Bay Essential Oil
Pimenta racemosa
Properties:
The scent of Bay oil is sweet, fresh and spicy. The oil is deep yellow in color and is of medium to watery viscosity.
Origin:
This sturdy evergreen tree is a native of West Indies, Venezuela and the Guianas. Nowadays the oil is obtained mostly from Morocco and Spain.
Extraction Method:
The leaves collected from a tree at least 5 years old, are subjected to steam distillation (salt is often added or seawater used in the still).
Chemical composition:
Eugenol, Chavicol, Myrcene, Cineol, and Methyl Eugenol.
Therapeutic properties:
The therapeutic properties of Bay oil include the following: antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-neuralgic, aperitif, astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge, insecticide, sedative and a tonic.
Uses:
Bay oil can be used in the treatment of:
- rheumatism
- neuralgia
- muscular pain
- circulation problems
- colds
- flu
- dental infection
- diarrhea
- skin infections
Precautions:
- Bay oil has a high eugenol content and may irritate the skin and mucus membranes, so use with caution.
- Pregnant women should avoid it.
Blends well with:
Cedarwood, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme & Ylang Ylang.