What are the disadvantages of bay leaves?
Side Effects and Toxicity There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking bay leaf during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Bay leaf might interfere with blood sugar control and may not be safe to use during diabetes. Bay leaf might slow down the central nervous system (CNS). Bay leaf might interfere with blood sugar control and may not be safe to use during diabetes. Bay leaf might slow down the central nervous system (CNS). There is a concern that it might slow down the CNS too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery.Large amounts of bay leaf might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking bay leaf in large amounts with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
How fast do bay leaf trees grow?
Bay is slow-growing and, while a plant will eventually become a tree up to 8m tall, it will take many years to do this and can be clipped to keep it at the desired size. Bay trees have relatively shallow roots so when planning to move it go for a wide rootball rather than a deep rootball.
Do bay trees have invasive roots?
Laurus Nobilis (Bay trees) are highly versatile, serving both ornamental and practical purposes. Their non-invasive roots make them ideal for smaller gardens or as container plants. This tree grows in sunny locations but also does well in part shade. The Laurus nobilis doesn’t like wet feet so it’s important that the position is well-drained. Even in the best position this tree isn’t a fast grower and this makes it a perfect candidate for shaping into topiary and using as hedging.Laurus nobilis (botanical name) are happy in full sun to part shade and can grow up to 7. They flower in Spring. Bay in pots like good draining soil and to stay moist in Summer but the roots should not sit in water as this will lead to rot.
Where is the best place to plant a bay leaf tree?
Bay trees grow extremely well if they are positioned in a sunny or partially shaded area. Even though they like some sun, they do not like being scorched so avoid putting them in sun trap areas. On the other hand, they really don’t like being too cold so avoid windy spots as they prefer more protected areas. Once established, prune the bay tree annually to keep it growing vigorously – also providing supply of bay leaves for cooking. Pruning is best done when the tree is not actively growing to maximize growth but to maximize flavor, harvest leaves in the mid summer.Bay trees will grow in any well-drained soil in a sunny position, and thrive in containers, as long as they are kept well-watered. Use a soil-based compost with extra grit added to improve stability of the post and help drainage as bay roots dislike sitting in wet.Bay trees can take light pruning throughout most of the year, however, the best time for you to start your pruning is in late spring which can then be finished throughout the summer. In summer, your bay tree will be growing much more vigorously and pushing out lots of new growth.
What is the myth about the bay leaf?
Bay leaves are NOT dangerous to eat. This is an extremely common myth but holds no merit. It is believed that this myth began because there are leaves that look strikingly similar to the bay leaf (mountain laurel and cherry laurel leaves) that are poisonous to humans and animals. There is a longstanding rumor that bay leaves are toxic, thanks to their visual similarity to other members of the laurel family, such as mountain laurel or cherry laurel. Those are poisonous to humans and livestock, but bay leaves are not toxic.Protection and Purification Protection Spells: Bay leaves are potent protectors. They can be used in protective amulets, hung around the home, or burned to ward off negative energies, evil spirits, and psychic attacks. Purification Rituals: Burn bay leaves to cleanse spaces, objects, or people from negative influences.Bay leaves contain active compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, linalool, eugenol, methyl chavicol, and anthocyanins, which provide anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antioxidant, digestive, and antirheumatic effects.