Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) vs Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

About

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is an aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to about 65 ft (20 m). It features leathery, dark green, lance-shaped leaves, small yellow flowers, and shiny black berries. The plant is well known for its culinary use (“bay leaves”) as well as its medicinal history in ancient Greece and Rome.

Fennel is a wonderful carminative, commonly used in combination with catnip for colic. Catnip combined with fennel is an excellent remedy for colic, indigestion, and diarrhea in infants and young children as well as adults. Like most carminatives, fennel stimulates digestion and reduces intestinal gas. It also helps to sweeten and increase breast milk. Crush seeds to release oils before using.

Safety & precautions

Essential Oil: Never take bay laurel essential oil internally. Topical Use: The oil should be used only in very dilute form (about 2%) to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Fennel seeds are potentially toxic; do not exceed the recommended dose. Do not take the essential oil internally.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.