Neutropenia is a low level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. All white blood cells help the body fight infection. Neutrophils fight infection by destroying harmful bacteria and fungi or yeast that invade the body. Neutrophils are made in the bone marrow.
Turns out that in this country, dried bay leaves are imported (generally from Turkey) and fresh bay leaves come from California, almost universally. And in fact, the two types of bay leaves are not even directly related. Fresh California bay leaves come from a tree that has a decidedly more potent eucalyptus flavor that can easily dominate a dish if you're not careful, while Turkish bay is much milder and more nuanced.
Crinkle the leaves just before using them to release the flavor. Old, dried leaves tend to loose their flavor so be sure to replenish your supply often. Bay trees are plentiful in my area, and I love to go out periodically to pick bundles of bay leaves to keep around the kitchen, both for decoration and for cooking. My favorite time to do this is just after it rains: the fragrance of the trees seems to be so much more potent.