St. Thomas Bay Leaf essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of a forest tree native to the West Indies. It has a spicy, balsamic scent. The major use is in hair and scalp lotions. It can also be used to massage muscular aches, as well as strains and sprains. Because of its antiseptic and expectorant qualities, it is used for conditions in the respiratory system such as colds, tonsillitis and viral infections.