Bay Leaf

Bay leaves are used as an herb to add flavor in many dishes. The leaves, along with the oil found in the leaves, are also used in medicines because of its health benefits. Bay leaves come from bay trees, which are indigenous to Asia. The plant found its way to the Mediterranean, where they called it a laurel tree. Laurels were thought to bring honor and glory, which led to its branches being used to create laurel wreath headpieces, which were popular in Ancient Greece and Rome.