BAY
Pimenta racemosa

Planet: Sun/Mars

History & Mythology
West Indian Bay is sometimes confused with the wholly unrelated Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis), the herb of Apollo which used to crown dignitaries and now flavours our soups, or, with Bayberry, a North-American bush, also known as Wax Myrtle. West Indian Bay is a medium-sized tree with highly fragrant leaves reminiscent of Clove oil. As the name suggests, it is native to the West Indies and closely related to Allspice/Pimento, as both are members of the Myrtle family. Today, West Indian Bay is mostly grown in the Dominican Republic, where it is distilled for its essential oil, which has long beenpopular in the cosmetics industry. Bay leaf oil is widely used as a â''male scentâ'' for aftershaves and masculine colognes. About a hundred years ago, it was common practice to distill the oil in a mixture of rum and water, which resulted in a concoction that became immensely popular as a hair tonic. The Dominican Republic is still the major producer of â''Bay Rumâ'' products. Bay Rum can be imitated by simply adding the essential oil to regular sugar cane rum. (Not intended for internal use

Magical use:
Bay is used for divination and prophecy. It makes the mind receptive and enables the practitioner to understand and interpret the oracle. It is also used as a protective panacea, to ward off all evil influences and protect against the evil eye or other forms of envy, jealousy and mean spirited daemons.

Scent:
A somewhat medicinal 'clean', green scent with a high top note. Blends well with the evergreens: Cypress, Pine, Juniper, Rosemary, but also lemony scents such as Lemon Verbena, Lemongrass, Labdanum, as well as Frankincense and Clary Sage. Contains constituents that can have mind altering effects. Use with discretion and avoid during pregnancy.

Aromatherapy:
Culpeper says "The Oyl takes away marks of the Skin and Flesh by bruises and dissolveth the congealed Bloud in them: It helpeth also the Itch, Scabs, and Wheals in the Skin." The ancients swear by this scent as an effective way to ward off infectious viruses. It can also be used for aching joints, muscles and bones, to ease cramps, flatulence and dyspepsia and to promote menstrual flow. However, it can be dangerous during pregnancy. Use with caution.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AROMATHERAPY SEE OUR SEPERATE PAGE TITLED AROMATHERAPY USAGE

QUALITY AND PURITY
We only supply the finest quality essential oils certified for Aromatherapy use. This assures that during the process of extraction, handling and bottling our oils receive all possible care and attention, and that the highest quality and purity is maintained throughout the preparation process.

SAFETY **
** Pure essential oils are highly concentrated substances that should always be treated with due respect. Organic oils naturally are the purest oils available.

** Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the properties and uses of each individual oil you intend to use and take note of all cautions.

** Never take essential oils internally! *

** Do not apply essential oils neat (undiluted) to the skin. The recommended Aromatherapy standard dilution is 1 - 3%, though certain oils may be used in higher or lower dilutions. Consider each case individually.

** Always adhere to recommended safety standards and recommended dilution ratios.

** If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies test oil blends on a small area of the inner arm prior to general use.

** Keep oils out of reach of children and pets.

** Never allow essential oils to enter the eyes.

** If you are pregnant, consult a qualified aromatherapist for suitability and safety of specific oils. Many oils should not be used during pregnancy, some only need to be avoided for the first 3 - 4 months, others may be helpful during labour, but may pose a risk during the months before.

** If you suffer from serious medical conditions such as (but not exclusively) high blood pressure, cancer, thrombosis, varicose veins or epilepsy, consult a qualified aromatherapist for professional advice on recommended oils and dosages.

** We support the notion of people taking responsibility for their own well being. However, if symptoms persist or re-occur or you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to work with you in exploring natural health alternatives.
*...unless you know better.

CARE FOR YOUR ESSENTIAL OILS:
Essential oils are highly volatile substances that easily deteriorate or simply "fly off" if not stored correctly. Keep essential oils tightly closed and store them away from any sources of heat, in a cool, dark place.