Bay leaf
Other names bay leaves, laurel
Bay leaf: moderate in salicylate; low in histamine. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.
Intolerances
- SalicylateModerate
A dried leaf, infused and then removed — but removing it does not remove the salicylate it released into the liquid during cooking.
Sources· 1
- Paterson J.R. et al., J Agric Food Chem 54 (2006) 2891-2896, salicylic acid content of spices and its bioavailability
- Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)Low
Bay leaf contains no histamine. It is simmered and then taken out, so almost none of it is swallowed — and drying has already removed the water bacteria would need. Herbs are among the few things on this axis that can be used freely, and what SIGHI publishes for them is a compatibility rating rather than a content.
Sources· 1
- SIGHI — Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance, food-compatibility list, for the entry, its rating and its letters
- TyramineNone
- SucroseNone
- FODMAPsNone
- LactoseFODMAPsNone
- OligosaccharidesFODMAPsNone
- SorbitolFODMAPsNone
- FructoseFODMAPsNone
- NickelNone
- OxalatesNone
- GlutenNo
Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →
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Frequently asked questions
Which intolerances does bay leaf affect?
Bay leaf is notable for salicylate and histamine. Clear on tyramine, sucrose, FODMAPs, lactose, oligosaccharides, sorbitol, fructose, nickel, oxalates and gluten.
Does bay leaf contain salicylate?
Bay leaf contains moderate levels of salicylate. A dried leaf, infused and then removed — but removing it does not remove the salicylate it released into the liquid during cooking.
Does bay leaf contain histamine?
Bay leaf contains only low levels of histamine. Bay leaf contains no histamine. It is simmered and then taken out, so almost none of it is swallowed — and drying has already removed the water bacteria would need. Herbs are among the few things on this axis that can be used freely, and what SIGHI publishes for them is a compatibility rating rather than a content. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.
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