ENGLISH NAME: Bay Laurel
LATIN NAME: Laurus nobilis
LOCAL NAMES:
Georgia: კეთილშობილი დაფნა (Ketilshobili Dafna)
Czechia: Vavřín vznešený
Turkey: Defne
Bulgaria: Дафинов лист (Dafinov list)
COUNTRY: Georgia, Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Guria, Adjara (Georgia), Black Sea coast, Mediterranean,
southern Bulgaria
Elevation: Primarily coastal areas, gentle slopes, and hillsides
Terrain: Sheltered woodlands, sunny slopes, and hills
DESCRIPTION:
Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing from 5
to 20 meters tall. It features leathery, glossy dark green leaves arranged
alternately along its stems. When crushed, the leaves emit a distinct, pleasant
fragrance. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown. In spring, small, yellow-green
flowers appear, followed by dark purple to black berries.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Digestive Health: Traditionally
used as a digestive aid to soothe bloating, gas, and mild indigestion.
Anti-Inflammatory: Essential oils
such as cineole and pinene in the leaves have mild anti-inflammatory effects;
infusions or poultices have been used topically for inflammatory conditions.
Respiratory
Health:
Steam inhalations with bay leaves were used to ease congestion and respiratory
discomfort.
Antioxidant: Contains
essential oils with antioxidant activity, potentially supporting general
wellness.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
PREPARATION:
For tea or infusion, use 1–2 teaspoons of dried bay leaves per cup of boiling
water. Steep for 5–10 minutes, strain, and sweeten or flavor as desired.
HARVEST TIME:
Late spring to early summer
HARVEST METHOD:
Harvest by cutting healthy, mature leaves with sharp scissors or pruning
shears, ideally in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated. Do
not remove too many leaves from a single plant.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
After cleaning, arrange leaves in a single layer in a cool, dry, well-ventilated
area away from sunlight. Once fully dry (after several weeks), store in
airtight containers, such as glass jars, in a cool, dark place. Check
occasionally for moisture or deterioration.