Basil essential oil

Basil originates from an annual hairy herb growing up to 1 meter (3 feet).

The flowers range from white to pink, depending on the species and attract swarms of bees in summer time. Basilicum comes from the Greek word ‘Basilicos’ meaning ‘king’ or ‘royal’.

Basil essential oil, this crisp smelling essential oil is often used in aromatherapy, as it awakens the mind to clarity of thought, steadies the nerves, while easing sinus congestion, cooling down fevers and treating menstrual problems.

Oil properties

The oil has a watery viscosity and is pale greenish-yellow in color. The aroma is clear, light and peppery and gives a sweet, green top note to blends. The essential oil comes from North Africa, Cypress, Seychelles and Europe.

Extraction

The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and the flowering tops.

Chemical composition

Basil oil has various chemical compounds that include a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, myrcene, limonene, cis-ocimene, camphor, linalool, methyl chavicol, y-terpineol, citronellol, geraniol, methyl cinnamate and eugenol.

Precautions

Although basil oil usually stimulates, in excess it can have a stupefying effect and should not be used during pregnancy or on children under 16 years.

Since it can irritate a sensitive skin, it must be used with care on people with sensitive skins. It also has emmenagogue properties, so it must be avoided during pregnancy.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of basil oil are analgesic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-venomous, carminative, cephalic, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, nervine, stomachic, sudorific, tonic and stimulant.

Uses

Basil oil is a good tonic for the treatment of nervous disorders and stress related headaches, migraines and allergies. It is used to clear the mind and relieve intellectual fatigue, while giving clarity and mental strength.

It has a beneficial action on the respiratory tract and is often used for asthma, bronchitis and sinus infections. It furthermore is also effective in cases of constipation, nausea, vomiting and cramp, and is also good when used for menstrual problems.

Due to the emmenagogue properties, it is often used to relieve scanty periods and normalizing menses.