Laurel

The origins of laurel

Laurel is a plant that belongs to the genus Laurus and the family Lauraceae. However, caution is warranted, as the French name lauriers is often used to designate many plants that do not actually belong to these families. Thus, this is by no means about oleanders but rather about this entirely green tree devoid of flowers. The latter is also called laurus nobilis, true laurel, noble laurel, laurel of Apollo, or bay laurel. It is a shrub with evergreen foliage native to the Mediterranean basin. It generally measures 2 to 6 m and is widespread in French gardens. Yet laurel initially came to us from Asia Minor. Nevertheless, it was introduced very early on in Greece, carrying with it a mythological origin. It arrived there in the wake of Apollo and quickly became an emblematic plant of ancient ceremonies. Likewise, legend has it that the nymph Daphne transformed into a laurel to flee the advances of the solar god. Thus, laurel embodied glory, and it is widely known today that it stands as an emblem of athletes' triumph, notably awarded during the Olympic Games. Similarly, laurel was a sacred source of inspiration for poets of that era. Today, it is used just as much for its benefits and aromatherapy properties as in perfumery. It is a plant that acts as an anti-degenerative. Likewise, it acts directly on pain caused by rheumatism or osteoarthritis as well as on ulcers. Laurel proves to be a plant recommended for bronchitis. Finally, it helps treat oily skin as well as acne.

Laurel in perfumery

In perfumery, the method used to extract the scent of laurel is steam distillation. Two parts of the laurel are then used: the leaves and the flower. The leaves are mainly used in men's fragrances. They lend them an aromatic note, both camphoraceous and spicy. The laurel flower, on the other hand, is more mellow and floral. As such, it is more often used in women's fragrances.

Many fragrances today contain this raw material. Serge Lutens, moreover, is a true devotee of it. Laurel is notably present in his famous fragrances Ambre Sultan and Arabie. Likewise, Clarins incorporated it into the composition of its Eau des Jardins, while Guerlain made it the star of the fragrance Aqua Allegoria Laurier Réglisse.