Other names Bay or Laurel are know by BAIE, BAY LAUREL, BAY TREE, DAPHNE, GRECIAN LAUREL, INDIAN BAY, LAURIER d'APPOLLON, LAURYER SAUCE, LORBEER, NOBAL LAUREL, ROMAN LAUREL, SWEET BAY.

According to Greek and Roman myth, the nymph Daphne was changed into a laurel tree by her father, the river god Peneus, to keep her from being attached by the love smitten god Apollo. Eros (or Cupid) had played a trick on the self- righteous Apollo by shooting arrows with opposite effects in to him and Daphne: Apollo's arrow stimulated love for Daphne, but hers caused her to hate Apollo. Apollo, amazed by Daphne's transformation, made the tree sacred to himself and declared that he would wear a crown of its leaves, as would triumphant men of war. So it became associated with fame and success. The Romans and in the Middle ages believed that a person standing under a Laurel tree would be shielded from infection by the plague and also from lighting and from witches. It is masculine or active in nature, it's element is fire and it is ruled by the sun. It is sacred to Aesulapius, Apollo, Ceres, Faunnus, and Eros. It magical powers are protection, psychic powers, healing, purification, strength. Bay is used in clairvoyance and wisdom brews, even though it has a strong taste. The priestesses of Apollo chewed or burned bay leaves to induce a prophetic states. To see into the future, crush dried bay leaves and scatter over live coals. As they burn, firm your will to meditate deeply and chant:

"Laurel leaves, burn in fire Show to me, My heart's desire"

Bay leaves are placed beneath the pillow to induce dreams. It is a excellence protection and purification herb and is worn as an amulet to ward off negativity and evil, burned or scatted during exorcism rituals. Placed in window to ward off lightning and hung up to prevent poltergeists from working any mischief in the house. A sprig of bay is used to sprinkle water during purification ceremonies, and the tree planted near the home protects its inhabitants against sickness. Bay leaves mixed with sandalwood can be burned to remove negativity and evil spells. Wishes are written on bay leaves which are then burned to make them come true, and a bay leaf held in the mouth wards off bad luck.

Bay herbal properties are as a astringent (an agent that dries the skin), carminative (has a mild sedative effect), digestive (promotes or aids digestion), and stomachic (strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach). Bay oil, pressed from the berries and leaves, can be used in salves and liniment for rheumatism, bruise and skin problems. Both fruit and leaves also stimulate the digestive apparatus. A decoction of fruit or leaves, made into a paste with honey or syrup, can be applied to the chest for colds and other chest problems.

Bay or Laurel leaves are aromatic and have slightly bitter flavor. They are used in stew, meats, game, fish, soups, and sauces and are used as decorations at Yule.