Bay Leaf - Whole
1 oz package

The leaf of the bay laurel, a native shrub of the lands surrounding the northern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean, has a mythic history. Ancient mythology recounts that Apollo pursued the uninterested nymph Daphne. Apollo stalked Daphne until the gods granted her protection by turning her into a bay tree. In the Greek language, the herb is still called "dafni."

Romans considered the bay tree the best protection from thunderstorms, and Nero believed that bay trees purified "vapors" thought to cause disease. As recently as the beginnings of the American era, folklore held that when bay trees died, disaster followed.

The greatest commercial production of bay leaf today is in Turkey. Bay laurels do not withstand heavy frost but require hot, dry summers for production of concentrated essential oils. In the US, the plant is best suited to interior southern California, although smaller specimens can survive as far north as Oregon. The bay leaf from California is oilier and more pungent than Turkish bay leaf. This sample comes from Turkey.

Bay leaves are strong herbs used in protection and divination magick.  One of the few herbs that can be used as a natural herbal amulet by itself!.  Carry them with you or place them in the corners of your home fo protection.  Some have also used it for love mixes.  Paired with Frankincense, there is no stronger purification and protection blend to use in the home or as a personal incense!

In the Celtic Wheel of the Year, this herb is associated with Imbolc, celebration of midwinter. In the zodiac, it is connected to Leo. This herb is 100% certified organic.