Laurel oil (Laurus nobilis oil) is a vegetable oil extracted from the fruits and leaves of the plant Laurus nobilis (Bay Laurel), an evergreen tree of the Lauraceae family. Bay 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 bay laurel tree can reach a height of 5–10 meters.
- Leaves: Dark green, leathery and aromatic leaves.
- Fruit: The fruits of bay laurel are small, spherical and black when ripe, from which the oil is produced.

Chemical composition: Laurel oil is rich in bioactive compounds and fatty acids that give it its beneficial properties:
- Fatty acids: Lauric acid (Lauric acid) is the main component, with antimicrobial and antifungal properties; oleic acid (Oleic acid) helps moisturize the skin and hair.
- Palmitic acid (Palmitic acid) contributes to strengthening the skin barrier.
- Essential oils: Laurel oil contains essential oils such as eugenol and eucalyptol, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The leaves contain about 1.3% essential oils, consisting of 45% eucalyptol, 12% other terpenes, 8-12% terpinyl acetate, 3-4% sesquiterpenes, 3% methyleugenol and other α- and β-pinene, phellandrene, linalool, geraniol, terpineol. 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 bay leaf. They also contain eugenol.
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin and hair from free radicals.                                                                                 

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

The History of Daphne

In Ancient Greece, the plant was called daphne, after the homonymous mythical mountain nymph. 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 the Earth for help, which transported her to Crete.

In the place of the woman Daphne, Gaia left a laurel bush, from which Apollo made wreaths to console himself. It 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: Laurel oil is traditionally used as a strengthening oil for the care of the scalp and hair, either on its own or in combination with other oils.

Tones the scalp and helps prevent hair loss.

 Ingredients:

• 30 ml castor oil + 20 ml coconut oil

• 8 drops of cedar essential oil

• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Use: Massage into the scalp and leave for 20 minutes before shampooing. 1–2 times a week. - Skin care: 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 skin application. - Hair loss: Bay oil has been shown to have excellent properties regarding hair loss and the rejuvenation of hair and skin. It can be used directly on the skin, nails or hair and needs at least 20 minutes to be absorbed. - Pain: It is also used in massage treatments as it soothes inflammations, rheumatism and arthritis due to the small amount of eucalyptol and eugenol it contains. - Insect repellent: In 2011 studies, bay oil has been shown to be a powerful insect repellent. A small amount is enough to repel moths, flies and cockroaches.