Bay Leaf
Bay leaf is a leathery, aromatic leaf you probably toss into soups and stews without thinking twice. But let’s be clear, bay leaf is not just a flavor booster. Bay has been holding its own in myth, medicine, and magic for over 3,000 years. This humble kitchen herb had descended from the heavens, sharpened by empires, and still holds the kind of quiet authority that doesn’t shout- it simmers.
Bay leaf comes from the Laurus nobilis tree, native to the Mediterranean region, particularly Greece, Turkey, and Italy. In Ancient Greece, bay was sacred to Apollo, god of healing, prophecy, and sunlight. According to myth, the nymph Daphne transformed into a laurel tree to escape his pursuit, and from that moment on, Apollo wore a crown of laurel in her honor. From that story sprang a cultural tradition- bay crowns for poets, victors, and seers. The term “laureate”? That’s from laurel. Winning “laurels”? That’s this leaf.
But bay wasn’t just for honor, it was for health and spirit too. Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Dioscorides recommended bay for digestive issues, respiratory congestion, and rheumatism. Bay leaves were burned to purify spaces, woven into protective garlands, and steeped in oil or wine for use as topical liniments or sacred anointing blends.
When the Romans came along, they took bay's symbolism and ran with it. Bay became the herb of victory and divine favor. Generals, emperors, and scholars were crowned in laurel. But it wasn’t just symbolic- the Romans also used bay in culinary, medicinal, and even veterinary formulas. It was known to stimulate digestion, ease joint pain, and act as a natural insect repellent.
In medieval Europe, bay leaf retained its reputation as both medicinal and magical. It was said to ward off evil, protect against lightning, and keep plagues at bay. (Yes, pun fully intended.) It was burned as incense to clear sickrooms, and steeped in water for digestive, nervous, and reproductive complaints. In folk medicine, bay leaf was thought to open the lungs, calm the stomach, and support memory and clarity- especially when the body was overloaded or the mind fogged.
Bay also made its way into folk magic and witchcraft, where it became a tool of divination and purification. You’d write a wish on a bay leaf and burn it to release your intention. Hang them above a doorway for protection. Sleep with one under your pillow for prophetic dreams. This leaf was, and still is, a portal between worlds.
Today, we mostly know bay as a culinary staple, but its medicine is still there if you know how to use it. It’s a carminative, easing gas and bloating; a nervine, calming the nerves; and a mild expectorant, helping with cough and congestion. The essential oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and is used in everything from muscle rubs to cold remedies. Energetically, bay still does what it always has- clears fog, sharpens focus, and holds space for vision.
Medicinal Uses of Bay Leaves
Aids Digestion
Stimulates digestive enzymes, helping break down food more efficiently
Eases bloating, gas, and indigestion
Used traditionally to relieve stomach cramps and soothe an upset stomach
Reduces Inflammation and Pain
Contains eugenol, a natural anti-inflammatory compound
Used to relieve arthritic pain, muscle soreness, and joint stiffness
Often infused in oils for external application
Supports Respiratory Health
The volatile oils in bay leaves (like cineole) act as expectorants, helping to clear mucus from the lungs
Used in steam inhalation for congestion, bronchitis, and coughs
Antimicrobial and Antifungal
Exhibits antibacterial and antifungal activity
Traditionally used to prevent wound infections, treat fungal skin issues, and purify food during storage
Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Regulation
Some studies suggest bay leaves may help lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin function
May also help lower LDL cholesterol and support heart health
Supports Liver Function and Detoxification
Used to stimulate bile flow and support liver detox in traditional medicine
Often included in cleansing teas or tonics
Antioxidant Protection
Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which help fight oxidative stress and support overall immune health
Mild Sedative and Stress Relief
Has mild calming effects; traditionally used to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and aid sleep
In folk rituals, bay leaves were used to “clear the mind” and ease emotional tension
Menstrual Relief
Traditionally used to ease menstrual cramps and help regulate menstruation
Infused into teas or used as a warm compress on the lower abdomen
Insect Repellent
The essential oils repel insects naturally
Bay leaves are still placed in pantries or grains to deter pests
Common Ways to Use Bay Medicinally
Tea (infusion): Steep 1–2 dried bay leaves in hot water for digestion, relaxation, or cold support
Steam inhalation: Add to boiling water and inhale vapors to clear sinuses and lungs
Infused oil or salve: For muscle and joint pain
Poultice or compress: For localized inflammation or cramps
Bath soak: For relaxation and detox