Bay

Includes:

Folk Names: Sweet Bag, Bay Tree, Tree Laurel, Laurel Tree, Laurel, Sweet Bay
Scientific Names: Laurus Nobilis

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Additional Notes: divider

There are a number of species known as Bay, or Bay Laurel, due to similarity of appearance. True Bay, however, is Laurus Nobilis- a native Mediterranean tree; the majority of its folk history comes from the Greeks and Romans. Laurel wreaths were given as signs of honor to Poets, Heroes, and returning Soldiers in particular. This extended into Universities, and it was tradition to hang Bay Leaves over the doors of Hospitals. By extension this translated into newly graduated Doctors were garlanded with Bay as a symbol of their success. It is a popular kitchen herb, as well as having folk medicinal uses; bathing in hot water steeped with Bay leaves can ease aching limbs- and the leaves themselves, once softened, can be used as a bandage for bee stings. It is also used as an insect repellant, with the dried leaves left around the house to ward off pests.

'Folk Magic and Healing: An Unusual History of Everyday Plants' by Fez Inkwright

In Greek practice, a rod of Bay (Laurus Nobilis) wood in the hand of a Prophet of Diviner was assumed to help them see "hidden things", and Bay played an essential part in oracular ceremonies; the crackling of the leaves of Bay, or Laurel, leaves in a fire (why is it in the fire?) was considered a good omen. But if they just shouldered, the signs were not so good. Its health was also believed to foretell the death or disaster.

Bay was also another "Lightning Tree", and was believed specifically to be a protector from lightning (in Greece and Rome)- and also from forest fires, too (in England). It was also believed capable of “casting out Spirits”, and boughs were often fixed over doors- especially during bouts of illness. Bathing in water of Bay and Hazel leaves was a protective measure (against?)- as was placing a Bay beneath the tongue first thing upon waking (against disease). In the 17th century, Bay leaves were often strewn on Coffins, and in Wales funerals were sometimes preceded by women carrying and sprinkling Bay leaves- associating Bay loosely with the dead. Bay has also become a symbol of resurrection, however, as the trees may often seem dead but revive "from the roots".

It was used as an early method of water purification in the 10th century. It was also useful for keeping moths and worms away from cloth and books.

'Elsevier’s Dictionary of Plant Lore' by Donald Watts

Toxic to Dogs, Cats, and Horses; Toxic Principles include Eugenol, and other essential oils. Clinical signs of toxicity include Vomiting and diarrhea, while large ingestion of whole leaves can cause obstruction.

'Toxic Plant Index' from the ASPCA