Bay Leaf (Pimenta Racemosa) has a high eugenol content and may irritate the skin and mucus membranes, so it should be use with caution on the skin. Pregnant women should avoid it. The therapeutic properties of bay oil include; antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-neuralgic, antispasmodic, aperitif, astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge, insecticide, cholagogue, sedative, stomachic, sudorific and tonic.