Bay West Indian Pimenta acris

Looking to escape to the Caribbean? Look no further than this gorgeous spicy oil to enhance your day

Botanical name Pimenta acris, Myrtus acris
Country of origin West Indies
Growing method Cultivated    Plant part Leaves
Extraction method Steam distillation

Characteristics
West Indian Bay is a light oil with a fresh-spicy camphoraceous aroma, with a sweet balsamic undertone.

Therapeutic actions
Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, general stimulant.

When to use
West Indian Bay is more commonly known for its use in men's bodycare products, especially shampoos, conditioners, hair oils and after-shave lotions and its use in Bay Rum. In aromatherapy clinics, it is used for relieving muscular aches and pains and reducing the symptoms of colds and flu - if you're stuck in bed, what better way can you think of to transport yourself to a tropical climate? How to use
Bath, massage, ointment, skincare, inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporiser.

Blends well with
Basil, Citrus Oils, Cedarwood Virginian, Clove Bud, Ginger, Juniper berry, Patchouli, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Ylang ylang
Top Note for blending.

Traditional usage
The story goes that the leaves and their scent were originally discovered by Sailors in the 16th Century after months at sea... this appears to be after Christopher Columbus, although he was the first to land in the area in 1492(15th Century) so it could be his expedition as he was looking for spices. They leaves on board and used it in their bathing water to smell better. In the 1800's, John Maisch (a German-American botanist and pharmacist) identified the leaf in the herbarium at the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, collected in Saint Croix "by the late Dr. Griffith", which was identified as Myrcia acris, now transferred to the genus Pimenta (hence the 2 botanical names above).

Personality profile
Bay Rum hasn't been given an official personality profile, however I like to think of it as being the adventurers in the world, those who are bold and fearless and in the words of Star Trek "to boldly go where no man's gone before".

Energetics and subtle aromatherapy
Bay laurel is an intuitive oil and enhances one's self-awareness, positivity and performance.
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Magical influences: Courage, Physical energy, Success

Safety Precautions
DO NOT use during pregnancy.  May cause an allergic reaction to sensitive skin types.

Important Note: The information provided is for educational purposes only

Sourced from 
Battaglia, S. (2018).The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 3rd Edition. Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, Australia.
Battaglia, S. (2003).The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2nd Edition. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia.
Lawless, J. (1995). The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils. Element Books Ltd, UK.
Schnaubelt, K. (1999). Medical Aromatherapy - Healing with Essential Oils. Frog Ltd, USA.
Wildwood, C. (1994). Create Your Own Perfumes using Essential Oils. Piatkus, UK.
Worwood, V. (1995). The Fragrant Heavens - The Spiritual Dimension of Fragrance and Aromatherapy. Doubleday, UK.
Worwood, V. (1999). The Fragrant Mind - Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion. Doubleday, UK.