| Latin Name : | Laurus nobilis |
| English Name : | Laurel, Bay |
| French Name : | Laurier noble |
| Origin : | France, Hungary, Morocco, Bosnia |
History and Origin
Bay laurel natively grows as a shrub around the Mediterranean Sea. During Antiquity, laurel was the very symbol of victory and prestige. Associated to the divinity of the Greeks Apollo, Romans and Greeks used to crown their leaders and elite members with its leaves. The classic image of Jules Cesar is associated to laurel.
The use and reputation of laurel is well established, yet, today, its culinary use often offsets its therapeutic properties.
Herbalists used to advise laurel in cases of mild nervous disorders, atonic amenorrhea, chronic bronchitis and breakdown. As an herbal tea, it was also used to treat loss of appetite and atonic dyspepsia. Crushed leaves were applied to cure ulcers and disinfect wounds.