Bay Leaf
Natural anti-fungal; rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants with anti-bacterial properties that help relieve skin infections, cuts, bruises and insect bites. Bay leaves are an aromatic member of Laurel family. Native to Asia Minor, cultivation of the Bay Leaf spread through the Mediterranean and areas with similar warm climates.
The Bay Leaf has a long history of cultural, culinary and medicinal uses in many cultures. Highly prized in ancient Greece and Rome, the Bay Leaf was considered a symbol of accolade and used to adorn Emperors and poets, as well as triumphant warriors and athletes. References to it even appear in mythology.
Bay leaf is high in essential nutrients and vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron and Manganese. One of the most important benefits of bay leaves is its ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body. The fruit and fatty oils of Bay leaves contain a rather unique phytonutrient, called parthenolide, which can quickly reduce inflammation and irritation when topically applied to affected areas, such as sore joint pain (rheumatism), areas affected by arthritis and can help to reduce dry skin and improve the health of hair follicles which helps eliminate dandruff. Ancients would steep bay leaves in water and then rub the bay leaf solution on their scalps after bathing, to relieve dry scalp.
Research has shown parthenolide, compound found in bay leaf, may be a key to reducing the spread or the recurrence of several types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, bladder, leukemia, and myeloma. Indiana University researchers found that when they treated breast cancer cells in the laboratory with parthenolide, they were much more susceptible to a compound commonly used to fight breast cancer. Subsequent experiments showed that neither parthenolide nor a chemotherapy drug alone provided any survival benefit. But when they were combined, there was a significant increase in survival. This new research may lead to a better way to treat cancer in the future but further research needs to be conducted.
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Used as a whole raw ingredient, not as an essential oil
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Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
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Contains antibacterial and antifungal properties
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Supports a healthy immune system
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Helps reduce inflammation
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Helps to reduce dry skin and dandruff
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May improve the health of hair follicles
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Preservative free
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USDA certified organic
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Certified kosher
References:
1. pfaf.org
4. webmd.com