Although I agree with Cecil that Bay Leaf’s are not, in fact, poisonous: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/070223.html it is important to note that they ARE dangerous. The lore surrounding the poisonous nature of Bay Leaves problem surrounds the fact that chefs everywhere are reminded to remove the bay leaves from their stews and soups, not because they are poisonous, but because they are almost impossible to digest and can actually result in a perforated colon, because of their sharp edges. This is of particular concern to people who have diverticulitis and are thus especially susceptible to perforation.