Basil Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distillation
Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops
Note Classification: Top
Aroma: Fresh, warm, spicy, herbaceous
Largest Producing Countries: USA, France, Italy, Egypt, Bulgaria, and Hungary
Traditional Use: Basil is a sacred plant in India, and used in ayurvedic medicine. It has been used as a strewing herb to reduce odors, and has many culinary applications.
Properties: Antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, stimulant of the adrenal cortex, stomachic, tonic.
Benefits: Abrasions, anxiety, bronchitis, colds, coughs, depression, flatulence, fatigue, infection, insect bites and repellant, sinus infection, whooping cough. Basil can be added to a hair tonic to help stimulate growth.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, citronella, citrus oils, clary sage, geranium, hyssop, opopanax, rosemary.
Of Interest: Basil has many aromatic properties. Ocimum is derived from the Greek word osme, which means "to smell".
Safety Data: High doses may be carcinogenic due to its methyl chavicol content, and it should be avoided if you suffer from liver problems. Always dilute before using as it is a potential skin irritant. It may trigger epileptic seizures in susceptible individuals. Avoid while pregnant.
Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.
As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. 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.
