Bay (Pimenta racemosa)

History: An ingredient in the famous Bay Rum, used to buy slaves in the 1700's and 1800's. Bay Rum was also used as a hair tonic to prevent hair loss. Can be found in fragrances, soaps, detergents, perfumes, aftershaves, hair lotions and as flavor ingredient in food as well.

Characteristics: Bay essential oil is often confused with Laurel Leaf or Bay Leaf. Bay oil comes from a tree very similar to Allspice. Bay leaves use to be distilled with rum and created bay rum, a tonic for hair loss. Today the benefits of bay oil lie in its calming and warming effect on emotions and relieving general aches and pains. It also settles the digestive system when there is excessive gas. Bay essential oil is also helpful with hair and scalp conditions and is used with success in treating sprains, strains and bruises. As a massage oil or diluted in the bath, bay oil can assist with calming emotions or relieving aches and pains.

Clinical Studies:

Indications: Used for dandruff, greasy hair, muscular aches and pains, neuralgia, poor circulation, rheumatism, sprains, strains, colds, flu, infectious disease. It helps in the reduction of cellulite. Used to warm, stimulate the scalp, improve circulation, stimulate digestion, purify, calm and reduce stress. Analgesic, anticonvulsant, antineuralgic, antiseptic, astringent, stimulant.

Personality Profile:

Subtle Aromatherapy:

Mode of Administration: Bath (with proper carrier oil), compress, diffusor, food, hair products, inhaler, lotion, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation.

Safety: Nontoxic, skin sensitizer.

References:
Battaglia, S.  The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy; Third Edition The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2017
Tisserand R. Young R.  Essential Oil Safety, second edition.  Churchhill Livingstone, UK, 2013
Sheppard-Hanger S. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.  Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, USA, 2000
Caddy R. Essential Oils in Colour.  Amberwood Publishing, UK, 2005
Lawless J. The encyclopaedia of Essential Oils.  Element Books Limited, GB, 1992
Caddy R. the Essential Blending Guide.  Amberwood Publishing, UK, 2007
Weaver W.W. Sauer’s Herbal Cures.  Routledge, UK, 2001
World Wide Web Encyclopedia Britannica. USA, 2014
Photos attribution – istock Photos
LabAroma

Safety Considerations:
        Do not take essential oils internally.
        Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
        Do not apply undiluted to skin (for directions on proper dilution refer to an aromatherapy text).
        The information on this website is not intended to diagnose or prescribe.
        Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting a healthcare provider.
        The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.
        You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis.
        Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.

Information and statements regarding Kelley products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease. 
All information, content and product descriptions contained within this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis.  
Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.