Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) vs Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

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.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), a perennial up to 3 ft (1 m), has gray-green stems and feathery leaves covered in fine hairs, with a strong bitter aroma. Historically part of absinthe liqueur, wormwood is a powerfully bitter herb used to enhance digestion, stimulate bile flow, and expel intestinal parasites.

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.

Pregnancy & Nursing: Not recommended; can be toxic in large or prolonged doses. Short-Term Use: Limit to 4-5 weeks; can irritate the nervous system or cause digestive upset. Allergies: Those allergic to plants in the daisy family may be sensitive. Thujone Content: High concentrations (as in absinthe) can be neurotoxic.

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.