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Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini captures in marble
the nymph Daphne
transforming into a Laurel tree to escape Apollo’s advances. Galleria Borghese, Rome, 1625. |
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Bay Laurel: Living History
Once venerated in antiquity as a sacred herb wherever found, Bay Laurel is now most often relegated to our kitchens. Curious minds in aromatherapy realize the excellent anti-infectious and antiviral properties of Bay Laurel are married to its ethereal, mythical side. The respect given to this plant in antiquity was so deep that it continues to heighten Bay Laurel's character to this day, insisting we slowly reacquaint ourselves with its psychic and regenerative qualities. Laurus nobilis is on par with other “plant deities” such as Olive, Sandalwood or Myrrh.
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The Site: Hellenic Mediterranean
Because of its importance and popularity throughout antiquity, Bay Laurel is not specific to one location, unlike other oils found in Provence or Corsica.
Bay Laurel, being the only European representative of the Lauraceae family, is found all over the Mediterranean; especially in North Africa, Spain, Italy and the former Yugoslavia.
Our specimen on offer is from an area where Bosnia shares a border with Croatia near the spectacularly historic city of Ragusa, known today as Dubrovnik. Oils from the northern Mediterranean generally tend to be more complex than their brethren from the southern shores.
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Therapeutic Properties
The complex composition of this oil engenders many physiological activities making it effective according to French style aromatherapy for all conditions affecting the mouth, maldigestion, influenzas, abscesses, leg ulcers, bedsores and fungal infections of the skin.
Looking deeper, it becomes clear that its main properties are beyond physiological. The narratives of ancient myths associated with Bay Laurel point to subtle, powerful qualities. Its association with victory implies a battle, yet wise commentators point out that most victories commemorated with Bay Laurel are not won on the battlefield but instead are the accomplishments of the individual, as self-doubt and adversity is overcome. Originating in Hellenic myths, Bay Laurel is associated with prophecy. Its regenerating properties at the psychic and intellectual plane could suggest its agency in mystic endeavor.
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#181 Bay Laurel
When Apollo, driven by his lust, pursued Daphne, she ran away, calling to her father the river God to help her. He heeded her prayer by transforming her into a Laurel tree. Apollo declared that if she would never be his wife, she would at least be his tree, and he imbued the tree with eternal youth and adopted the crown of laurel leaves, which subsequently became the symbol of Olympic victories and Roman emperors.
As an important tree for prophecy and divination, Bay Laurel has a special relationship with Pythia (Oracle of Delphi) and the Greek god Apollo; it is used to encourage visions, and to partake in the visions of Apollo himself.
Followers of the Myths around Laurus nobilis declare that Bay Laurel is a sacred herb of oracles and a potent source of prophetic clarity and wisdom. In daily cleansing ceremonies as well as in divinatory rituals, Bay Laurel induces prescient visions and the clearing of spaces.
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We are able to offer a 15% discount on Bay Laurel essential oils from 2/4/21 through 2/8/21.
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Thank you for reading our Authenticity Bulletin #6 |
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