Day 18: Bay leaf and blossom tea
- Sarah-Jane Cobley
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Laurus nobilis
I suspect that if it had been a hot day, given the amount of blossom on it, this tree would have been buzzing. As it turned out, it was me that ended up buzzing! All from the excitement of meeting a new friend.
I got to know bay first by tasting its flowers, then the short-brewed and long-brewed tea, and finally by inspecting the flowers more closely.
It was not only the joy of a chance encounter, but also the depth of interest that it inspired in me. My tastebuds were well and truly tickled!
What a delightful wild tea break.
ID features
Bay leaves are smooth and dark green, pointed and too tough to chew. About 6 long leaves point out from a central point where the flowers blossom.
The yellowish flowers have 4 tepals, (indistinct petals/sepals), and 8-12 stamen each with 2 prongs and attached pollen. The tepals are a much paler yellow than the stamen and pollen.
5 flowers grow from one small stem beside a number of other flower clusters, which together form one large central cluster at the base of 6 leaves, all at the end of a branch.
It can grow as a large shrub or a small scrawling tree with smooth dark brown bark. They make nice dens underneath when very large.
Medicinal uses
Bay is so well known as a culinary herb, I wonder why its not more widely known for its medicinal benefits which are numerous.
It has volatile oils that ease digestive cramps and trapped wind, and bitter principles that stimulate digestion. It is also astringent and anti-inflammatory which aids tissue healing.
The volatile oils also lend themselves well to treating coughs and colds. I guess the sedative action comes from its alkaloids. This means it slightly depresses the central nervous system making it of use in seizures, anxiety and sleep issues, as well as having a pain-relieving quality for arthritic conditions.
As an antimicrobial, it is effective against bacteria, virus and fungal infections, and stimulates the immune system in other ways.
It is diuretic so can help to treat urinary tract infections with its antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions.
Additionally, it improves the ability of insulin to breakdown glycogen into glucose for the cells, improving the picture for type-2 diabetes.
How to make a cuppa
I picked off most of the blossoms from one head of flowers, then cut the leaves into wide strips. At first it did not give off an aroma, then once the tea had developed for a white the scent and taste strengthened.
Taste
I initially thought it reminded me of thyme and rosemary as I drink a lot of these teas. Then it seemed more like eucalyptus and pine. Some say it has notes of black pepper and menthol. I’m not sure about the latter. It’s kind of like a bitter cough sweet. When I put it like that, it’s a wonder I like it so much!
I will definitely be having more bay leaf tea; it’s delicious!
The flowers were nice to much on too, with a bit of added sweetness.
Cautions
Avoid cutting the leaves too small if, like me, you rarely strain the tea. The leaves are tough and a choaking hazard, which is why they are removed from food before serving.
Do not drink it if you are pregnant, which is the same for thyme and rosemary.
It can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter which will exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux, (GERD).
Click below to listen to my:
For those Local to me:
My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.
£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services
Herbal Medicine Consultations
I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk
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