Bay Leaf – Laurus nobilis

Description

A tea of bay leaves supports digestion and cleansing and clearing the skin. Bay leaf oil kill disease-causing bacteria and fungi. Bay is not a powerful enough antiseptic to be used in place of appropriate medical treatment, but for minor household accidents, the fresh herb can be used externally.
cosmetic Use in infused oils and vinegars for hair and skin.
decorative Combine with pine cones, juniper, allspice berries and other plant materials as potpourri.

When cooking at bay leaves to soups, stews, braised meats, fish and vegetable dishes.

Bay leaves deters mice, moths and some insects.

Bay leaves can be burned as incense. Certain aromatic compounds are isolated from the herb for use in cough medicine, mouthwash and perfumes.
safety Bay leaf edges are sharp and should be removed after cooking.
To the ancient Greeks, bay laurel represented great athletic and literary achievement and was either worn about the head in a wreath or was presented in a ceremony of recognition. The herb was also associated with enhancing memory, so Greek students often wore strands of bay leaves around their heads to help recall information during exams.

Bay laurel is a widely used herb throughout the world, but is most commonly found in Indian, Greek, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is an ingredient in the Indian spice mix garam masala and the French bouquet garni. In Thailand, where it is known as bai kra wan, bay is paired with turmeric, cardamom, star anise, cashews and coconut milk to make Massaman curry.

1oz package of whole leaves.