The Magical Properties of Bay Leaves 101 | Welcome to Wicca now

Hello my dears and welcome to Magic Magic. Recently I have covered some of the common magical herbs and plants that you might come across in your magical practice. I’ve written posts on cinnamon, lavender, another on sage, one on rose, and most recently a post on mint. All of this can also be found in my botanical witchipidia, where I give an overview of many magical plants and herbs. Today I want to talk about another common magical herb, today I want to discuss the magical properties of bay leaves.

Laurel or Laurus Nobilis is a powerful magical plant ruled by fire and sun. Its magical properties include healing, protection, love and success. Its medicinal properties include lowering blood sugar levels, helping with muscle and joint pain, and aiding in digestive problems. Bay leaf is a common ingredient for cooks, often used in pickles or for stews and broths.

So, without further ado, let’s talk about the magical properties of laurel leaves!

Disclaimer: All medicinal benefits stated here are a product of my own research and as such should not be relied upon by medical professionals. If you are sick, please see a doctor. Always make sure everything you consume is 100% safe. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor or midwife before consuming anything that has not previously made you tired.

A Brief History of Bay Leaves

Bay leaf, also known as laurel leaf, is a member of the Lauraceae family and is native to Asia Minor, from where it spread to the Mediterranean Sea and other regions with a similar climate. It is a tree that has been cultivated for a very long time. The ancient Greeks used it as a symbol of victory. The victorious Olympic athletes were already 776 BC. Crowned with a laurel wreath.

Even today, the word “laurel” implies victory and success. Consider how we refer to Nobel laureates as “Nobel laureates.” Indeed, the definition of an awardee is “a person honored with an award for outstanding creative or intellectual achievement”.

Some countries still award laurel wreaths to those who have master’s degrees, and many other countries include laurels in their ceremonies. It’s amazing how long a tradition can go on, isn’t it?

Things to know about bay leaves

The ancient Egyptians thought bay leaves could help cure hangovers

• “Rest on your laurels” is a term that is still commonly used and implies that you use your previous success to your own advantage long after the first success

“Look to the laurels” is another term, but not as widely used, urging people to be careful as they may be overtaken by our competition.

Bay leaves in myths

The Greek word for laurel is dhafni. This happened because there is a myth about a nymph named Daphne who caught Apollo’s eye. In order not to be raped (why do so many women in myths have to change their forms to avoid sexual violence?), the earth goddess Gaea transformed her into a laurel tree. Apollo then made this tree sacred and it has been a symbol of honor ever since. Some versions say that Apollo angered Eros, so Eros shot him with an arrow of love for Daphne and Daphne with an arrow of hatred and repulsion for Apollo.

Apollo is chasing Daphne as she turns into a laurel tree.

Many Greeks and Romans believed that bay leaves would protect them from the gods and goddesses responsible for thunder and light. During thunderstorms they wore laurel leaves to avoid being struck by lightning.

Apollo is sometimes known as the god of poets, so it is interesting that his sacred tree gave his name to those who achieve outstanding success.

Medicinal use of bay leaves

Please note that bay leaves may not be safe to eat whole. The leaves are indigestible for humans and can become lodged in your digestive tract.

• May help against diabetes as it can lower blood sugar levels

Leaves are antibacterial and antifungal

Good for grout color

Helps reduce gas