Laurel

Traditionally used in cooking, this slightly spicy condiment grows in all our gardens. The leafy branches of this shrub, native to Asia, were used to weave crowns for victors in ancient times. Its smooth, black bark hides a pale yellow wood. Its leaves are distilled to produce an essential oil with a fresh, penetrating fragrance.

Aromatherapy

Internal use:

• Oral use +++

External use:

• Breathing:
  Gentle olfaction +++
  Inhalation ++
  Diffusion ++
• Cutaneous use: ++

Cosmetic

External use

• Face ++
• Body ++
• Hair ++

Kitchen

• Internal use

Its essential oil is infinitely complex: it contains oxides, monoterpenes, monoterpenols, a few phenols, esters, ethers, sesquiterpenes, and many other trace constituents: more than 200 in all!  Its versatility is a reflection of this wide molecular palette.

Aromatherapy

Internal use

• Purifying

External use

• Helps to purify the skin, reduce pimples and purify red skin.
• Helps to care for irritated scalps.
• Soothing, promotes digestive comfort in case of bloating.
• Helps to keep joints and muscles supple.
• Contributes to respiratory comfort.
• Soothing, brings confidence, promotes concentration and a good mental balance. Useful during exams.

Cosmetic

External use

• Antioxidant and purifying, helps to care for problem skin.
• Toning, limits dandruff, contributes to a healthy scalp and promotes hair growth.

Kitchen

Internal use

• Adds a strong aromatic note to meat dishes (marinades, meat in sauce...), fish and vegetables (ratatouille...).

All the traditions of the world agree in describing the noble laurel in a coherent way, the following notions being systematically found: clarity, consciousness, knowledge, vigour, indomitability. When cut close to the ground, its roots do not rot.

Its essential oil restores the vital force necessary to pursue an idea... it also and above all allows one to stick to it without weakening. It is the essential oil of creators, artists and all those who depend on intuition and inspiration. It strengthens the self-confidence and courage necessary to accomplish any innovative project.

The information provided in this Guide to Essential Oils is for information purposes only: it is a synthesis of the properties described in recognised aromatherapy books and/or in accordance with ancestral and popular traditions. The properties presented are extracted from the works cited in the bibliography below. This is in no way a medical information or a list of indications.

• Food supplement. Not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended dose (1 drop twice a day, maximum 80mg).
• Not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 6 years of age.
• Not for prolonged use (maximum 14 days).
• Not recommended in case of liver disorders.
• Not recommended for asthmatics in diffusion or inhalation.
• Ask a health professional for advice.
• Specific allergenic potential.
• Risk of allergy: take care not to overdose in mixtures. An elbow test is recommended prior to any skin application.
• Avoid contact with the eyes.
• Keep out of reach of young children.
• Keep away from sources of heat and light.