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.
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.
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.
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.”
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:
Spicy, manly soap:
Leave in a mold to set. Handful grated, unscented soap
Hand Care Cream to condition the scalp:
To strengthen nails:
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.
All three oils are warming and stimulating.
Combat cellulite, Boost circulation and lymphatic drainage with a brisk massage:
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:
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.
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