Bay leaves grow on large trees and have been used by cooks as a pungent spice for more than 3,000 years. Part of the Laurel family, bay trees may also be called Lauris nobilis, bay laurel, sweet bay or Grecian laurel. If you have an allergy to bay leaves, you may need to study food labels carefully to avoid the ingredient. Consult your doctor if you believe you have an allergy to bay leaves.
About Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are used to add flavor and aroma to a multitude of American foods, such as stews, soups and meat dishes. Chefs from many other countries also favor the spice, which can be crushed into a fine powder or used as whole leaves. The spice is added to ethnic dishes, from Thai to Italian. Bay leaves are popular addition in many spice blends and are used to flavor the flavorful wine called vermouth.
The Laurel Family
Bay leaves are part of the Laurel family of trees. Sometimes an allergic person will develop symptoms to other members of the same food family. This is because the reactive proteins in the foods are similar. Avocado, cinnamon and sassafras are also in the Laurel family, so people who have an allergic reaction to bay leaves should also use caution when eating these ingredients.
Common Reaction to Bay Leaves
Food allergies can range from mild to severe and symptoms usually develop within just a few minutes. More rarely, signs appear within hours of ingesting bay leaves. The most common signs of an impending allergy attack are tingling or itching in the mouth, hives or rash and swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, according to Mayo Clinic. You may have wheezing or congestion. Some reactions to bay leaves include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
Medical Help
An allergy to bay leaves should be diagnosed by an allergist who can test your reaction to them and related allergens. Rarely, a food allergy can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires emergency medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include constriction of the throat and airways, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse and loss of consciousness.
