At a glance
- Common name
- Bay Laurel
- Botanical name
- Laurus nobilis
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Parts mentioned in historical records
- Leaves
- Traditional correspondences
- Sun; Fire
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Historical record
Ancient emblem of poetic inspiration, triumph, and victory. Victorious Roman generals and Olympic champions were crowned with laurel wreaths; origin of the term 'baccalaureate' and 'poet laureate'.
Folklore and mythology
Write a wish upon a dried bay leaf and burn it in a candle flame to manifest the desire. Sleeping with bay leaves under a pillow reveals prophetic dreams. Emperor Tiberius wore a laurel wreath to protect against lightning.
In Greek myth, the nymph Daphne begged her father the river god Peneus to save her from Apollo's relentless pursuit, transforming her into a laurel tree. Heartbroken, Apollo made the tree his eternal sacred plant.
Bay leaves were also planted outside villa gates to repel lightning strikes.
Tradition: Greco-Roman Associated figures: Apollo & Daphne
Mystical correspondences
Correspondences vary by tradition and source.
Is bay laurel safe to use?
Historical and spiritual associations do not establish that Bay Laurel is safe or effective. Do not use this page as instructions for ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or applying Bay Laurel.
For current safety information, check a health authority or ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist, especially during pregnancy or lactation, while taking medication, or with an allergy or health condition.
Exposure note: EPA indoor-particle guidance says burning can add particles and advises ventilation. ASPCA plant entries address ingestion, not smoke exposure. See the sourced burning, pet and pregnancy lookup; neither source clears this plant as safe to burn.