Bay laurel oil: Effects and uses of the versatile essential oil

Bay laurel oil is an essential oil and has been used as a remedy for many years. Thanks to its numerous natural ingredients, the oil is a true all-rounder against various ailments.

Bay laurel oil is obtained from the leaves of the laurel tree. This originally comes from Asia, but can now also be found in the European Mediterranean region. Two different products are available commercially under the term laurel oil:

• There is the pure essential oil that is obtained from the leaves of the laurel tree using steam distillation. About 70 kilos of bay leaves are needed to produce one liter of oil.
• The fatty laurel oil is cold-pressed from the laurel leaves and can be used for soaps.

In our article, the focus is on laurel essential oil.

Laurel oil: ingredients at a glance

Pure laurel oil is rich in ingredients with positive health effects. This list is just a selection of the most important active ingredients:

• 1,8-cineole is also called eucalyptol and is mainly found in eucalyptus and laurel. It is used, among other things, for respiratory diseases, bronchitis and asthma.

• Pinene is said to relieve muscle pain, cramps and back pain. The substance is also said to have a positive effect on urinary tract infections and kidney diseases. Pinene is also said to be effective against feelings of fullness.

• Eugenol has analgesic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Geraniol is a component of many plants and herbs and is effective as a natural repellent against insects.

• Bay laurel oil contains various fragrances (e.g. linalool), which are mainly used in cosmetics and perfumes and have a calming or relaxing effect.

Effect of laurel oil

Due to the ingredients presented, laurel oil works in a variety of ways:

• Bay laurel oil is said to promote concentration, have a calming effect and is said to have a supportive effect on depression. It can improve mood and provide inner security.
• The oil is said to promote blood circulation, revitalize and nourish the skin. Due to the Gerional, it is particularly recommended for psoriasis and rashes.
• Bay laurel oil is also said to have an antibacterial effect.
• Since bay leaf oil counteracts the overproduction of sebum, the oil is often used in soaps, creams and other skin care products. Since it does not dry out, it can be used on acne and blemished skin as well as on normal skin.

• The essential oil loosens mucus and prevents infections. It promotes the healing of respiratory diseases and also has an antimicrobial effect. Overall, it has a positive influence on the immune system.
• The oil has also been proven to be effective against rheumatism and arthritis.

• Swollen lymph nodes can be reduced with bay leaf oil.

Use laurel oil effectively

If you use laurel oil correctly, it will develop its full healing properties. There are many ways to do this – we’ll introduce you to some of them here:

• As a massage oil: To do this, mix the laurel oil with a so-called carrier oil. Drizzle five drops into 25 milliliters of jojoba oil or almond oil and use it to perform the pain-relieving, antispasmodic massage.

• As a bath additive: Bay leaf oil in the bath is effective against pain and tension as well as psychological stress. For a cream bath, mix about ten drops of oil with about 30 milliliters of cream and add the mixture to the running bath water. This can also help with rheumatic pain.

• Against insects: Drizzle a drop of the oil on a small cotton cloth and place it in the affected area.

• For mental well-being: Mix three drops of bay leaf oil with three drops of cedar oil and place the mixture in an aroma lamp.

• For beautiful skin: Add two drops of the oil to 500 milliliters of warm water and soak cotton cloths with it. Place the wipes on your face for ten minutes.

• In the form of compresses: Boil 200 milliliters of water and pour it into a glass. Drizzle five to seven drops of bay leaf oil and soak the compresses in it. Then place them on the areas affected by pain or skin rashes and irritation.

Use laurel oil in moderation

Make sure not to use the laurel oil in high concentrations, but only diluted. You should also avoid taking it directly and you should also keep the oil away from your eyes, ears and open wounds.

Pregnant women, breastfeeding women or people with sensitive skin should discuss the use of laurel oil with a medical professional beforehand.

Read more on Utopia:

• Black cumin oil: effects and side effects when taken
• Castor oil: good for hair and eyelashes
• Coconut oil use: Healthy effect on skin, hair and teeth

Revised by Lena Kirchner

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