Plant Comparison

Bay Leaf vs Selfheal

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant ABay LeafLaurus nobilisLauraceaeFull monograph →
Plant BSelfhealPrunella vulgarisLamiaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Bay Leaf and Selfheal: they share 8 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bruising, cancer (anticancer research), …); 6 pharmacological actions in common.

Bay LeafSelfheal
Constituents22
Pharmacological actions810
Indicated uses1512
Safety notes22
Cited sources1837
Indicated uses
Only Bay Leaf
Back painBloatingHeadacheIndigestionMemoryPain (general)Respiratory support
Shared (8)
Arthritis / joint painBruisingCancer (anticancer research)Cognitive functionInfection (general)Inflammation (general)Skin irritationWounds
Only Selfheal
Cold & fluImmune supportBlood sugar / diabetes supportCardiovascular / heart health
Pharmacological actions
Only Bay Leaf
Analgesic (pain relief)Digestive aid
Shared (6)
Anti-inflammatoryAnticancer (preclinical)AntimicrobialAntioxidantNeuroprotective / cognition supportVulnerary (wound healing)
Only Selfheal
AntiviralImmunomodulator / immune supportHepatoprotective (liver support)Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionBay LeafSelfhealVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain1/102/10Comparable evidence
Bruising1/102/10Comparable evidence
Cancer (anticancer research)2/107/10Stronger for Selfheal
Cognitive function1/102/10Comparable evidence
Infection (general)1/102/10Comparable evidence
Inflammation (general)1/102/10Comparable evidence
Skin irritation1/102/10Comparable evidence
Wounds1/102/10Comparable evidence

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Essential oil (1,8-cineole, eugenol)[11]

Leaf essential oil dominated by 1,8-cineole and eugenol, giving the characteristic aroma and much of the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.

Essential (volatile) oil1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol)Eugenol
Sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids[11]

Contribute to the plant's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Sesquiterpene lactonesFlavonoids
Triterpenoids and phenolic acids[1, 3]

Pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic, oleanolic and betulinic acids), the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid, coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin) and the flavonoid luteolin are the main bioactives behind self-heal's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.

Rosmarinic acidPhenolic acidsCoumarinsFlavonoidsLuteolin
Sulphated and polyphenol-conjugated polysaccharides[4, 29, 30, 31]

Water-extracted polysaccharides — including a partially sulphated arabinogalactomannan (PSP-2B) and polyphenolic-protein-polysaccharide conjugates (PVG/PVE30) — are the principal antiviral and immunomodulatory constituents, blocking herpes simplex virus attachment and modulating innate immune signalling.

PolysaccharidesPhenolic compounds

Pharmacological Actions

Analgesic (pain relief)[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]
Anti-inflammatory[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]
Anticancer (preclinical)[10]
Antimicrobial[2, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]
Antioxidant[2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]
Digestive aid[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]
Vulnerary (wound healing)[1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]
Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 15, 18, 20, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]
Antimicrobial[1, 3, 32, 33, 34]
Antioxidant[1, 2, 5, 9, 12, 17, 32, 33, 34]
Antiviral[2, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]
Immunomodulator / immune support[4, 5, 9, 10, 15, 23, 26, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]
Vulnerary (wound healing)[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]
Anticancer (preclinical)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[11, 25]
Hepatoprotective (liver support)[12, 16, 17]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[19, 20, 24]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Back pain[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Back pain
Bloating[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1
Label: Bloating
Bruising[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 1
Label: Bruising
Cancer (anticancer research)[10]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Cognitive function[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Cognitive function
Headache[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Headache
Indigestion[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1
Label: Indigestion
Infection (general)[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Memory[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Memory
Pain (general)[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10
Evidence: 1
Label: Pain (general)
Respiratory support[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10
Evidence: 1
Label: Respiratory support
Skin irritation[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Wounds
Arthritis / joint pain[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bruising[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 2
Label: Bruising
Cold & flu[29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cold & flu
Immune support[10, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Immune support
Infection (general)[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[1, 12, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Inflammation (general)
Skin irritation[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Wounds
Cancer (anticancer research)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Blood sugar / diabetes support[19, 20, 24]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cardiovascular / heart health[18, 19]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Cognitive function[25]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cognitive function

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[11, 12, 13, 14, 15]Caution

Generally safe when used in food amounts. Not toxic to people and safe to cook with. Leaves are very rigid and leathery - should be removed before eating as they don't soften with cooking and edges can be sharp. Insufficient reliable information about safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding - stick to food amounts. Large amounts of bay leaf tea may cause vomiting (emetic properties) and drowsiness (sedative properties). In high doses, bay laurel has cytotoxic activity. Some people may experience allergic contact dermatitis from bay laurel oil.

Safety note[11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16]Caution

Duke (2002) notes antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities for bay laurel, primarily at the experimental level. The essential oil contains eugenol and 1,8-cineole as principal bioactive components. Traditional dosages in European phytotherapy include 1–3 g of dried leaf as a tea. Caution is advised as the essential oil may cause allergic contact dermatitis, and bay berries should not be confused with the less toxic leaves (Duke, 2002).

Safety note[32, 33, 34]Caution

Generally very safe and well tolerated. No significant known toxicity or drug interactions. Safe for topical and internal use in normal medicinal doses. Suitable for most adults including children in appropriate doses.

Safety note[32, 33, 34, 37]Info

Duke (2002) rates self-heal as +++ and notes antioxidant (score 2), anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and COX-2 inhibitory activities. The plant contains luteolin, rosmarinic acid, and hyperoside — all with well-documented bioactivities. Hepatoprotective activity has been experimentally demonstrated. Duke notes that self-heal has a broad antimicrobial spectrum and an impressive antioxidant profile, supporting its traditional reputation as a versatile wound-healing herb. No significant safety concerns at normal herbal doses (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 3034015
Wikidata: Q26006
Gbif: 5341297
Wikidata: Q158469

Botanical Description

Evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green, glossy, aromatic leaves, smooth-edged and slightly wavy at the margin. Small, pale yellow-green flowers are borne in clusters in the leaf axils in spring, followed by small, dark purple-black berries on female trees.[11]

Height: 5-10 m (occasionally to 15-20 m)
Habit: Evergreen shrub or small tree
Leaves: Dark green, glossy, aromatic, smooth and slightly wavy at the margin
Flowers: Small, pale yellow-green, in axillary clusters
Stem: Woody, smooth grey-brown bark
Root: Woody root system
Fruit: Small, dark purple-black berry (female trees)
Flowering Period: Spring

Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb (Lamiaceae), 5-30 cm tall, with square, often purplish stems. Leaves are opposite, ovate with slightly toothed margins. Small, two-lipped, violet-purple flowers are densely packed into a compact, club-shaped terminal spike subtended by purplish bracts.[1]

Height: 5-30 cm
Habit: Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb
Leaves: Opposite, ovate, slightly toothed
Flowers: Small, two-lipped, violet-purple, in a compact club-shaped terminal spike
Stem: Square, often purplish
Root: Fibrous, spreading perennial rootstock
Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)
Flowering Period: June-September

Habitat

Native to the Mediterranean region; widely cultivated as a culinary herb and ornamental tree in warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates worldwide.[11]

Native throughout Europe, Asia and North America (circumboreal), extremely common in lawns, meadows, woodland clearings, roadsides and waste ground, tolerating mowing and a wide range of soils.[1]

Harvesting

Leaves are picked year-round from established plants and used fresh or dried; berries/seed are collected once ripe in autumn.

Parts: Fruit, Leaf, Seed
Season: Leaf year-round; fruit/seed in autumn

Whole flowering aerial parts (flower, leaf and stem) are cut during flowering (summer) and dried.[1]

Parts: Flower, Leaf, Stem
Season: Summer, during flowering

Traditional Uses

Bay leaf has an ancient Mediterranean culinary and medicinal history, used as a digestive carminative for indigestion and bloating, and topically and traditionally for muscle and joint pain and minor wounds; it remains one of the most widely used culinary herbs worldwide.[11]

Selfheal has an extremely broad folk-medicine reputation across European, North American and Traditional Chinese Medicine traditions - as its name suggests, used as an all-purpose wound herb, gargle for sore throat, and internal remedy for fevers and inflammation. Modern research on its triterpenoid, phenolic and polysaccharide constituents supports wide-ranging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral activity.[1]

Preparations

Infusion (leaf)[11]

Dried leaf infused in hot water as a traditional digestive tea.

Infusion (tea)[1]

Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water, taken internally or used as a gargle or wash.

Dosage

Infusion[5, 6]

Two clinical studies in healthy volunteers used an infusion prepared from 5 g of dried Laurus nobilis leaves in 100 mL of boiled water, taken once daily for 10 days. Traditional references suggest a smaller 1-3 g per cup up to three times daily; no EMA or WHO monograph exists for bay leaf. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Infusion (tea)[1]

Traditional guidance suggests roughly 2-4 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, up to three times daily, or an equivalent tincture; used topically as a wash or gargle at similar strength. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-1678, REF-1679, REF-1680, REF-1681, REF-1682, REF-1683, REF-1684, REF-1685, REF-1686, REF-1687
REF-0659, REF-2422, REF-2423, REF-2424, REF-2425, REF-2878, REF-2879, REF-2880, REF-2881, REF-2882, REF-2883, REF-2884, REF-2885, REF-2886, REF-2887, REF-2888, REF-2911, REF-2912, REF-2913, REF-2914, REF-2915, REF-2916, REF-2917, REF-2918, REF-2919, REF-2920, REF-2921, REF-2922

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: has-lookalikes
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Dangerous Lookalikes

Safety note[17, 18]Dangerous
Dangerous Plant: prunus-laurocerasus
Confused Part: Glossy evergreen leaves gathered for use as bay/laurel seasoning; cherry laurel leaves closely resemble bay leaves and have been collected in mistake for them.
Confusion Context: Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a very common evergreen hedging shrub whose thick glossy leaves closely resemble those of culinary bay (Laurus nobilis). A peer-reviewed study (Malaspina et al., 2022, Toxins) documents that in the Mediterranean region cherry laurel is sometimes collected instead of bay laurel - dangerous because cherry laurel leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides (prunasin, prulaurasin, amygdalin). When the leaves are crushed, chewed or cooked they release hydrogen cyanide, which blocks the body's use of oxygen; poisoning can cause headache, breathlessness, vomiting and convulsions, and severe cases (especially in children) can be fatal. Because a single bay-like leaf added to a dish is a realistic swap, this is a genuine kitchen hazard.
Distinguishing Features: SMELL (decisive): crush the leaf. True bay smells warm, spicy and camphoraceous (the familiar bay-leaf aroma). Cherry laurel smells of bitter almonds or marzipan - that almond smell is released cyanide and is a danger sign, not a seasoning., Leaf margin: bay leaves have smooth, slightly wavy (undulate) edges with no teeth. Cherry laurel leaves have finely serrated (toothed) edges., Petiole and glands: the bay leaf-stalk is reddish and the underside is plain. Cherry laurel has a green leaf-stalk and 2-4 small nectary glands visible on the underside near the leaf base., Shape and texture: bay is oblong and tapers to a point, up to about 10 cm; cherry laurel leaves are larger, broader (widest near the tip) and very thick and leathery.
Key Test: Crush a leaf and smell it, then check the edge. A warm camphoraceous bay aroma with a smooth wavy (untoothed) margin and a reddish stalk = true bay - safe. A bitter-almond/marzipan smell with a finely toothed (serrated) margin and small green glands under the leaf base = cherry laurel - do NOT cook with it; the almond smell is cyanide.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Not documented

References & Sources

  1. Hammoodi, O.T., Alkhilani, M.A., Alhayani, W.A., Al-Nuaimy, W. and Tala'a, A.A (2024) 'Effects of Laurus nobilis Leaf Extract on Healing of Experimentally Induced Wounds in Rabbits', Veterinary Medicine International, 2024, pp. 2889480. doi:10.1155/2024/2889480 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/2889480
  2. Caputo, L., Nazzaro, F., Souza, L.F., Aliberti, L., De Martino, L. and Fratianni, F (2017) 'Laurus nobilis: Composition of Essential Oil and Its Biological Activities', Molecules, 22(6), pp. 930. doi:10.3390/molecules22060930 Preclinical
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  3. Bourebaba, N., Kornicka-Garbowska, K., Marycz, K., Bourebaba, L. and Kowalczuk, A (2021) 'Laurus nobilis ethanolic extract attenuates hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cell line through the reduction of oxidative stress and improvement of mitochondrial biogenesis', Mitochondrion, 59, pp. 190-213. doi:10.1016/j.mito.2021.06.003 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mito.2021.06.003
  4. Dobroslavic, E., Repajic, M., Dragovic-Uzelac, V. and Elez Garofulic, I (2022) 'Isolation of Laurus nobilis Leaf Polyphenols: A Review on Current Techniques and Future Perspectives', Foods, 11(2), pp. 235. doi:10.3390/foods11020235 Meta-analysis / review
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  5. Chbili, C., Maoua, M., Zaouali, M., Selmi, M., Kacem, I. and Mrizek, N (2022) 'Evaluation of daily Laurus nobilis tea consumption on anxiety and stress biomarkers in healthy volunteers', Archives Italiennes de Biologie, 160(3-4), pp. 136-146. doi:10.12871/000398292022343 Clinical study
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  6. Chbili, C., Maoua, M., Selmi, M., Mrad, S., Khairi, H. and Limem, K (2020) 'Evaluation of Daily Laurus nobilis Tea Consumption on Lipid Profile Biomarkers in Healthy Volunteers', Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 39(8), pp. 733-738. doi:10.1080/07315724.2020.1727787 Clinical study
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  7. Bouadid, I., Amssayef, A. and Eddouks, M (2023) 'Study of the Antihypertensive Effect of Laurus nobilis in Rats', Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 21(1), pp. 42-54. doi:10.2174/1871525720666220512154041 Preclinical
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  8. Mohammed, R.R., Omer, A.K., Yener, Z., Uyar, A. and Ahmed, A.K (2020) 'Biomedical effects of Laurus nobilis L. leaf extract on vital organs in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: Experimental research', Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 61, pp. 188-197. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2020.11.051 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2020.11.051
  9. Uchiyama, N., Matsunaga, K., Kiuchi, F., Honda, G., Tsubouchi, A. and Nakajima-Shimada, J (2002) 'Trypanocidal terpenoids from Laurus nobilis L', Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 50(11), pp. 1514-1516. doi:10.1248/cpb.50.1514 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.50.1514
  10. Saab, A.M., Guerrini, A., Zeino, M., Wiench, B., Rossi, D. and Gambari, R (2015) 'Laurus nobilis L. Seed Extract Reveals Collateral Sensitivity in Multidrug-Resistant P-Glycoprotein-Expressing Tumor Cells', Nutrition and Cancer, 67(4), pp. 664-675. doi:10.1080/01635581.2015.1019632 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2015.1019632
  11. Elansary HO, et al. Laurus nobilis: Composition of Essential Oil and Its Biological Activities. Biomolecules. 2018;8 (2018) ';8(3):98', 8(3). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6152719/ Traditional / reference
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6152719/
  12. Fernandes F, et al. Laurus nobilis Leaves and Fruits: A Review of Metabolite Composition and Interest in Human Health. Applied Sciences. 2023;13 (2023) ';13(7):4606', 13(7). Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/7/4606 Traditional / reference
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/7/4606
  13. Ramos C, et al. Bay Leaf. In: Nonvitamin and Nonmineral Nutritional Supplements. Academic Press; 2019:269-276. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152419/ (2019) ':269-276'. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152419/ Traditional / reference
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152419/
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    https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2021/07000/bay_leaf__potential_health_benefits.8.aspx
  15. University of Arizona Campus Arboretum. Medicinal Plant Virtual Tour - Bay Laurel. https://arboretum.arizona.edu/medicinal-plant-virtual-tour-bay-laurel. Available at: https://arboretum.arizona.edu/medicinal-plant-virtual-tour-bay-laurel Traditional / reference
    https://arboretum.arizona.edu/medicinal-plant-virtual-tour-bay-laurel
  16. Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
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Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.