The Bay Laurel Tree

The Bay Laurel is a aromatic evergreen tree. It is also known as True Laurel, Sweet Bay, Laurel Tree, Grecian Laurel, Laurel, or Bay Tree. The popular bay leaf that we most often use to season food comes from this tree, known as the bay leaf. They are used fresh or dried to season and flavor foods such as soups, stews, beans, meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes. The Bay Laurel Tree is grown in France, Belgium, Italy, Russia, America, Turkey, and India. This tree has many uses, and to many people around the world it often represents a symbol. In Greece and Rome the tree represents a symbol of honor. In the Bible, this tree represents an emblem of prosperity and fame. It holds a very strong meaning for Christianity, it is a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ. In Ancient Greece and Turkey, a wreath of bay leaves was often given as a prize at the Ancient Olympian Games. This wreath was called the laurel wreath.

In Chinese folklore, the Chinese translate the name laurel tree to “moon-laurel.” The story of the laurel tree in China tells of a laurel tree on the moon. The story goes on to tell of a man named Wu Gang who always neglected to do his work. When the elders discovered that he was neglectful in doing his job, they sentenced him to cut the laurel tree down. When Wu Gang cut the tree down it grew back immediately. So this was a punishment of endless toil because as soon as he cut the tree down it grew back.  In the history of the Middle Ages, bay leaves were believed to hold magical powers.  

The leaves of the bay laurel are a widely used herb in America and Europe. The fragrance of the bay leaf is herbal and floral. When they are eaten fresh they often have a sharp, bitter taste. It smells like oregano or thyme. These leaves contain essential oils that is used to make perfume. Bay leaves can be used as a natural insecticide that is known to repel moths, flies, and roaches. The bay leaf has many medicinal benefits also. It is known for treating high blood sugar, migranes, headaches, bacterial infections, fungal infections, and ulcers. They are known to contain powerful antioxidants. Take caution when using any herb for medicinal benefits and seek the advice of a herbalist or doctor first.