Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) vs White Willow (Salix alba)

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis)

White Willow (Salix alba)

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.

Willow (Salix spp., especially S. alba) is a deciduous tree, sometimes up to 80 ft (25 m), with long, slender leaves and catkins in spring. The bark - high in salicin - was the original source of salicylic acid and a forerunner to aspirin. White willow bark is anti-inflammatory, reducing pain and fever, but works more slowly than aspirin.

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.

Allergic to Aspirin: Avoid use. Digestive Weakness or Ulcers: Willow can irritate the gut in large doses. Pregnancy & Nursing: Not recommended without professional supervision. Children Under 12: Avoid in the context of fever (possible risk akin to aspirin’s association with Reye’s syndrome).

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.