Laurel oil (Lauris nobilis oil) is a vegetable oil extracted from the fruits and leaves of the Laurus nobilis plant, an evergreen tree of the Lauraceae family. Laurel is widely known for its aromatic and therapeutic properties, while laurel oil is traditionally used for hair and skin care.

Botanical description of the plant:
- Family: Lauraceae
- Genus: Laurus
- Species: Laurus nobilis
- Height: The laurel tree can reach 5-10 meters in height.
- Leaves: Dark green, leathery and aromatic leaves.
- Fruit: The fruits of the laurel tree are small, spherical and black in color when ripe, from which the oil is produced.

Chemical composition:
Bay leaf oil is rich in bioactive compounds and fatty acids that give it its beneficial properties:
- Fatty acids, Lauric acid, main ingredient, with antimicrobial and antifungal properties, Oleic acid, helps moisturize the skin and hair.
 - Palmitic acid, helps strengthen the skin barrier.
- Essential oils: Bay leaf oil contains essential oils such as eugenol and **cineol** (eucalyptol), which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin and hair from free radicals.

Properties:
1. Strengthens Hair: Bay leaf oil is widely known for its ability to strengthen hair, promoting growth and preventing hair loss. Its fatty acids and antioxidant compounds nourish hair follicles, making them stronger and healthier.
2. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action: Lauryl and cineole help fight microorganisms that may cause inflammation or infections in the skin and scalp.
3. Hydration and nourishment of the skin: Fatty acids, such as oleic and palmitic acid, hydrate and replenish the skin, promoting elasticity and softness.
4. Improves circulation: Bay leaf oil stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, improving oxygenation of hair follicles, which can help with hair growth.
5. Relief from muscle pain: Laurel essential oil is often used for massage, due to its analgesic and soothing effects, relieving muscle pain and tension.

The History of Daphne

In Ancient Greece, the plant was called laurel, after the mythical mountain nymph of the same name. In the myth of Apollo and Daphne, the god Apollo fell in love with Daphne, a priestess of Gaia, and when he tried to seduce her, she asked for help from Earth, who transported her to Crete.

In place of the Woman Daphne, Gaia left a laurel bush, from which Apollo made wreaths to console himself. This is presented in the myth that gives Daphne supernatural properties.

This laurel was later used for the laurel wreath of Ancient Greece, which became a symbol of victory. In modern Italy, laurel wreaths are worn as a crown by graduating students.

Uses:
- Hair care: Bay leaf oil is traditionally used as a strengthening oil for scalp and hair care, either alone or in combination with other oils.
- Skin care: It is used in homemade cosmetics and soaps, due to its moisturizing and antiseptic properties.
- Aromatherapy: Thanks to eugenol and cineole, bay oil is used to relieve pain and improve mood through inhalation or application to the skin.

Bay leaf oil, with its numerous nutritional and therapeutic properties, is a valuable ingredient for hair care, skin care and overall well-being.

Aromatherapy: In room fragrances but also as a massage oil in combination with other essential oils. Myrcene, a component of many essential oils used in perfumery, can be extracted from the bay leaf, as can eugenol, and they yield very nice aromas.

Hair Loss: Bay leaf oil has been shown to have excellent properties in terms of hair loss and hair and skin rejuvenation. It can be used directly on the skin, nails or hair and needs to be absorbed for at least 20 minutes.

For Wounds & Eczema: In herbal medicine, bay leaf extracts have been used as an astringent, and in ointments for open wounds. A traditional treatment for rashes caused by poison ivy, oak, and nettle is a poultice soaked in boiled bay leaves.

For Pain: It is also used in massage treatments since it soothes inflammation, rheumatism and arthritis due to the small amount of eucalyptol and eugenol it contains.

Insect Repellent: Bay leaf oil has been shown in 2011 research to be a powerful insect repellent. A small amount is enough to repel moths, flies, and cockroaches. Especially when Bay leaf oil extract is burned, it releases substances that are toxic to bugs.  

The plant is used in a wide variety of recipes, particularly among Mediterranean cuisines. Whole bay leaves have a long shelf life of about a year, under normal temperature and humidity. They are used almost exclusively as flavoring agents during the food preparation stage.

Chemical Composition 

The leaves contain about 1.3% essential oils (ol. lauri folii), consisting of 45% eucalyptol, 12% other terpenes, 8-12% terpinyl acetate, 3-4% sesquiterpenes, 3% methyleugenol and other α- and β-pinenes, phellandrene, linalool, geraniol, terpineol and also contain lauric acid. The chemical compound lauroside B has been isolated from Laurus nobilis. Myrcene, a component of many essential oils used in perfumery, can be extracted from the bay leaf. They also contain eugenol.

Summary 

Laurus nobilis is an aromatic evergreen small tree or shrub with green, smooth leaves. It belongs to the flowering plant family Lauraceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is used as a bay leaf for seasoning in cooking. Its common names include bay tree, bay laurel, sweet bay, true laurel, Greek laurel or simply laurel. Laurus nobilis holds a prominent place in classical Greco-Roman culture. The dried bay berries and the pressed leaf oil can both be used as a powerful spice, and its wood can be burned for a strong smoke aroma.