Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae) is a locally found small tree with aromatic leaves that are used in cooking. Originally native to the Mediterranean region, it has small flowers that are light yellow-green and small black berries. There is also ![[wikipedia]](http://wikispot.org/wiki/eggheadbeta/img/inter.png){kind=small}
a species of bay tree native to the Coast Range.
Bay leaves are most commonly used today in cooking, but they are also the leaves that were twisted into a "U" shape and placed as a crown atop the head of winners in ancient Greece (i.e., "Laurels"). People going for the collegian toga look could possibly use them today for a spicy smelling accessory. Alternatively, people who succeeded in the past and are now just relaxing could make a bed from them and rest on their laurels.
Bay has antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant properties.
