Historical Remedies:
Internally:
Coughs
Cramps
High Blood Pressure
Sedative

Externally:
In a tea for dandruff

Origin:
Bay leaf is from a small laurel tree. It is native to Asia Minor and the Mediterranean. Most leaves now come from California.

Folklore/History:
Bay leaf is also known as sweet laurel.

When Cupid hit Apollo with an arrow, making him fall for Daphne, she begged the gods to change her into something else---a laurel tree. In honor of Daphne, Apollo decreed that laurel leaves be a sign of courage or accomplishment, thus “to win one’s laurels” refers to public recognition.

A wreath of laurels, known for its medicinal values, was given to doctors at graduation. Thus from bacca lauris comes “baccalaureate degree” and the term “bachelor’s degree,” a person too busy with his studies to marry.