Laurel (Bay) Leaf; Laurus nobilis

From William Woodville, Medical Botany

When I tell people the ingredients of my body cream, I often get the response, "Hmm, bay leaf, I thought that was for cooking..." 

While it definitely is a common kitchen spice, it does also have vast medicinal and folk use. (So good news for you bay leaf-in-my-stew folks!)

Laurel Leaf is a heating carminative, stimulant, and expectorant. It has pungent taste. Its action aids in stoking agni, the digestive fire, and burning away heavy mucus that blocks tissue channels; specifically in assimilating nervous conditions, as vata (nerves, anxiety, movement) reigns over the small intestine, stomach, and colon. 

Laurel leaf is commonly used in combination with cardamon and cinnamon, creating a trio of aromatics, The Three Aromatics, using strengthened digestion to enhance the body's ability and sensitivity to react positively, with grace, to other subtle medicines.

In folklore, Laurel Leaf has been used to promote positivity and purification, especially regarding self-worth and self-appreciation.  

In short, laurel leaf is has a strong personality for helping people find peace of mind and peace within the body. It rallies for the self to heal, to get rid of its excesses, and to be ok with the result, and then, as with the baccaLAUReates, are commended for that high achievement.

Not to mention, laurel has a remarkable aroma! A true gift from the natural world. 

Resource: The Yoga of Herbs; Dr. Vasant Lad, and Dr. David Frawley

Chamomile: Matricaria chamomilla

Image from A Modern Herbal

"Earth Apple"

"Mother"

As I fill my little baggy at the food co-op with dried chamomile, my senses automatically remember the stark loveliness I experience when preparing and enjoying a hot cup of chamomile tea. If you're a chamomile fan, you know what I mean. Chamomile is used for a range of physical ailments, but for me, it's subtle effect on the energy body are as dense. Chamomile's sedative qualities not only soften the head and the heart, but open my being up to push beyond the state I'm in. 

With it's daisy-like appearance, chamomile lends a certain kind of sweetness-- no wonder it's aroma has historically been associated with the apple, a highly regarded Celtic symbol because of its supposed transformative power to lift the eater into an elevated state. 

Noted uses of chamomile range from treating the common cold, liver disorders, wounds and burns, insomnia, indigestion, inflammation, menstrual pain, nervousness, sunburn, headache, conjunctivitis, and depression.

Bringing soothing and calming maternal-like healing to those who are in need, chamomile is one of nature's finest gifts. 

Food for Tired Eyes:

Submerge two chamomile tea bags in hot water for about a minute. Remove them from the water. Lie down and rest a tea bag on each eye. This trick helps relieve eye tension, including conjunctivitis, and can be great for headache pain. 

Sparkling Chamomile-Basil Lemonade:

Bring 1 1/2 cups water to boil. Add two teaspoons of dried basil and two tablespoons (or four teabags) of chamomile, and 1/2 cup of honey. Stir until well incorporated. Turn heat to low and simmer until 1/2 of the volume remains (about 25 minutes). Remove from heat, stir again, and let completely cool. Add syrup to a quart of sparkling lemonade. Serve over ice with fresh basil and berries to garnish. Sip and enjoy the fresh new breath it brings. :)

Chamomile Infused Honey 

Oh so good. Use in breakfast oats/cereals, teas, or to roast root veggies.