Bay, West Indies Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Pimenta racemosa
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distillation (often salt is added, or sea water is used in the still)
Parts Used: Leaves collected from five-year old (minimum) shrubs
Note Classification:  Top to middle
Aroma: Spicy, sweet, fresh, and balsamic
Largest Producing Countries: Virgin Islands, Jamaica, West Indies, South and Central America

Traditional Use: The so-called bay rum tree provides the basic ingredient for the famous old hair tonic, which is made from the leaves by being distilled in rum.  ‘A hair application with both fragrant and tonic virtues useful for those who suffer from greasy hair and need a spirit-based, scalp-stimulating lotion to help them to control their locks.’

Properties: Analgesic, antibiotic, anticonvulsant, anti-infectious, antineuralgic, antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, general stimulant, hair tonic, hypertensive, stimulant.

Benefits: Calming, colds, dental infections, diarrhea, flu, general fatigue, hair rinse for dandruff, muscular pain, neuralgia, poor circulation, promotes hair growth, rheumatism, skin infections, sprains, strains.

Blends Well With: Bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, coriander, frankincense, geranium, ginger, lavender, grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, nutmeg, orange, petitgrain, rosemary, sandalwood, ylang ylang.

Of Interest: Used in fragrance work, in soaps, detergent, perfumes, aftershaves, and hair lotions.  Employed as a flavor ingredient in many major food categories, especially condiments, as well as alcoholic and soft drinks.

Safety Data: Moderately toxic due to high eugenol content; a mucous membrane irritant – use in moderation.  Unlike bay laurel, however, it does not appear to cause dermal irritation or sensitization.

Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.

As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier.