LAUREL

Chemical properties

Laurel is an evergreen native to the eastern Mediterranean and cultivated extensively throughout the Mediterranean basin for ornamental purposes. The plant has erect branches; alternate, spear-shaped leaves; yellow or white flowers; and ovoidal fruits (berries) that are black when ripe. The parts used are the leaves and berries. Laurel has an aromatic, spicy odor and flavor

The Uses of LAUREL

When used in oil form, laurel (Laurus nobilis)(bay laurel) is said to have anti-septic and astringent properties. This would make it effective for healing and skin problems. The oil is pressed from the berries and leaves.

Essential oil composition

Laurel leaves contains 1 to 3% essential oil, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Other chemicals in laurel include isoquinoline alkaloids (mostly reticulaine with some boldine, N-methylactinodaphnine, (+)-isidomesticine, (+)-neolitsine, nor-isodomesticine; actin-odaphnine; launobine; nendegerine; and cryptodorine). Additionally, sesquiterpenic lactones (mainly cotunolide, with small amounts of artemorin, regnosine, santamarine and verlotorin) have also been detected (CoE, 2000).