Herb of the Year

Every year since 1995, the International Herb Association has chosen an Herb of the Year to highlight. The 2009 herb of the year is:

Bay Laurel

Bay Laurel originated in southern Europe. It was a much revered plant in
Roman times and it’s latin name, Lauraceae nobilis means “praise” and “noble”.

Nicholas Culpeper wrote in the 17th Century that ‘neither witch nor devil, thunder nor lightning, will hurt a man in the place where a bay-tree is’. He also wrote ‘the berries are very effectual against the poison of venomous creatures and the stings of wasps and bees’.

Bay leaves are popular protection amulets, considered helpful to those seeking good fortune and success, and are popular for those seeking prophetic or visionary abilities. This is probably because of the mild narcotic properties. The leaves are chewed to increase wisdom and clairvoyance.


The patron God of Bay Laurel is Apollo, since his ill fated brush with love and vengeance. He insulted the young Eros for playing with bows and arrows suggesting that the boy should be saving that activity for the real warriors. Apollo then received the shot of a golden arrow from Eros causing him to fall hopelessly in love with the beautiful nymph Daphne. Unfortunately, Eros also had a lead arrow for Daphne causing her to abhor Apollo and cringe at his presence. When Daphne begged for an escape from the attentions of the smitten Apollo she was offered relief by transformation into a bay laurel tree. From that day forth, Apollo wore the crown of laurel and held it sacred. He even had the roof of his temple made of bay leaves, primarily to protect against disease, lightning and witchcraft.

Bay Laurel has a marked space in the culinary repertoires of European and American cuisine favoured for it’s versatility of use with savoury or sweet dishes.

There is a Bay Rum aftershave for men, and Bay is found to adorn crafted Yule decorations with it’s dark shiny evergreen leaves.

To this day, a wreath of laurel is a symbol of honour and glory won for great achievement bestowed upon poets, heroes, and victors in athletic contests. Notice the traditional symbols of the Olympic games we still enjoy today. The title of Poet Laureate is bestowed upon a person with substantial publication history (including poetry) displaying literary excellence. This position is an official parliamentary role in Canada and other countries but originated in Europe as a tribute to Apollo the God of Wisdom; and the right honourable Bay Laurel.

For Bay Laurel recipes click here.