BAY LEAF ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Bay leaves are harvested from the Laurus nobilis plant. These are in the Lauraceae family of plants which includes avocado and cinnamon.
No allergenic proteins have been identified in bay leaves, but it is usually associated with allergic contact dermatitis due to the high concentration of essential oils it contains. Bay leaves contain eugenol which is a chemical compound which can also cause contact allergies - this is what gives the food flavour and fragrance. These contact reactions are sometimes mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.
No allergenic proteins have been identified in bay leaves, but it is usually associated with allergic contact dermatitis due to the high concentration of essential oils it contains. Bay leaves contain eugenol which is a chemical compound which can also cause contact allergies - this is what gives the food flavour and fragrance. These contact reactions are sometimes mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.
Food Intolerances
A single bay leaf would be low FODMAP food, but two may be moderate. FODMAP stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affecting the gastro intestinal system and this can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.
Bay leaves are high in salicylates. salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.
You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.
Associated Syndromes
Bay leaves are associated with allergic contact dermatitis, mostly affecting those who pick, grow and process the plant.
Bay leaf is also associated with phytodermatitis, which is where the chemical compounds on the leaf transfer to the skin and cause blistering when exposed to sunlight.
Bay leaf is also associated with phytodermatitis, which is where the chemical compounds on the leaf transfer to the skin and cause blistering when exposed to sunlight.
Cross Reactivity
Other plants which contain eugenol include allspice, cinnamon, basil, clove, turmeric, marjoram, mace, nutmeg, pepper, ginger, oregano and thyme.
These food lists are not exhaustive, the most up to date information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
These food lists are not exhaustive, the most up to date information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
Resources
Websites
DermNet NZ - Allergic contact dermatitis to essential oils
Allergen Encyclopedia - Bay Leaf
Science Direct - Sesquiterpene
Articles and Journals
Biological activities of Laurus nobilis leaves, 2023
Persistent contact dermatitis following use of laurel oil, 2022
Bay leaf phytodermatitis, 2021
Biological Properties and Prospects for the Application of Eugenol — A Review, 2021
Essential oil eugenol: sources, extraction techniques and nutraceutical perspectives, 2017
Systemic allergic dermatitis caused by sesquiterpene lactones, 2016
Contact allergy and medicinal herbs, 2007
Occupational asthma caused by aromatic herbs, 1996
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