Common Name: |
Headache Tree |
Other Names: |
California Bay, California Laurel, California Pepper. |
Botanical Name: |
Umbellularia californica |
Genus: |
Umbellularia |
Family: |
Lauraceae |
Native Location: |
Native to USA (S Oregon, N California) |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained soil in sun. May require winter protection when young. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in autumn; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. |
Harvest: |
Leaves are picked as required and used fresh, or dried whole for use in infusions. |
Height: |
18-25m (60-80ft) |
Width: |
12m (40ft) |
Hardiness: |
Z9-10 |
Parts Used: |
Leaves |
Properties: |
A pungent, analgesic herb with a camphoraceous aroma. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for headache, neuralgia, intestinal cramps, and gastroenteritis. Externally for headache, fainting, fungal infections, joint pains. |
Culinary Uses: |
Leaves may be used sparingly in soups, stews, and meat dishes as a substitute for bay leaves (Laurus nobile, See,Bay) |
Economic Uses: |
Lumber is an important hardwood. Oil is used to flavor candy, frozen desserts, chewing gum, and baked goods, and to scent pharmaceutical products, detergents, and perfumes. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 397 |