Essential Oils - Basil

BASIL ESSENTIAL OIL

Latin Name : Ocimum Basilicum.
Plant Part Used : Flowering Herb. 
Source : India.
Extraction Method : Steam Distillation.

Basil essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the basil plant. This greenish-yellow, crisp-smelling essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to awaken the mind, steady the nerves and bring about clarity of thought. Basil originates from tropical Asia and the Pacific Islands, but is now grown throughout Europe and the USA.

Basil oil is said to be therapeutic for the respiratory tract and is often used for asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections. It is used to treat nervous disorders and stress-related headaches and migraines. It is supposed to relieve intellectual fatigue, while giving clarity and mental strength. This oil is said to ease constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdomen cramps and is considered good for menstrual problems. It is helpful to relieve gout as it helps reduce uric acid in the blood. It is useful for arthritis, refreshes the skin, and heals insect bites. However, experts advise pregnant women and children under 16 to avoid using this oil.

This herb is popular in India and has been used in prayer as well as healing for hundreds of years. The leaves of the plant are chewed as part of prayer ceremonies, they are soaked in coconut water or holy water to distribute after prayers in temples. They are chewed to ease sore throats and coughs. A decoction made of tulasi (basil) leaves is drunk to ease painful throats and respiratory problems.

The health benefits of basil essential oil include the following:

Cosmetic applications

Basil essential oil is used topically and massaged into the skin. It enhances the luster of dull-looking skin and hair. As a result, it is extensively used in many skin care supplements that claim to improve the tone of your skin. It is also commonly used to treat the symptoms of acne and other skin infections. 

Improves Digestion

Basil essential oil is also used as a digestive tonic. Since basil oil has carminative properties, it is used for relief from indigestion, constipation, stomach cramps, and flatulence. It provides immediate relief from the gas in your stomach and intestines. It also has colic qualities and is therefore used to alleviate bowel pain. 

Relieves cold

Basil essential oil is effective in providing relief from colds, influenza, and associated fevers. Due to its antispasmodic nature, it is frequently used to reduce the symptoms of whooping cough. 

Alleviates Asthma symptoms

Along with its function in relieving coughs, it can also be used to alleviate the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections.

Antibacterial potential

Research led by Sienkiewicz M, et al. suggests that basil oil has the potential to inhibit the growth of E. Coli bacteria.

Antifungal and insect repellent

According to a study basil essential oil inhibited the growth of 22 species of fungi and is also effective against insect Allacophora foveicolli. This oil is also less toxic as compared to the commercially available fungicides.

Relieves stress

Due to the calming nature of basil essential oil, it is widely used in aromatherapy. This essential oil has a refreshing effect when smelled or consumed, so it is used for providing relief from nervous tension, mental fatigue, melancholy, migraines, and depression. Regularly using this essential oil provides mental strength and clarity. 

Improves blood circulation.

Basil essential oil improves blood circulation and helps increase and optimize various metabolic functions of the body.

Alleviates pain

Basil essential oil is an analgesic and provides relief from pain. That is why this essential oil is  often used in cases of arthritis, wounds, injuries, burns, bruises, scars, sports injuries, surgical recovery, sprains, and headaches. 

Eye care

Basil essential oil is ophthalmic and can quickly relieve bloodshot eyes. 

Prevents vomiting

Basil essential oil can be used to prevent vomiting, particularly when the source of the nausea is motion sickness, but from many other causes. 

Heals itching

Basil essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing itching from bites and stings from honey bees, insects, and even snakes. 

Word of Caution: 

Basil essential oil and basil in any other form should be avoided by pregnant, breastfeeding, or nursing women. On the other hand, some people suggest that it increases milk flow, but more research needs to be done.

Blending

Basil essential oil blends well with bergamot, clary sage, clove bud, geranium, lime, lemon, hyssop, juniper, eucalyptus, neroli, marjoram, rosemary, melissa and lavender.