We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Bay oil is usually associated as a masculine scent but there are benefits of this essential oil for all.

It is valued in aromatherapy for its cleansing effects on the mind, body and spirit. Laurel Bay, a native of the Mediterranean, has been a symbol of wisdom and peace for thousands of years.

Folklore of Bay Essential Oils

Bay were said to be sacred to the God Apollo in honor of his first love, the nymph Daphne. She was transformed into a Bay Laurel Tree by her father so she could not be caught by Apollo.

The Bay tree has always been an ancient symbol of wisdom and peace and cultural excellence. The Bay symbolizes sporting excellence at the Olympic Games a tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years. Bay replaced the Olive branch in this role because of the influence of the Pythian Games at Delphi, which were dedicated to Apollo.

Lovers in ancient times exchanged bows of bay as a symbol of their undying affection. Sprigs of bay are still exchanged in bouquets at European weddings.

Lifting mind, body and spirit with Bay Essential Oil

Bay is warming to the emotions. It is mildly narcotic and euphoric, helping to lift the spirits. It’s strengthening and supporting action helps to inspire confidence and overcome shyness. Bay oil is purifying oil that treats cellulite, settles the stomach and clears dandruff. Bay oil can boost circulation with its warming action. When used for massage it’s beneficial for treating muscular aches, especially when combined with Rose and Juniper oil. Bay’s distinctive aroma blends well with flowery oils such as rose and lavender.

Active ingredients of Bay oil

Bay contains a rich mixture of active ingredients, including alcohols, esters and terpene.  Phenols give Bay oil it’s warming up properties. They stimulate the nervous system, activate healing and are highly antiseptic. Oils such as bay may irritate your skin if used in high concentrations. The principal phenol in Bay is eugenol. Also found in clove and cinnamon, eugenol gives them a spicy, clove like fragrance.

“Use Bay on your skin only in low concentrations as it can sometimes cause irritation.”

 

Uses of Bay Essential Oil

Hair and Beauty Tonic

Bay is a useful cosmetic aid for air, skin and nails.

For problem hair make an anti-septic tonic to clear a flaky, greasy scalp:

• 3 drops bay oil
• 4 drops Cedar wood
• 4 drops Rosemary
• 3 tablespoons unscented shampoo

Spicy, manly soap:

• 2 drops bay oil
• 2 drops Clary Sage
• 7 drops lime
• 1 drop nutmeg

Leave in a mold to set. Handful grated, unscented soap

Hand Care Cream to condition the scalp:

• 10 drops bay oil
• 10 drops lemon
• 5 drops cedar wood
• 2 tablespoons Shea butter
• 8 teaspoons jojoba oil

 

To strengthen nails:

• 3 drops bay oil
• 3 drops sandalwood
• 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil

Massage into your nails

Circulation Booster

Use bay’s warming and stimulating actions to jump start your circulation. For aches and pains, stimulate local circulation to help you dispel toxins.

• 2 tablespoons sweet almond
• 2 drops bay
• 2 drops Rosemary
• 2 drops ginger

All three oils are warming and stimulating.

Combat cellulite, Boost circulation and lymphatic drainage with a brisk massage:

• 2 tablespoons grape seed oil
• 1 drop bay
• 2 drops geranium
• 4 drops lemon

Focus the mind

Bay inspires confidence and even emotional exhaustion. An uplifting massage blend use 4 drops of Bay, bergamot and basil oils in 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil. Use on the upper chest, back and shoulders.

To help concentration make a spray mist:

• 6 drops bay
• 6 drops pine
• 6 drops sandalwood
• 6 drops coriander
• 1 cup pure water

 

Spray liberally when lethargy sets in. Bay and pine sharpen the mind. Coriander and sandalwood combat lethargy and fatigue. You can use this spray all around your home, on your clothes and your body.