Bay Leaves

Botanical Name(s): Laurus nobilis L.
Family Name: Lauraceae

Bay Leaf is a dried leaf of an evergreen tree which attains a height up to 20 mtrs. The upper surface of the leaf is olive green and the lower surface is dull olive to brown with a prominent rib and veins. The size of the leaf ranges from 2.5 to 7.5 cms in length and 1.6 to 2.5 cms in breadth. The fruits are small, red-blue single-seeded berries that later turn black.
Both leaves and fruits of Bay Leaf possess aromatic, stimulant and narcotic properties. The leaves and its oil are used as food flavouring agent and is used in traditional medicines in different countries. The extracts are anti-microbial, anti-fungal, hypoglycemic and anti-ulcerogenic in nature.