Basil essential oil, derived from the Ocimum basilicum plant, is commonly used to enhance the flavor of many recipes today. However, its uses extend far beyond the culinary world. Today, basil essential oil (sometimes called “sweet basil oil”) is used to heal various wounds and infections, and as a calming agent to combat inflammation, reduce adrenal fatigue, and treat nerve and muscle conditions.
Basil is best known for its attributes in Italian food. Pesto may come to mind, or the spicy sweetness in a favorite spaghetti sauce. However, you may be surprised to find that its oil carries several health benefits, including relief from nausea, motion sickness, indigestion, constipation, respiratory problems, and even diabetes!
It’s also a plentiful source of Vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium. Basil essential oil is used medicinally in Europe, Central Asia, India, and Southeast Asia.
Basil essential oil is also used for skin care, acne, and skin infections; relief from colds, influenza, and fever; asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections; cuts, wounds, and bladder infections; nervous tension, mental fatigue, melancholy, migraines, and depression; arthritis, burns, bruises, scars, sports injuries, surgical recovery, and sprains.
Cosmetically, basil essential oil can be used to restore luster in dull-looking hair and improve the tone of your skin. Add basil oil to lotions and other topical formulations to help take the itch and sting out of insect bites. Use in a massage oil or bath oil blend to relieve sore muscles and joints.
It has also shown antimicrobial properties against food borne bacteria, yeasts and mold, making it a great additive to your counter-cleaning routine. It can be used in kitchen appliances to remove odors as well—just add a few drops to your dishwasher cycle and run it on empty. Remove odors from your toilet, shower, and garbage cans in just a couple drops. Combined with baking soda, this oil can remove stubborn stains from pots and pans. Combining basil essential oil with lavender essential oil and Epsom salts can make for a relaxing bath that relieves tension.
For an easy way to distress, place a few drops of Herbal Forest’s high quality Basil Essential Oil into a diffuser and allow its powerful aromatherapy capabilities to put your mind in a better space after work. Regular use of basil oil for aromatherapy can improve mental clarity and acuity overall. Due to its antispasmodic qualities, basil essential oil has been used to aid discomfort in whooping cough. It can enhance blood circulation and aid in metabolic processes. A word of warning: basil oil and other forms of basil should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Some say that it can improve milk flow, but this claim has not been fully researched.
Parts Used: Flowering plant
Chemotype: Methyl chavicol
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Note Classification: Top
Aroma: Warm, peppery, spicy, sweet, vaguely anise-like, herbaceous, minty, and slightly smokey
Blends Well With: Bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, clary sage, clove, eucalyptus, fennel, ginger, geranium, grapefruit, hyssop, juniper, lavender, lemon, lemon balm, lime, marjoram, neroli, sweet orange, rosemary and verbena
Caution: As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted, in the eyes or mucus membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin, always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier). The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Essential oils are not drugs and are not considered appropriate for treatment of illness. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.
