A Healing Herb (Bay)
Bay has been used for centuries for sesasoning and medicinal remedies
A Healing Herb Guide
Bay is the eighth herb to feature in my new Healing Herb Guide.
Bay is also known as Sweet Bay, Grecian Laurel or Bay Laurel. It's an evergreen shrub or tree with striking dark green, glossy leaves. With male and female flowers on separate plants, each flower is pale yellow-green, borne in pairs beside a leaf. The leaves are glabrous, meaning they are broad, with an entire (untoothed) margin.
The Bay Tree’s pale yellow flowers blossom in Spring and are wonderful for wildlife and especially loved by bees and butterflies. Berries are round and red, ripening to black in September. the seed within the berry is poisonous. Picking Bay in the wild is not recommended, as all Laurel hedging varieties are highly poisonous.
Bay Leaves have long been used in cooking. They are a key ingredient in the compulsory French seasoning, the Bouquet Garni (see below). Bay Leaves are used to flavour various pickling recipes, as well as savoury dishes that involve simmering a liquid for long enough to bring out the flavour of this delicately fragrant herb.
As with any other herb, remember that fresh is best. Dried green herbs will last for six months to three years, depending on how well they are dried and how they are stored. Fading colour is a good sign that the flavour is fading too, so use this as a guide. Store dried herbs away from direct light and the stove as continuous exposure to light, heat and moisture will make them lose their flavour much quicker.
I hope you enjoy discovering the life-giving and healing benefits of Bay - a wonderful addition to any diet with many different recipes for your general good health, relaxation and wellbeing.
Folklore
The Bay Leaf gets its name from its tree, the Bay Tree, which in turn gets its name from its berries as bay comes from an Old English word meaning berry.
Bay leaves have been used over the ages to dispel negative energy and for its calming properties, a single leaf was placed in the corner of every room for protection. Drought tolerant and aromatic, Bay Leaves were also woven into wreaths or dried and wrapped in incense bundles or in a smudge stick for cleansing.
Bay Laurel was considered to be a symbol of wisdom, both acquired and intuitive. It is believed to derive from the Celtic word laur meaning green and the Latin nobilis signifying noble. Baccalaureate is from the Latin for Laurel Berries, which were given to Greek students of the classical period. It is said that Bay was used as a narcotic and stimulant, and was an important part of the Delphic rites.
The three best known Delphic maxims are: know thyself, nothing in excess, and give surety, bring trouble or give a pledge and trouble is at hand, the latter later interpreted as: trouble attends him who affirms anything in strong terms and confidently.
Apollo’s priestesses chewed Bay leaves before prophesying. And even today, Bay leaves are placed beneath pillows to encourage prescient dreams and wise knowledge to come forth.
Nutrition
Bay Leaves contains many important plant-derived chemical compounds, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
With many volatile active components such as a-pinene, ß-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, a-terpineol, geranyl acetate, eugenol and chavicol, Bay Leaves provide antiseptic, antioxidant and digestive support and are thought to have anti-cancer properties.
Fresh leaves are a very rich source of vitamin C and powerful natural antioxidants that help remove harmful free radicals from the body. As a rich source of ascorbic acid, Bay Leaves boost immunity and help to speed up wound healing with its antiviral effects. An excellent source of vitamin A which is a natural antioxidant and essential for normal eyesight. It is also required for maintaining mucosa and skin health.
Bay Leaves contain folic acid which is important in DNA synthesis, and when given during the peri-conception period, they can help to prevent neural tube defects in the newborn baby. They also contain niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid and riboflavin which help in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function and regulating body metabolism.
In addition, Bay Leaves contain essential minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cells and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidase enzymes.
SOURCE: Nutrition and You - 10 Impressive Bay Leaf Nutrition Facts
Remedies
Bay leaves are warming with a slight peppery taste which is why they are perfect for colder months. The leaves are added to soups and stews to aid digestion and can also be made into a herbal tea for the same purpose (see below).
For colds and flu, the leaves can be used in a steam-inhalation or a Bay-infused Olive Oil can be used as a chest rub for congestion relief. This combines well with Eucalyptus, Rosemary, or Sage, as well as Citrus.
Hair Rinse and Scalp Conditioner
Bay can be used as a natural hair conditioner or hair rinse for added shine and freshness. It is anti-fungal which means it can remove dandruff and soothe scalp conditions. Rosemary can be added to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth.
1) Heat a pan of water on low heat.
2) Add a handful of Bay Leaves (dry or fresh) and the same amount of Rosemary.
3) Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes and strain into a glass jar or storay container.
4) Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
5) Spray the roots and hair, and massage into the scalp. Do this 3 times a week for full benefit.
Recipes
Bay Leaf Herbal Tea with Cloves and Cinnamon
1) Bring four cups of filtered water to a rolling boil in a small pot.
2) Add 5-6 Bay Leaves, several Cloves and a Cinnamon stick to the hot water.
3) Simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
4) Remove from the heat and cover the pan. Leave the tea to steep while covered for another 5 minutes.
5) Strain and sweeten with Raw Honey to taste before serving.
Fragrant Roast Tomatoes with Bay
A delicious and tangy flavour of sweet tomatoes combined with the intense fragrance of Bay.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Mix 200 mls x Cold-Pressed Virgin Olive Oil, 1 tbsp x Balsamic Vinegar and 1 x Lemon (juice) with a large pinch of Celtic Salt and Ground Pepper
- Place 20 x Bay Leaves under a grill until slightly blackened. This will happen very quickly so keep an eye on them.
- Place the Bay Leaves in a food processor with the oil mixture and blend for a good 10 minutes.
- Add Cherry Vine Tomatoes to the oil and toss to coat before laying out on a roasting dish.
- Add a clove or two of Garlic to the roasting pan before pouring over some extra oil.
- Roast for about 30 to 35 minutes until until tender, slightly blistered and caramelised.
Bouquet Garni
This traditional recipe made from fresh herbs includes 3 sprigs of Parsley, 2 sprigs of Thyme and one Bay Leaf.
Depending on what you are flavouring, add 2 sprigs Rosemary (lamb) or 3 sprigs Marjoram (meat and sausage dishes) or 2 sprigs Tarragon (chicken dishes) or 3 sprigs of Dill (fish). Tie all the herbs together and place in a section of the green part of a Leek to form an envelope around the herbs. Secure in place and its ready to use.
I hope you are enjoying this ongoing series of posts about the healing powers and health benefits of herbs that can be grown in any sized garden - and in pots too!
Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey of herbal delights and discovery. I hope you enjoy adding Basil to your herbal teas and recipes.
Much love
Sue Xx
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