Appreciated for their aromatic power in culinary preparations, bay leaves have many other virtues. They are in fact at the origin of one of the best essential oils to promote concentration and self-confidence in all circumstances. Noble Laurel essential oil is also effective against many types of infections, particularly those of the mouth and notably canker sores. Latin name: Laurus nobilis L. Distilled part: leaves

This article was updated on 05/01/2024

Precautions for use

Noble Laurel essential oil is reserved for adolescents, adults and pregnant women. No route of administration should be avoided, but the dosages must be respected, and it is recommended to dilute it, particularly in the case of skin application. Only diffused use is authorized for babies, and people with asthma and epilepsy should seek advice from their doctor before using it.

Authorized users

Adults and Teenagers Adults and Teenagers
Children under 6 years old Children under 6 years old
Pregnant & breastfeeding women Pregnant & breastfeeding women
Pregnant women less than 3 months Pregnant women less than 3 months
Babies under 3 years old Babies under 3 years old

Possible ways of use

Inhaled Inhaled
Dermal Dermal
Oral route Oral route
In broadcast In broadcast

Risks of use

Allergenic Allergenic
Irritating to the skin Irritating to the skin

Other precautions

Medical advice

Be sure to seek medical advice before use for people with asthma and epilepsy (epileptogenic risk at high doses).

Skin application
  • Noble Laurel essential oil is irritating to the skin, so it must be diluted to 20% in a vegetable oil before any skin application (20% essential oil with 80% vegetable oil).

  • Possible use by diluted dermal route in children on medical advice

In broadcast

Children and babies can use this essential oil in atmospheric diffusion.

Contraindications
  • Noble Laurel essential oil can have a narcotic action in the event of an overdose, take care never to force the dose or prolong its use.

  • Be careful not to confuse Noble Laurel essential oil with those of other laurels: cherry laurel or oleander, which are toxic!

Allergenic components

Noble Laurel essential oil contains several allergenic biochemical components.

  • limonene (≤ 3%);
  • linalool (≤ 11%);
  • eugenol (≤ 2%);
  • geraniol (≤ 0.3%).

Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check that there is no reaction).

Properties of Noble Laurel essential oil

Noble Laurel essential oil is highly concentrated in 1.8 cineole, alpha-pinene, sabinene and linalool. These different molecules give it the following main properties:

  • expectorant, mucolytic +++ :

    noble Laurel essential oil contains 1,8-cineole, a molecule well known for its action on the mucin glands: it helps to thin the mucus and promote its expulsion in order to free the respiratory tract.

  • antibacterial +++ :

    noble Laurel essential oil is active against most bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli, etc.) thanks to the presence of 1,8-cineole, linalool, eugenol, alpha and beta pinenes.

  • antiviral +++ :

    1,8-cineole, linalool, eugenol, alpha pinene and beta pinene prevent the spread of viruses in the body.

  • antifungal +++ :

    these same molecules also have an action against fungi, in particular: Candida albicans, tropicalis and pseudotropicalis.

  • analgesic, anti-neuralgic +++ :

    the presence of eugenol and one of its derivatives, methyl eugenol, even in small proportions, gives Noble Laurel essential oil significant effectiveness on dental pain (cavities), gingivitis and the treatment of canker sores.

  • nervous rebalancing +++ :

    noble Laurel essential oil acts on the nervous system; In particular, it has a regulatory action on the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems (systems responsible for putting the body into action or putting it to rest).

  • antispasmodic ++ :

    noble Laurel essential oil is widely used to calm digestive spasms. It contains alpha terpineol and terpenyl acetate, molecules effective in preventing involuntary muscle contractions (here the smooth muscles of the digestive tract).

But also these secondary properties:

  • insect repellent
  • pest control
  • anticoagulant
  • immunomodulating

In case of' Canker sore

Efficiency: ++++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+.  Through the skin, place 1 drop of Noble Laurel essential oil on a cotton swab previously soaked in vegetable oil. Apply it directly to canker sores, 3 times a day, until disappearing.

Use in synergy

Reserved for ages 6+. Apply orally and using a cotton swab, place 2 drops of the synergy, 3 times a day for 5 days:

  • 30 drops of Noble Laurel essential oil
  • 20 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
  • 10 drops of Wild Mint essential oil
  • 8 mL of edible vegetable oil such as Nigella

More details or other users: essential oils against canker sores.

In case of Loose teeth, Periodontitis

Efficiency: ++++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+. By local routeprepare a 10% mixture of Noble Laurel essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (30 drops of HE in 9 mL of HV). Apply 1 to 2 drops of the mixture directly to the gums up to 2 times a day for up to 5 days.

Use in synergy

For adults and children over 6 years old. Apply a few drops of the mixture to the gums up to 3 times a day for a maximum of 5 days.

  • 15 drops of essential oil Laurel Noble
  • 10 drops of essential oil Tea Tree
  • 5 drops of essential oil Myrrh
  • 9 mL of vegetable oil Sesame

More details: How to use essential oils to prevent loose teeth?

Against the Acne

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+.  Through the skin, 1 pure drop of Noble Laurel essential oil on each pimple, morning and evening, until it disappears.

Laurel Noble or Tea Tree?

Noble Laurel essential oil is a useful antibacterial in cases of acne, but tea Tree essential oil is the reference: 1 pure drop on each pimple, morning and evening after washing your face, until the acne disappears. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use.

Use in synergy

Reserved for ages 6+. To be renewed twice a day. Place 2 drops of the mixture on the pimples:

  • 5 drops of Noble Laurel essential oil
  • 10 drops of Lavender Aspic essential oil
  • 5 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
  • 1 teaspoon of Macadamia vegetable oil

Source: Zahalka, JP. (2017). Complete Aromatherapy Dictionary. Dolphin, 186.

In case of Flu, ENT infection

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+.  Through the skin, 1 drop of Noble Laurel essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil, to distribute on the lower back and on the thorax, 3 to 4 times a day.

Laurel Noble or Ravintsara?

Antiviral and expectorant, Noble Laurel essential oil is useful in cases of ENT infections, but not as effective as ravintsara essential oil : 3 drops of Ravintsara to distribute in the lower back, along the spine and on the thorax, 4 to 5 times a day, until improvement.

Use in synergy

Reserved for ages 6+. Place 3 drops of the mixture on the chest and upper back. Repeat 6 times a day for 2 to 3 days.

  • 60 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
  • 40 drops of Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil
  • 20 drops of Noble Laurel essential oil
  • 40 drops of Black Spruce essential oil
  • 80 drops (4 mL) of Nigella vegetable oil

More details or other users: essential oils against the flu. 

In case of Fear, Lack of self-confidence

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+. 

  • In skin application : 1 pure drop of Noble Laurel essential oil to apply to the inside of each wrist then breathe deeply.
  • In broadcast : Pour the number of drops of Laurier Noble indicated on the instructions for your diffuser. Broadcast in 30 minute slots.

Use in synergy

Reserved for ages 6+. To be renewed before each test. Apply 1 drop of the mixture to the inside of each wrist and breathe deeply. :

  • 50 drops of Noble Laurel essential oil
  • 50 drops of Peppermint essential oil
  • 50 drops of Black Spruce essential oil

More details : essential oils to promote concentration.

Laurel Noble or Petit Grain Bigarade?

Noble Laurel essential oil is nervous balancing and very useful in cases of stress, and especially to promote self-confidence. However, for stress in general, petit Grain Bigarade essential oil is useful: 1 pure drop on the wrists to inhale deeply, 3 times a day, until improvement

In case of' Digestive infection

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+.  Orally, 1 drop of Noble Laurel essential oil on a neutral tablet, 3 times a day.

Laurel Noble or Tea Tree?

Noble Laurel essential oil is beneficial in cases of digestive infections (gastritis, colitis, etc.) but tea Tree essential oil is better: 1 drop on a neutral tablet to melt in the mouth 3 times a day.

In case of Mycosis, Skin mycosis

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+. Through the skin, 2 pure drops of Noble Laurel essential oil on mycosis, morning and evening for 3 weeks. Take a break for a week and start again. Do not apply to anogenital areas.

Laurel Noble or Tea Tree?

Noble Laurel essential oil is antifungal, but in case of mycosis, tea Tree essential oil is also very suitable: 1 pure drop on the mycosis, morning and evening after having thoroughly cleaned the affected area. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use.

Use in synergy

Reserved for ages 6+. Use 2 to 3 drops of the mixture applied locally, 3 times a day for 3 weeks:

  • 40 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
  • 40 drops of Noble Laurel essential oil
  • 20 drops of Rosat Geranium essential oil
  • 20 drops of Palmarosa essential oil
  • 100 drops (5 mL) Neem vegetable oil

More details or other users: essential oils against skin fungus.

In case of' Bed sore, Skin ulcer

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+. Through the skin, 1 drop of Noble Laurel essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil, morning and evening, until improvement.

Use in synergy

Reserved for ages 6+. To be repeated morning and evening. Massage the wound with 4 drops of the synergy:

  • 20 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
  • 10 drops of Noble Laurel essential oil
  • 10 drops of Italian Helichrysum essential oil
  • 20 drops of Lavender Aspic essential oil
  • 60 drops (3 mL) of Argan vegetable oil

More details or other users: essential oils against bedsores.

Noble Laurel or Myrrh?

In the event of bedsores or skin ulcers, myrrh essential oil will also be very useful: 2 drops in 8 drops of vegetable oil massaged on the affected area, twice a day for 7 days.

In case of' Arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+. Through the skin, 1 drop of Noble Laurel essential oil in 9 drops of Calophyll Inophyle vegetable oil, massaged onto the painful area, 3 to 4 times a day.

Source: Couic-Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils, 113. 

Noble Laurel or Lemon Eucalyptus?

Noble Laurel essential oil is an interesting analgesic in cases of rheumatism or osteoarthritis, but lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is even better: 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area, until improvement.

In case of' Asthenia, Fatigue

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+. Through the skin, 1 drop of Noble Laurel essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil, applied to the lower back at the kidney level, 3 times a day. Take a week's break after three weeks of use

Noble Laurel or Black Spruce?

Noble Laurel is useful for stimulating the body, but not as much asblack Spruce essential oil : 2 drops in 8 drops of vegetable oil applied to the lower back at the kidney level, 3 times a day. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.

Use in synergy

Reserved for ages 6+. To be renewed morning and noon for 3 weeks. Ingest 3 to 4 drops of my synergy in a little honey and apply 6 drops to the lower back at the kidney level:

  • 90 drops of Thyme essential oil with linalool
  • 30 drops of Noble Laurel essential oil
  • 30 drops of Black Spruce essential oil
  • 120 drops of Ginger essential oil
  • 80 drops (4 mL) Apricot Kernel vegetable oil

Source: Baudoux, d. (2017). aromatherapy. dunod, 482.

Against the Perleche (cheilitis)

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Adults and children over 6 years old. Through the skin, prepare a mixture with 15 drops of EO, in 9.5 mL of Black Seed oil. Apply to the affected area up to 3 times daily depending on improvement. After 20 days or in the event of signs of worsening, medical advice is recommended.

Noble Laurel or Rosat Geranium?

Noble Laurel essential oil will be very effective against perleche, but if you have some on hand, that of Geranium Rosat will be even better! For adults, prepare a mixture with 15 drops of essential oil in 9.5 mL of Black Seed oil. Apply to the affected area up to 3 times daily depending on improvement. After 20 days or in the event of signs of worsening, medical advice is recommended.

Use in synergy

Reserved for ages 6+. Apply 1 to 2 drops of this mixture to the affected area up to 3 times daily depending on improvement. After 20 days or in the event of signs of worsening, medical advice is recommended.

  • 5 drops of Rosat Geranium essential oil
  • 5 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
  • 5 drops of Noble Laurel essential oil
  • 9.5 mL of Nigella vegetable oil

More details or other users: essential oils against perleche.

In case of Gingivitis

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

From 6 years old. Par local route, prepare a 5% mixture of Noble Laurel essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (15 drops of HE in 9.5 mL of HV). Apply 1 to 2 drops of the mixture directly to the gums up to 2 times a day for up to 5 days.

Use in synergy

For adults and children over 6 years old. Apply a few drops of the mixture to the gums up to 3 times a day for a maximum of 5 days.

  • 10 drops of essential oil Tea Tree
  • 10 drops of essential oil Pepper mint
  • 10 drops of essential oil Lemon
  • 5 drops of essential oil Laurel Noble
  • 9 mL of vegetable oil Sesame

More details and precautions for use: how to use essential oils in case of gingivitis?

Laurel Noble or Tea Tree?

Noble Laurel is effective against gingivitis, but thetea Tree essential oil remains more appropriate. Prepare a mixture of 10% Tea Tree essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (1 mL or 30 drops of HE, in 9 mL of HV). Apply 3 to 5 drops of the mixture to the gums up to 3 times a day for 5 days.

Against the Tartar, dental plaque

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Adults and adolescents. As a mouthwash, prepare a mixture of 20% Noble Laurel essential oil in Sesame vegetable oil (60 drops of HE, in 8 mL of HV). After brushing your teeth, put 3 to 5 drops of the mixture in a glass of water. Gargle for a few seconds to emulsify the mixture in your mouth before spitting it out. 

Noble Laurel or Peppermint?

The essential oil of Noble Laurel is effective in limiting tartar and dental plaque, but the essential oil of Pepper mint is even more so. For adults and adolescents, occasional use, 1 drop of Peppermint EO directly on the toothpaste before brushing.

Other famous applications of Laurel Noble

Noble Laurel essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its antiviral, nerve balancing, analgesic and expectorant properties. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Laurier Noble for the following different problems.

Hair growth

Noble Laurel essential oil can be effective, but... it is better to use himalayan Spikenard essential oila: 1 drop in a dollop of shampoo before each wash.

Neuralgia, Pain of nervous origin

Analgesic, Noble Laurel essential oil is effective, but.... it is better to use roman Chamomile essential oil : 1 drop in 4 drops of a vegetable oil then apply to the painful area, 3 times a day.

Dandruff

Noble Laurel essential oil can be effective, but... it is better to use cade essential oil : 2 drops in a dab of shampoo, for 4 weeks.

Dyspepsia, Difficult digestion

Noble Laurel essential oil is effective, but... it is better to use basil essential oil : orally, 1 drop of pure Basil or on a support, under the tongue following each meal.

How to recognize a good Noble Laurel essential oil?

Botanical characteristics
  • Latin Name: Laurus nobilis L.
  • Botanical family: Lauraceae
  • Part used: leaves
  • Country of origin: Türkiye, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Physical characteristics
  • Density at 20°C: 0.900 to 0.925
  • Refractive index at 20°C: 1.460 to 1.475
  • Rotational power at 20°C: -22 to -10
  • Flash point: 48
Organoleptic characteristics
  • Appearance: clear mobile liquid
  • Color: colorless to light yellow
  • Odor: minty, camphoraceous, cineole.
Biochemical characteristics
  • 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): 35 to 50%
  • α-pinene: 3 to 10%
  • α-terpineol: ≤ 11%
  • sabinene: 3 to 10%
  • linalool: ≤ 11%
  • terpenyl acetate: ≤ 11%

Learn more about Laurel Noble

What is Noble Laurel?

The particularity of laurel is that it remains green in winter, like fir, spruce or holly. Originally from the Mediterranean basin, it lived there in large numbers and formed entire forests near the coasts. The drying up of the sea gradually caused this plant to disappear, which needed a more humid climate. Today it lives in abundance in the mountains of southern Europe.

Laurel and the myth of Apollo

Apollo's first love, Daphne, a nymph from Greek mythology, fled from him. After a long chase and when she was caught, she was changed into a laurel by her father, the river god Peneus. It then became the tree of Apollo and he dedicated it to triumphs, songs and poems.

Symbol of victory, laurel is the plant of winners

First a symbol of Julius Caesar who was crowned, it has survived the ages! Remember the Athens Olympic Games where the athletes were also crowned with it after each victory... In addition to its Latin name, Laurus nobilis, the laurel can take different names, noble laurel, true laurel, sauce laurel or even Apollo laurel , many names but only one smell! It is a species of shrub native to the Mediterranean basin, its leaves are evergreen and shiny dark green. It also symbolizes immortality since its leaves remain green all year round.

A little history

The noble laurel has managed to find its place in the different pages of history. Among the Greeks and Romans, poets and victors were crowned with laurel as a sign of recognition, but it is also proof of heroism and wisdom. In Rome, it was believed that the drying out of the shrub heralded disaster. More current, if everyone knows the baccalaureate, few of us know the origin of its name! In the Middle Ages, laurel wreaths distinguished scholars at universities. In medical schools, doctors were crowned with branches with berries, in Latin bacca laurea, which means “laurel berry”. Surprising, no?

Some recognized uses

Bay leaf has some medicinal properties, it can be used to treat digestive system disorders, abdominal cramps can also be reduced. In powder form, it can reduce severe migraines; it is a natural medicine that is interesting to experiment with!

But bay leaf finds its greatest use in the cooking world. It allows you to flavor dishes and goes well with all flavors... Its little extra? It adds a touch of color! The noble laurel flowers can also be used in infusion or in honey, their aroma has been able to satisfy different cultures for millennia. Noble laurel is not used in the same way in all corners of the globe, the Bédoins use it to flavor their coffees, while in Saintonge, laurel is used in stews. But whatever its arrangement, the noble laurel will meet your expectations!

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Bibliography

Publication: Chahal, K.K., Kaur, M., Bhardwaj, U., Singla, N., Kaur, A. (2017). A review on chemistry and biological activities of Laurus nobilis L. essential oil. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2017; 6(4): 1153-1161

Publication: Caputo, L., et al. (2017). Laurus nobilis: Composition of Essential Oil and Its Biological Activities. Molecules, 22(6), 930. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22060930

Publication: Merghni, A., Marzouki, H., Hentati, H., Aouni, M., & Mastouri, M. (2016). Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Laurus nobilis L. essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus strains associated with oral infections. Current Research in Translational Medicine, 64(1), 29–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.patbio.2015.10.003

Publication: Sayyah, M., Saroukhani, G., Peirovi, A., & Kamalinejad, M. (2003). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf essential oil of Laurus nobilis Linn. Phytotherapy Research, 17(7), 733–736. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1197

Publication: Snuossi, M., Trabelsi, N., Ben Taleb, S., Dehmeni, A., Flamini, G., & De Feo, V. (2016). Laurus nobilis, Zingiber officinale and Anethum graveolens Essential Oils: Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities against Bacteria Isolated from Fish and Shellfish. Molecules, 21(10), 1414. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21101414

Work : Baudoux, d. (2017). aromatherapy. dunod.

Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.

Work : Couic Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Terre Vivante Editions.

Work : Zahalka, J. (2017). Complete Aromatherapy Dictionary. Editions du Dauphin.

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About these tips

This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists. 

La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.