Home Herbs A to Z Bay / Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
Bay / Laurel (Laurus nobilis) Print E-mail

a symbol of Wisdom and Glory...

In the Garden | Culinary | Fragrance | Medicinal use

Popular garden varieties

Bay Leaf

Golden Bay Leaf

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In the Garden

Growth Characteristics:

  • Perennial, Evergreen, Frost hardy,
  • Height: Up to ±15 m; Spread: Up to ±5 m,
  • Usually clipped and maintained as a small tree or shrub.

Cultivation:

  • Full sun; Well drained, composted soil,

Harvesting:

  • Pick fresh leaves throughout the year, and let them dry in a cool place,

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Culinary use
  • Use fresh or dried Bay leaves with:
  • Beans, Potatoes, Rice,
  • Beef, Game, Lamb, Poached Fish,
  • French dishes, Curry dishes,
  • Custards, Desserts,Marinades, Pâté, Pickling Brines, Sauces, Soups, Stews, Stock, Stuffing,
  • A importane ingredient of bouquet garni
  • Place in flour container and around dried figs as a weevil deterrent,
  • Dried leaves lose flavour after about a year,

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Fragrance
  • Hang branches to freshen air,
  • Crumble leaves into potpourri for a spicy addition,

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Medicinal use

Bay leaf may be beneficial in the following cases:

Nervous System
  • Mild Sedative,
Endocrine System
  • Boosts insulin activity,
Skin
  • Topical for Dandruff,
  • Antiseptic, Antifungal,
Digestive system
  • Drink as a tea for: Indigestion, Poor appetite, Colic, and Flatulence,
Musculo / Skeletal System
  • Topical for Rheumatism, Sprains, Bruises,

 

Preparation and dosage:

TEA:

  • 1 cup, 3 times per day.

BATH:

  • Boil 1/3 leaves to 2/3 water in a pot and add to the bathwater,

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Featured Herb

Herb infused oil:
An easy and very useful way to preserve the great taste and qualities of your home grown herbs. Use the oil to marinade dishes, as salad dressing and a tasty sprinkle for baked vegetables.

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