Bay Laurel
Profile
| Latin Name | Laurus nobilis |
| Chinese Name | Not Known |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Note | Top |
| Aroma | <Moderate> Spicy, sharp |
| Color | Clear |
| Parts Distilled | Leaves (sometimes Berries) |
| Regions | Italy, France, Yugoslavia, North Africa |
| Taste | Spicy |
| Nature | Slightly cooling |
| Affinity | LU/ST |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Terpenols (eugenol), cineole, esters |
| Skin Type | Can irritate skin |
| Dosage | 10% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Transform hot phlegm stasis (i.e., lymph nodes) and sinus congestion
- Regulates Stomach qi, bloating, flatulence, colic, indigestion, reduced appetite
Indications
Topical Applications
- Apply directly to swollen lymph nodes, especially with grapefruit oil
Specific Protocols
- 8% dilution of Bay Laurel (50%), Cistus (30%), and Calophyllum (20%) with Sunflower Oil applied to pi-nodules, scars, and phlegm.
Actions
- Mucolytic
- Expectorant
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-infectious
Contraindications & Cautions
- Narcotic in large doses
- Avoid internal use
Notes
- Can be narcotic in large doses
- Moves phlegm
- Clears heat so someone can see again, see the world
- For scars
- Traditionally it was used over doors to protect from evil
- Helps relax tension in the head
- Helps someone recognize their own achievement (like a laurel wreath of crowning achievement), feel they have accomplished something, and keep moving forward
- Can boost creativity
- Helps someone accept praise
- For tight pressure band tension headache
- Active over sinus region, ST channel
- Someone avoiding sadness may put up phlegm as a physical barrier; depression with phlegm stagnation
- Affinity for sinuses
From Class
- Phenol oils (eugenol) — clove, bay laurel, cinnamon: Phenols (e.g., eugenol) stimulate methylation; found in clove, bay laurel and cinnamon (leaf or bark). Cinnamon bark oil is much more powerful than the herb Rou Gui used for Kidney yang. (Yuen)