Basil Essential Oil

Basil is an herb that belongs to the mint family. Having a pronounced flavor and aroma, which contains about 1 percent essential oil. Known as the ‘royal oil’, basil essential oil has long been in use since ancient times to strengthen the heart and mind and increase resistance against diseases. In fact, basil has been used all over the world because of its medicinal properties. Known as Tulsi in India, it is a common household remedy for various ailments, used in Ayurveda for respiratory conditions like colds, coughs and bronchitis, and is also worshiped as a sacred plant.

Basil has also been used in China for its medicinal properties since many centuries, particularly as a remedy against epilepsy. Dioscorides, the Greek physician, used to prescribe it for headache, while according to Pliny, basil was an aphrodisiac. Basil’s popularity soared during World War II, when spices became scarce.

Basil oil is extracted by steam distillation of the entire flowering herb, producing a transparent, thin fluid that is a light lemony or yellowish-green in color. Its aroma is sweet and fresh, slightly spicy, with an undertone that is lightly balsamic.

The elements that impart the characteristic flavor and aroma to basil are: eugenol, which also occurs in allspice and clove; methyl chavicol, which also occurs in tarragon; and linalool, which also occurs in clary sage and lavender. In the aromatherapy of today, basil essential oil is used for cheering the mind and heart. It is thought that the energizing and sweet aroma helps in relieving depression.

As a matter of fact, basil essential oil’s properties as a neuro-regulator make it very good as a remedy against anxieties, stress, and nervous disorders. It is highly regarded as a natural tonic for the nerves, with the capability of being either a restorative or a stimulant, according to the requirements of the body.

Basil essential oil also blends very well with other essential oils like lavender, clove bud, bergamot, clary sage, lime, lemon, geranium, rosemary, neroli, juniper, black pepper, hyssop, marjoram, verbena, sandalwood, melissa and eucalyptus. People who use it find its aroma both balancing and enlivening, similar to lavender oil, except that basil essential oil is more energizing.

Basil essential oil is also known to be an emmenagogue, which means that it helps in inducing menstruation, and also is an antispasmodic. The combination of these properties can make it an effective remedy against menstrual cramps, either used in a bath or as a compress. Its stimulating and anti-spasmodic characteristics also make it a very good ingredient in massage oil blends, used as a relief against fatigue, especially when combined with black pepper oil.

Basil essential oil can be an irritant for some people who are sensitive to it, especially to the methyl chavicol that it contains, which can cause burning or redness on the skin if it is applied without diluting it properly. A recommended dilution for such people is two parts of basil essential oil mixed with 98 parts of a carrier oil like vegetable oil.

It is also suggested that before using it, a small amount of basil essential oil should be tried in order to test for an allergic reaction or sensitivity. Pregnant women are advised not to use basil oil. Do consult a professional in aromatherapy before using this oil.