Bay Rum Essential Oil

The Bay Rum tree, also known as the West Indian Bay tree, is native to the Caribbean and northern South America. It is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, with an upright habit of growth. This species is undemanding in its cultural requirements, and somewhat drought tolerant. However, if regular watering is provided during establishment, the tree can reach 15 meters high, sometimes 20 to 25 meters, with a single trunk up to 25 cm D.B.H. The leaves of Bay Rum are highly aromatic when crushed. The scent is distinctive and unforgettable. It is undoubtedly one of the finest scent plants available, and the essential oil is used extensively in perfumes, aftershave, lotions, soaps and colognes. Bay Rum is now mainly cultivated for its essential oil.

Although the oil is widely used in perfume industry, it is an all-purpose tonic once used extensively for medicinal purposes. Its soothing and antiseptic properties are important in hair tonics. It stimulates scalp circulation, promotes healthy hair growth, and helps to prevent and eliminate dandruff. It is also a fragrant tonic that restores body and tone to greasy and lifeless hair. Moreover, Bay Rum essential oil is antiseptic. When mixed with Eucalyptus radiata, it is a good decongestant recommended for respiratory ailments.

Bay Rum is also good for aches and muscular pains. Combined with other spice oils, such as Ginger and Cardamom, into a massage oil, it is effective for rheumatic pain or neuralgia. Bay Rum has a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system, but may also cause mucous membrane irritation. Added to warm baths, it stimulates the circulatory system, improves digestion, and helps in the reduction of cellulite.

Bay Rum essential oil has a strong spicy, somewhat medicinal, clove-like fragrance and a penetrating sweet-balsamic undertone, which may be fresh and pleasant to some people but rather obnoxious to others.

Bay Rum essential oil is mucous membrane irritating, and moderately toxic due to high content of eugenol. It is non-irritating on human skin when used at less than 5% concentration; however, it should not be used on very sensitive skin, and for prolonged periods of time. Avoid during pregnancy.

Do not take essential oils internally or use without the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The information provided here is for general use only and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Do not use during pregnancy.