Basil Essential Oil

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

      Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is a native herb of Africa and Asia that's cultivated in North and South America, Europe and the Mediterranean. The name comes from the Greek word basilokos, meaning "royal," and indeed, basil was once a very important ingredient in the oil used to anoint kings. Basil was also a sacred plant to the Hindu gods Krishna and Vishnu, and was widely applied in India's traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Through steam distillation, the herb's oil is extracted, then used in many medicinal preparations.
When inhaled, the oil relieves coughs, emphysema, asthma attacks, bronchitis, congestion and colds. The oil is effective in treating nausea, indigestion, constipation and gas, as well. Basil oil is also valued as a tonic to reduce stress, tension and mental fatigue. Further, the stimulating effects and spicy aroma of this oil help to clear the head, alleviate a headache, sharpen the senses, enhance concentration and even revive someone from a fainting spell. Since basil oil also aids circualtion, it can stimulate menstrual flow and ease discomfort, too.

Take Care!
      It's best not to use basil oil during pregnancy, as it induces menstruation. People who have seizure disorders should avoid the oil, as well. Because basil oil can irritate skin, be careful not to use it undiluted. To test your skin's sensitivity to the oil, place a drop on the inside of your forearm. While aromatherapists have used the oil for centuries, a component of basil, estragole, has been investigated for carcinogenic effects. Consult your health provider before using.

To Reduce Lethargy
      Possessing both sedating and stimulating medicinal effects, basil oil blends very well with bergamot oil and lemon oil. When the mixture is heated in an aromatherapy lamp, it is an ideal way to lighen the mood, fight mental fatigue, ward off nervous tension and build self-confidence. Try this blend for an extra lift at the end of a stressful day.

• 4 drops basil oil
• 2 drops bergamot oil
• 2 drops lemon oil

Therapeutic Effect
      The main chemical components of basil oil are phenol methylchavicol, estragole, linalool, cineol, caryphyllene, ocimene, pinene, eugenol and camphor. Basil oil is an antiseptic for hard-to-heal wounds and inflammations. Its antispasmodic properties help ease indigestion, tension and muscle pain. When inhaled, the spicy freshness brings relief to respiratory ailments.

For relaxation
      A soothing blend of 4 drops each of basil and lemon-balm oils in your aromatherapy lamp calms and relaxes the entire body and may even lower your blood pressure. It helps to relive nervous tension and to ensure a deep, restorative sleep, too.

For menstrual pain
      A nice warm bath with 2 drops each of basil and juniper oils and 3 drops of lavender oil stimulates menstrual flow to ease pain at the start of your period.

Hair care
      Used regularly, a hair tonic of 2 oz. of witch hazel and 3 drops each of basil and rosemary oils promotes circulation of the scalp, adds luster to hair and reduces hair loss.

For cold feet
      The properties of basil oil help stimulate the circulatory system. To make an effective remedy for cold extremeties, combine 3 drops each of basil and ginger oils in 2 gallons of warm water. By regularly soaking your feet in this mixture, you can help prevent unpleasant foot perspiration and odor, as well.

For colds
      To protect your immune system by reducing bacterial growth in the body, place 3 drops each of basil and peppermint oils, as well as 5 drops of eucalyptus oil, in an aromatherapy lamp.

As an insect repellent
      When it's placed in an aromatherapy lamp, basil oil can be quite effective in warding off insects. Combine 3 drops each of basil, cinnamon and clove oils.

Applications

External Use

• Compresses with basil oil help treat slow-healing wounds: Mix 1 cup of lukewarm water, 1 tbsp. of cider vinegar, 1 drop of basil oil and 2 drops of lavender oil. Soak gauze in the mixture, and place it on the wound. Cover the gauze with a badange for the night.
• For a headache, the spicy aroma of basil oil both refreshes and eases tension. Place 2 drops of basil oil on a handkerchief and deeply inhale the aroma. Be sure to avoid direct contact with the mouth and nose.
• A bad cold diminishes the sense of smell. The invigorating and strengthening properties of basil oil help rebuild irritated mucous membranes. Vaporize 3 drops in an aromatherapy lamp. Do not use more than 2 hours a day since overstimulation dulls the nerves that transmit the sense of smell.
• For gastrointestinal cramps or indigestion: Mix 1 drop of bsil oil into 1 tbsp. of sweet-almond oil. Then massage your upper abdomen with this soothing mixture, using a gentle circular motion in a clockwise direction.
• An abdominal massage with 3 drops of basil oil, 3 drops of lavender oil and 2 oz. of either evening-primrose oil or sweet-almond oil eases menstrual discomfort and cramps.

Sources:
      All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D