Bay

A wild growing, sturdy, everygreen tropical tree growing up to 9 m. It has large leathery leaves and aromatic fruits. The trees are particularly abundant in the Dominican Republic.


Common Name:
Bay
Botanical Name:
Pimenta racemosa
Family:
Myrtaceae
Location:
Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico
Extraction:
Steam Distillation
Parts Used:
Leaves
Color and Odor:
The essential oil is dark brown in color with a warm, strong and spicy aroma.
Background:
The bay tree is often grown in groves together with the allspice bush. The fruits of both are dried and powdered for use as spices. Bay leaves are used in Jamaica for flavoring West Indian Bay Rum, which is a famous hair tonic used especially for greasy scalps or oily hair.
Properties:
Stimulant, antiseptic, tonic , expectorant, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, and astringent
Uses:
  • Respiratory System—Bay's antiseptic quality is useful in bronchitis, colds, and flu.
  • Skin—A good tonic for the hair and scalp, bay stimulates hair growth and also helps to clear dandruff.
  • Emotions—Bay is slightly euphoric, lifting the spirits. It stimulates imaginative decisions, is distinctive and inspires confidence. Promotes courage in the submissive.
Blends:
RESPIRATORY SKIN EMOTION
Bay 5 Bay 5 Bay 5
Benzoin 4 Cedarwood 5 Grapefruit 4
Eucalyptus 3 Rosemary 3 Ginger 2
Bibliography:
Aromatherapy Blends and recipes by Franzesca Watson Copyright © 1995 Thorsons, Harper Parker Publishing Inc. Pp 58-59