Laurel leaf essential oil, sometimes called bay laurel essential oil, comes from the leaves of an evergreen shrub with a long and symbolic history. As far back as ancient Rome, laurel wreaths represented strength, victory, and honor. Because the plant stays green year-round, it also became a symbol of immortality.
Today, laurel leaf essential oil, known by its botanical name Laurus nobilis, still carries that sense of strength, but it also comes with important safety considerations. This is an oil that invites respect, careful study, and thoughtful use.
Before we dive in, it’s important to clear up a common point of confusion. Two very different essential oils are often called “bay.” This blog focuses only on laurel leaf essential oil (Laurus nobilis). The other oil, bay rum (Pimenta racemosa), comes from a completely different plant and has different safety guidelines. Always check the botanical name before purchasing.
Laurel Leaf Essential Oil at a Glance
Laurel leaf essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the plant and belongs to the Lauraceae botanical family. It is typically sourced from parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. The aroma is herbaceous and camphoraceous, with a warming quality, and it is considered a middle note in blending.
Chemically, laurel leaf essential oil contains oxides and monoterpenes. One of its dominant components is 1,8-cineole, along with alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, linalool, and methyl-eugenol. This chemical profile explains both its potential benefits and its limitations.
Emotional Support and Energetic Uses
On an emotional level, laurel leaf essential oil may feel energizing, uplifting, and comforting. It has a warming nature. Aromatherapists often associate it with courage and confidence, and it may help bring focus and clarity when the mind feels scattered.
Some people like to explore laurel leaf essential oil when they feel creatively stuck. Its aroma that is said to help move stagnant energy and encourage ideas to flow again. Used mindfully, it can feel supportive during times when motivation or confidence needs a gentle nudge.
Physical Applications to Know About
Here are some interesting applications where laurel leaf essential oil may offer support.
After Physical Activity
Laurel leaf essential oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. When diluted correctly, it may help ease muscle tightness or cramps. Some people choose to use it in a post-workout body lotion, keeping dilution levels very low and usage occasional.
Cold and Flu Season
Because this oil contains a high level of 1,8-cineole, it may be beneficial during cold and flu season. It has expectorant properties and may help the respiratory system feel clearer. When diffused briefly, it may also help freshen the air.
Digestive Discomfort
Traditionally, essential oils like this one have been used for digestive complaints such as bloating, flatulence, or a lack of appetite. As always, topical use requires careful dilution, and internal use is never recommended.
Lymphatic Support
Some aromatherapists use laurel leaf essential oil to support lymphatic movement. It is often paired with grapefruit essential oil in massage blends designed for short-term use.
Important Safety Notes
This is not an oil that I would recommend to beginners. It has safety concerns that stand out.
According to Tisserand and Young, the suggested dermal maximum is 0.5%. However, cosmetic and regulatory guidelines are much lower due to the presence of methyl-eugenol, a component currently listed as a hotlist ingredient by Health Canada.
At the time of writing, recommended maximum levels for methyl-eugenol are:
- 0.002% in leave-on products
- 0.001% in rinse-off products (source)
These guidelines can change, so always check your local regulatory body.
To put this into practical terms: if your laurel leaf essential oil contains up to 3.5% methyl-eugenol (as listed by my current supplier), and you are working with 100 grams of carrier oil, you can use 0.057 grams of laurel leaf essential oil to remain within recommended limits. This is why weighing ingredients, instead of counting drops, is essential with this oil.
Because of these concerns, this essential oil should not be used with children under 5 years old. Even between ages 5–10, caution is advised. Personally, I do not recommend using laurel leaf essential oil with children under 10 at all. There are safer and more appropriate oils to choose from.
It may also irritate the skin, so always perform a patch test and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Blending and Sustainability
Laurel leaf essential oil blends well with wood oils and citrus oils. Its strong, herbaceous aroma can easily dominate a blend, so less is truly more.
From a sustainability standpoint, the IUCN currently lists Laurus nobilis as “of least concern.” That said, demand for essential oils continues to rise, and responsible sourcing remains important.
Should You Use Laurel Leaf Essential Oil at Home?
While laurel leaf essential oil is fascinating from a historical, chemical, and educational perspective, it is not an oil I commonly recommend for home use. There are safer, more versatile options that offer similar benefits without the same level of risk.
If you are curious about oils with overlapping properties, you may enjoy exploring rosemary essential oil instead. It shares some aromatic and chemical similarities and is generally easier to work with.
Learning about plants and their oils deepens our connection to the natural world. In the case of laurel leaf essential oil, the knowledge itself may be the most valuable takeaway.
Disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, and this article is not medical advice. Use essential oils with caution. Always follow current safety guidelines, dilute properly, and stop use if irritation occurs. Consult a qualified professional if you are unsure how to use bay essential oil safely.
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