Basil
(Ocimum basilicum), also called great basil or Saint-Joseph's-wort, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is also called the "king of herbs" and the "royal herb". The name "basil" comes from Greek (basilikon phuton), 'royal/kingly plant'
Basil is a very uplifting essense. The hydrosol refreshes the air and, if sprayed on yourself, gives a clean and light feeling.
Basil is Anti
Catarrhal,
Antidepressant,
Energizing and
Restorative.
The properties of pure basil oil include:
AntiBacterial, Anti-infectant.
Anti-inflammatory,
Antioxidant,
Antispasmodic,
Antiviral Decongestant (especially for
Circulation through the
Lungs and
Prostate).
Diuretic .
Disinfectant (
Urinary and pulmonary) .
Stimulant for the
Nerves and
Adrenal cortex.
What makes the essential oil so much more powerful than the leaves is simply the potency. The compounds found in the oil of the steam distilled leaves, stems and flowers is much greater than what we find in dried or even fresh leaves. The same can be said for the hydrosol but in a more easily absorbed but less concentrated form.
Some of the incredible studies that have been done on basil essential oils show benefits such as: Strongly inhibiting drug resistant
Bacteria (Opalchenova et al, 2003) Reduced mutagenesis in
Bacteria cells (Beric et al, 2008) Was found to have an
Antioxidant effect on chronic
Bronchitis when mixed with rosemary, fir and eucalyptus (Siurin, 1997) Was found to be an
Insecticide against cowpea weevils when diffused or powdered (Keita et al, 2001)
Uses for Basil Essential Oils: Basil essential oils have shown to have the most benefit on the
CardioVascular,
Muscular and
Skeletal systems of the body.
Be sure to follow these guidelines and the precautions below:
Aromatically - Can be diffused in the air or inhaled directly. Topically - Can be applied directly to the
Skin or within a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, for young or
Sensitive Skin. Start with one drop to 1-3 tsp of carrier oil and increase as needed. Internally - Generally recognized as safe by the FDA (21CFR182.20) to be used in cooking, adding a drop to purified water or taken as a dietary supplement, diluting 1 drop in 1 tsp. honey or 4 oz of non-
Acidic, non-dairy beverage (not for children under 6 years old and in greater dilution for older children).NEAT - NEAT means you can generally apply the oil without any dilution, directly to the
Skin. However, it's always a good idea to patch test your own
Skin first, just in case, as
Sensitive Skin types may react.
Remember that this guide is in no way here to replace medical advice or your own judgment. Consult your doctor, always do a
Skin test and use caution. Essential oils may be natural, but that doesn't mean they aren't powerful.
Precaution: Avoid during
Pregnancy (stick with basil leaves in cooking instead). Not for use by anyone with epilepsy.
Suggested and Possible Uses of Basil Essential Oils:
Amenorrhea (Absence of a
Menstrual Cycle)Apply basil essential oils as directed above to the ankles and heels of the feet and over the lower abdomen.
Autism: Massage one drop of oil and three drops of coconut oil into the feet nightly.
Insect or Bee
Bites/
Stings Dilute the basil essential oils with three drops of carrier oil and massage into the
Bites 1-3 times a day.
Bronchitis Diffuse the oil throughout the room or home, add a 1-2 drops to a steam tent or bath and massage into the
Chest.
Bursitis Massage into the areas of
Inflammation and
Pain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Dilute with 3 drops of coconut oil and apply to the affected area. Massage toward the shoulder, putting moderate pressure along the
Tendons and
Muscles
Chronic
fatigue Use basil essential oils topically on the feet or by diffusing them
Aromatically.
Cramps (Abdominal)Can be taken internally (such as within capsules) or massages into the inflicted area.
Cuts: Use to prevent
Infection by diluting and applying to the area.
Earache Dilute one drop of basil essential oils with 3 drop of carrier oil and massage behind, over and around the ear. Do not use in the ear.
Frozen Shoulder massage into the area once a day.
Greasy/Oily
Hair Add a drop to your
Shampoo or mix with baking soda, water and apple cider vinegar and
Shampoo as normal.
Healing: Use topically, on the base of the feet or over the area of concern when indicated.
Hiatal
Hernia Gently massage topically over the area.
Incisional
Hernia Gently massage topically over the area.
Induce Sweating Use with or without dilution depending on your
Skin sensitivity to help Cleanse the
Lymphatic system.
Infertility Diffuse throughout the home for 20 minutes a day and apply topically around the reflex points of the ankles and feet and over the reproductive organs.
Lactation (Increasing) Massage a single drop into the breasts, always moving toward the
Lymphs under the arms.
Mental
fatigue Diffuse
Aromatically to uplift and stimulate the senses, or massage into the toes and feet.
Migraines Diffuse
Aromatically to relief
Pain or massage into the temples, base of neck and over the areas of
Pain.
Mouth
Ulcers Add a drop to water and rinse the mouth 1-3 times a day as indicated. You might also consider adding a drop of lemon essential oil .
Muscle Spasms Massage into the inflicted area.
Muscular Dystrophy: Massage topically over the body, and into the reflex points of the feet .
Olfactory Loss (
Sense of Smell): Use
Aromatically by sniffing the bottle, diffusing, etc as well as topically over the reflex points and over the
Sinuses (be careful to avoid the
eyes and test for sensitivity first).
Ovarian Cyst Diffuse throughout the room for 20 minutes a day or inhale from a steam tent, and massage over the ovary itself 1-2 times a day.
Schmidt's Syndrome Massage topically into the reflex points of the feet.
Snake bite Dilute lightly and gently apply to the area.
Spider
Bites Apply a single drop the area (dilute for
Sensitive Skin).
Transition in Labor Massage into the lower back, into the reflex points of the feet during labor transition.
Viral
Hepatitis Use
Aromatically by diffusing or inhaling when indicated, and massage into the feet and over the body.
Wounds When indicated, gently apply to the area of concern or over the reflex points for the feet and hands.
Other possible uses include: any
Respiratory,
Digestive and
Kidney issues,
Fevers, epidemics,
Malaria,
Liver and gall
Bladder problems,
Menstrual regulation,
Anxiety and
Depression, chills,
Colds,
Fainting,
Insect repellant,
Memory and
Alertness, nasal
Inflammation,
Hiccups and more. Just take a look at the properties above to get an idea of more uses for basil essential oils.
Basil Aromatherapy Benefits
Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art: The scent of basil relieves
Headaches,
Sinus Congestion, and head
Colds. Also helpful for in
Digestion,
Arthritis, sore
Muscles, and oily
Skin/
Hair. Emotionally, basil is uplifting and helps relieve lack of confidence, indecisiveness, negative thoughts,
Stress,
Depression, fear, anger, and mental
fatigue.
The
Heart of
Aromatherapy: Use basil ct. linalool in blends for focus and
Relaxation,
Respiratory support, calming
Skin Inflammation, soothing sore
Muscles, easing joint
Pain, clearing mucous and
Congestion, relieving
Headaches, and supporting
Digestion.
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and
Aromatherapy: Sweet basil may help relieve
Muscle Spasms and contractions,
Rheumatism,
Digestive problems,
Nausea,
Flatulence,
Menstrual Cramps,
Headaches,
Migraines, tension,
Stress, and physical and mental exhaustion.
The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition): Use basil for
Insect Bites and as an
Insect repellent. The essential oil may help relieve
Gout,
Muscle aches and
Pains,
Coughs,
Flatulence,
Nausea,
Menstrual Cramps,
Colds, and flu.
Aromatherapy Bible: Basil is
Restorative, fortifying, and clearing. The oil is the first choice for relieving intellectual
fatigue when the mind is weak or indecisive. Psychologically, basil is awakening, uplifting, and strengthening. It is a subtle psychic protector.
Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Volume 2: Basil ct. linalool is useful for hypo
Tonic/weak conditions and congestive/damp conditions involving
fatigue,
Headache, and irritability. (The book has a full profile of basil ct. methylchavicol.)
The Essential Guide to
Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing: Spiritually, basil helps you remember spiritual abundance and awakens your connection to angels and spirit guides. The essential oil improves mental clarity and
Memory and promotes courage and confidence.
Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Basil brings in positive energy and strengthens. Especially useful for the sixth
Chakra � clears the mind and improves ability to concentrate and make calm decisions.
Astrological
Aromatherapy: Basil is a mentally stimulating oil, akin to the predominantly mental nature of a Gemini.
Basil Essential Oil Uses and Recipes
PMS Relief
Blend 2 drops each of basil, sage, and rosemary essential oils.
Apply the blend to a warm, moist hand towel.
Place the towel on your abdomen.
Relax.
Source: Dr. Axe 101 Ways To Use Essential Oils
Soothe
Insect Bites and
Stings
In a small glass container, mix:
2 drops basil
4 drops tea tree essential oil
2 teaspoons aloe vera gel
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
Apply a small amount of the blend to the bite or sting, as needed.
Source: Rocky Mountain Oils
Gardener�s Hand Scrub
2 tablespoons medium-grain pink Himalayan salt or other medium-grain salt of your choice
2 tablespoons avocado oil
7 drops rosemary essential oil (verbenone chemotype)
10 drops basil essential oil
2-ounce (60 ml) dark glass jar
Put the salt into the jar.
Add the avocado oil.
Add the essential oils and stir gently with a glass stirring rod or the handle of a stainless steel spoon.
Use as needed.
Adapted from
Aromahead
Inhaler For
Stomach Upset
This recipe can help ease an upset
Stomach and a
Headache at the same time.
7 drops basil ct. linalool
5 drops bergamot mint (Mentha citrata) essential oil
4 drops peppermint essential oil
Add the essential oils to a blank
Aromatherapy inhaler. Use it as needed to calm in
Digestion or
Nausea.
Source:
Aromahead Newsletter
Other Basil Uses
Aromatherapy
Diffuser blends from The Healing Art of Essential Oils:
For mental focus: 3 drops basil, 3 drops lemon essential oil, 2 drops rosemary essential oil.
To boost energy: Equal parts basil, peppermint, and grapefruit essential oils.
To uplift your mood: Equal parts basil, rosemary, peppermint, and orange essential oils. Alternately, use equal parts basil and lemon oils.
The book also suggests:
To relieve
fatigue: Blend 3 drops basil in 1 teaspoon carrier oil. Massage your feet.
To relieve itchy
Skin: Mix 5 drops basil in 1 teaspoon carrier oil. Apply to itchy area.
To reduce
Motion sickness: Place one drop basil on a cotton ball and inhale the
Aroma for at least one minute.
https://www.
Aromatherapyandmassage.com/basil-essential-oil.html
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Basil Essential Oil
Basil essential oil�is commonly used to sooth aches and
Pains associated with
Muscle Inflammation.�
In some studies, basil has even been shown to have anti-
Cancer properties, along with anti-microbial properties4.
The
Anti-inflammatory properties of basil can be used to reduce the risk of
Heart disease, rheumatoid
Arthritis, IBS, and
Carpal Tunnel syndrome.
6 Amazing Essential Oils for
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to Try Right Now (vivorific.com)