntings of all kinds. Hang it up somewhere to prevent poltergeists, and a leaf in each corner of a room protects from ghosts, poltergeists, and hexes. It may also be used in spirit summonings however. To conjure any spirit, write in blood (or an herbal ink equivalent) on a leaf: I conjure thee name of spirit in the name of your name, that thou comest to me and reveal all to me that I ask of thee, and thou shall make haste. The spirit should reveal the path to be taken.
Bay may be burnt as an offering to the gods for love, and the oil may be used to dress your candles for the same purpose. To ensure continued love, a couple should break a twig from a bay tree. Break this in half and each should keep half. A packet of bay given to the bride ensures a long and happy union. According to lore, if a man wishes to be irresistible to a woman, he should attach three leaves to the foot of her bed or hide it on some part of her clothing. If you miss your love for some reason, crush the dried leaves and scatter them over live coals. Concentrate on your love’s face and recite:
Laurel leaves, burn in fire,
Show to me, my heart's desire.
Wishes written on fresh leaves plucked at the new moon are burned to make them come true at the full of the moon, or if fresh leaves are unavailable, you may place your wish in a box of bay wood before burning at full moon.
Known Combinations:
Used as incense with Sandalwood, bay is effect in removing curses and evil spells.
To soothe the nerves of someone who is overly anxious, crush three leaves in one cup of virgin olive oil. Write the afflicted person's name in “Dove's Blood Ink” on a square of parchment skin. On the other side, write their birth date. Dip this into your oil three times, saying each time: “I beg for a calm body, a peaceful mind, and a tranquil heart.” Tie the parchment to a red cord and hang it around their neck.
For sprains, put ball of red yarn in a pot of mineral oil with Salt, Camphor, and Bay. Heat it to boil before extinguishing the fire. When cooled, tie the ball to the part of the body which hurts.
Medical Indications: Warning: According to lore, bay leaf berries have been used throughout the centuries to promote natural abortion, so bay should be avoided by pregnant women.
Parts Used: berries, leaves, oil
Bay is an astringent, carminative, digestive, and stomachic. Oil from the berries and leaves may be added to salves and liniment for rheumatism, bruises, and skin problems. A decoction of fruit and leaves in paste with honey is applied to the chest for colds. The fruit and leaves stimulate digestion.
Nutrition:
Use the leaves in all meat dishes, stuffing, sauces, marinades for game, especially venison, and with bland vegetables. It flavors soups, stews, shellfish boils, and pickling brines. Try adding it to milk desserts and custards as well. French chefs place bay leaves, parsley and thyme in a little bundle called a bouquet garni that is removed after cooking.
Leaves should be added at the beginning of cooking to impart a strong, spicy flavor to the food. The leaves are sharp however, and should be removed from liquids before serving.
Mercantile Uses:
The volatile oil from bay leaves and seeds is used in scenting soaps and in perfumes. The leaves repel fleas and moths, and an old kitchen remedy for weevils in the flour was bay leaves. The wood is sweet-smelling and used for marqueterie work.