Laurier Noble monograph

Laurier Noble monograph

Laurier Noble

Plant identification and botany

  • Latin botanical name: Laurus nobilis L.
  • Chemotype (CT): 1,8-cineole, linalool, terpenyl acetate
  • Botanical family: Lauraceae (Lauraceae)
  • Varnacular names: Laurier noble, Laurier d'Apollon, Laurier-sauce, Laurier vrai.
  • Part of plant distilled:Leaves
  • Geographical origin: Mainly Mediterranean basin (France, Spain, Morocco, Croatia, Turkey).

Essential oil characteristics

Production method: Complete distillation by steam distillation.

Organoleptic characteristics:

  • Appearance:Very fluid and mobile liquid.
  • Color: Colorless to pale greenish yellow.
  • Smell:Fresh, powerful, spicy, kineolated and camphorated, with a slightly bitter and noble base note.

Physicochemical characteristics (indicative):

  • Relative density (at 20°C): 0.905 to 0.925
  • Refractive index (at 20°C): 1.465 to 1.475
  • Rotatory power: -10° to -22°
  • Flash point: >55°C

Detailed biochemical composition

Composition may vary slightly depending on origin and harvesting period. A typical chromatographic profile (GC/MS) reveals:

  • Terpenic oxides (35-55%):
    • 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): majority, responsible for expectorant and antiviral properties.
  • Monoterpenols (10-20%):
    • Linalool, a-terpineol: confer antibacterial, antifungal and nerve-regulating properties.
    • Terpenic esters (8-15%):
    • Terpenyl acetate: contributes to antispasmodic and calming action.
  • Monoterpenes (10-15%):
    • a-pinene, ß-pinene, sabinene: atmospheric antiseptic action.
  • Phenols:
    • Methyl-eugenol (generally < 5%)
    • Eugenol (generally < 3%)
    • Sesquiterpenic lactones (traces):
    • Costunolide, laurenobiolide: may be responsible for allergic skin reactions.

    Therapeutic properties and indications

    Principal properties:

    • Purposeful anti-infective: powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.
    • Expectorant and mucolytic: thins mucus and promotes its expulsion.
    • Remarkable analgesic and antineuralgic: soothes pain, particularly joint, muscle and dental pain.
    • Nervous system regulator: rebalancing, promotes self-confidence and concentration.
    • Antispasmodic.
    • Cutaneous tonic and astringent.

    Indications and spheres of action:

    • EAR and respiratory sphere: Flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, colds, winter viral ailments.
    • Pain and rheumatology: Arthritis, rheumatism, polyarthritis, neuralgia, muscle aches and cramps.
    • Oral care: Mouth ulcers, gingivitis, dental abscesses (local external application), bad breath.
    • Skin care: Acne, boils, skin mycoses, oily skin.
    • Nervous system and psycho-emotional care: Anxiety, lack of confidence, preparation for exams or competitions (helps concentration and stress management).

    Safety and toxicology data

    Toxicity: Low at recommended physiological doses.

    Strict contraindications:

    • Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
    • Children under 6 (due to high 1,8-cineole content, risk of laryngeal spasm in infants).
    • People with asthma (especially pure inhalation or diffusion) and epilepsy.

    Precautions for use:

    • Risk of skin sensitization: May cause skin allergies in sensitive subjects due to the presence of lactones. Always perform a skin test in the crease of the elbow 24 hours before use.
    • Cutaneous irritation (dermocausticity): Use undiluted on the skin is not recommended. Dilution in a vegetable oil is mandatory for all skin applications.
    • Oral route: Reserved for prescription by an authorized healthcare professional.
    • Avoid direct contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
    • Allergenic biochemical constituents (according to EC Cosmetic Regulation n°1223/2009): Linalool, limonene, eugenol.

    Administration routes, dosages and uses

    Cutaneous route (preferred):

    • Localized pain (arthritis, neuralgia): Dilute 3 to 5 drops of EO in 10 drops of vegetable oil (e.g. arnica oily macerate) and massage the painful area 3 times a day.
    • Respiratory ailments: Dilute 10-20% in a vegetable oil and massage the thorax, upper back and soles of the feet.
    • Acne: 1 drop on a cotton bud to be applied very locally to the pimple, after performing a sensitivity test.

    Oral route:

    Only on medical or pharmaceutical advice.

    Atmospheric diffusion:

    • A few drops in a diffuser for 15-20 minutes to purify the air or promote concentration.
    • Do not diffuse in a child's room.

    Inhalation:

    Dry inhalation: 1 to 2 drops on a tissue to breathe deeply in case of a blocked nose or need for concentration.

    Examples of synergies:

    • ENTL infections: with Eucalyptus radiata, Ravintsara.
    • Pain: with Gaultheria procumbens, Eucalyptus citriodora.
    • Fungal infections: with Tea Tree, Palmarosa.

    Regulatory and quality aspects

    CAS number: 84603-73-6

    Recommended quality labels:

    • HEBBD: Botanically and Biochemically Defined Essential Oil.
    • HECT: Chemotyped Essential Oil.
    • Preferably oils from organic farming (AB label, Ecocert).

    Reference bibliography: The information in this sheet is based on scientific aromatherapy reference works (e.g. P. Franchomme, D. Baudoux, M. Faucon).

    Disclaimer: This monograph is intended for healthcare professionals. The information it contains is in no way intended as a substitute for medical consultation. The use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes requires medical advice.

    Revue scientifique sur le laurier noble

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