- Latin name
- Laurus nobilis
- Element
- fire
- Planet
- Sun
- Safe to eat?
- Yes, in normal kitchen amounts
How to use it
- Write a wish on a dried leaf and burn it
- Tuck a leaf under the pillow for prophetic dreams
- Weave a wreath or crown for a celebration
- Add a leaf to stews and broths
- Place leaves on the altar for success
Lore
In Greek myth the nymph Daphne became a laurel tree to escape Apollo, who made it his sacred plant. Victors at the Pythian Games were crowned with laurel, and Apollo's priestess at Delphi was linked with bay leaves.
Safety
Only use true bay laurel (Laurus nobilis); cherry laurel and mountain laurel look similar and are poisonous. Remove whole leaves before eating, as they can choke. Burn with good ventilation. The berries are not for eating, and bay leaves can upset pets' stomachs.
Gods linked with it
- Apollo Lord of light, music and prophecy
More fire herbs
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Peppermint Mentha x piperita
- Calendula Calendula officinalis
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Cinnamon Cinnamomum verum
- Juniper Juniperus communis
- Rowan Sorbus aucuparia
- St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum