X38 
LAURUS NOBILIS. 
This beautiful species of Laurus* was a distinguished favourite 
■with the ancients, not only as a medicine supposed to possess great 
efficacy, but was likewise worn by them as a triumphal crown ; 
hence probably its specific name Nobilis ; it was also considered aa 
emblem of peace, and called Laurus Pacifera. 
Sensible Qualities, &c. Both the leaves and berries have 
a fragrant odour, and an aromatic and somewhat astringent taste; 
the watery infusion is of a red colour, changing to a purplish hue 
by the addition of sulphate of iron ; both the berries ^and leaves 
yield, by distillation with water, a portion of a very fragrant essential 
oil, of a greenish jellow colour, with the odour and taste of the 
berries; the former yield considerably more than the latter, and 
also yield by expression a quantity of insipid fixed oil. The distilled 
water from the leaves is impregnated with a small portion of prussic 
acid ; upon this component probably the active property of the 
plant depends. 
Medical Properties and Uses. By former writers f this 
plant was held in great estimation as a carminative, stomachic, and 
sedative ; hence the leaves and berries were much used in hysteria, 
obstructed menstruation,| flatulent colic, &c.; but their internal use 
is now almost laid aside, although, from their containing prussic 
acid, we should suppose them possessed of considerable powers as 
a remedial agent. We are told by Dr. A. T. Thomson, that 
" having found great advantage from the use of prussic acid, largely 
diluted, as a local application in impetigo," he lately employed 
infusion of bay berries with nearly the same beneficial results* 
The leaves have long formed one of the ingredients (and probably 
the most active) in the decoction pro fomento of the London Phar- 
macopoeia. The fragrance and agreeable aromatic flavour of the 
leaves have long recommended them for culinary purposes. The 
leaves were formerly given in the form of infusion, and the essential 
oil in doses of from one to five drops, on sugar, dissolved in 
spirit of wine, or mixed with mucilage: the expressed oil is also 
used as an external application to tumours, sprains, &c. 
Off". The Leaves and Berries, and the Fixed Oil of the 
Berries. 
* Aa<piti of Dioscorides. 
t Haller, Bauhin, GeofTio}', Bergius, &c. 
i The berries have been thought to act with great energy upon the uterine sjslem ; 
lence the caution given against their use in pregnancy.— JRcriyiMs, M. M. 324. 
