In Greek mythology we find that Apollo loved Daphne. Apollo was most known as the god of light, and also attributed to prophecy, medicine, archery and as a good shepherd of herds and flocks.

Daphne was the daughter of the river god, Ladon and Apollo fiercely pursued her. She fled, he followed and as he tried to touch her, she transformed into a laurel tree. Apollo then made the bay laurel his sacred tree.

Bay laurel leaves are used for protection, hence the ancient laurel head wreaths. Over the years its attributes include aids for menstruation, snake bites, even colds.

Today, bay is typically used in cooking. You can harvest and use year round.

Bay: Bay laurel, sweet bay
Botanical: laurus nobilis
Flowers: Inconspicuous, no petals, four lobed, greenish yellow
Leaves: Alternate, shiny, dark green, thick and leathery with wavy edges
Fruit: Dark purple to black one seeded berries about a half inch long
Flowering: Spring

bay