
Bay Leaf - Laurel Tree
Laurus nobilis
Bay Leaf, Laurel, Sweet Bay, Laurel of Apollo, Daphne
Native to
Mediterranean
A majority of the Witchlist's Garden include naturalized species that now live across the globe, for history's sake we include it's nativity.
Parts Used
Leaf
Medicinal Actions
Note: When considering the Medicinal properties, do not forget that the species, application, and parts used are critical. And please read all warnings.
Antidepressant: Aids in alleviating depression
Appetite Stimulant: Promotes digestive juices aiding in appetite development
Diaphoretic: Makes you sweat
Emmenagogue: Stimulates menstruations
Divinities & Mythos
Aesculapius (Roman)
Apollo (Olympic Greek)
Artemis (Olympic Greek)
Ceres (Roman)
Daphne (Greek)
Diana (Roman/Latin)
Eros (Roman)
Faunus (Roman)
Krishna (Hindu)
Mars (Roman)
Oracle at Delphi (Greek)
Ra (Egyptian)
Plant Energies
Over the course of millenia, various religions, physical sciences, diviners and star gazers, etc. have come to assign energies. This is perfectly synopsized by JD Walker in A Witch's Guide to Wildcraft:
Plants can be hot, cold, wet, or dry. They are assigned to or governed by one of seven (or nine [by including the Moon and Sun], depending on your outlook) heavenly bodies. People assigned these characteristics based on where a plant grew, what it looked like, and what effect it had on the humans and animals that came in contact with the plant.
Planet(s): Sun
Element(s): Fire
Gender: Masculine
Chakra(s): Third Eye, Solar Plexus
Warning
This plant is generally considered safe. There are reports of potential interactions with other drugs so this aspect makes it extra important to talk to your doctor.

Magical Properties
Banishing
Confidence
Courage
Divination
Dreams
Endurance
Exorcism
Fertility
Fidelity
Healing
Intuition
Money
Personal Power
Prosperity
Protection
Psychic Abilities
Purification
Spell work Enhancer!
Spiritual Cleansing
Strength
Victory
Warding Evil & Disease
Wisdom
Talk to your Doctor/Medical Professional before adding any Supplements, herbal teas, Infusions, etc.
Part of the reason that we list medical jargin is because many plants can interfere with or even counteract medications we already take or it can exacerbate ailments we already have.
When talking to your Medical Professional, we suggest asking what "actions" an herb might do to interfere with your health, either positive of negative. For example, if you suffer from heartburn, a Cholagogue which creates more bile may not be advantageous. Too much of a good thing, eh?