Medicinal Uses of Bay Leaf

Can you tell me what is the use of bay plant leaves? It is a big thing over here in Barbados. I have some of the leaves that were given to me. I want to know if the plant really has any real medicinal value.

Thomas Bartram, in his book "Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" (available at Richters) lists bay leaf's actions as antiseptic, antifungal, gastric tonic, nutritive and mild sedative. He lists its uses as: weak digestion, poor appetite, hot and soothing to a "cold" stomach, urinary infections (taken as a decoction), chest infection (berries), and rheumatic pain ( seed oil used externally).
Bartram describes the decoction preparation and dosage as: 1 ounce crushed leaves to one point water, simmered down to three-quarters of its volume. Half cup, three times daily.