The benefit of bay oil lies in its calming and warming effect on emotions and general aches and pains, including rheumatic pains. It also settles the digestive system, excess gas and also acts as a tonic on the liver and kidneys. In small amounts it has a stimulating effect, while larger doses produce a sedating effect.

Bay essential oil is also helpful with hair and scalp conditions and is mostly used to combat hair loss and is used with success in treating sprains, strains and bruises.

The scent of bay oil is sweet, fresh and spicy and the oil is deep yellow in colour, being of medium to watery viscosity.

Bay oil has a high eugenol content and may irritate the skin and mucus membranes, so it should be use with caution on the skin. Pregnant women should avoid it.

Bay oil blends well with other oils including cedarwood, coriander, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, juniper, lavender, lemon, orange, rose, rosemary, thyme and ylang-ylang.