Benefits and Properties
of Basil Essential Oil

Botanical names
Ocimum basilicum

Family
Labiatae - mint family

Place of origin
It is a native of Asia with a history in Indian medicine. It is also now naturalized and cultivated in many Mediterranean regions and other parts of Europe, India, the Pacific islands and North and South America; it also comes from the island of Reunion, but this oil is not basil linalool

Plant Description
India and Mediterranean Herb. Grows on sunny hillsides with over a hundred varieties, but not all used for aromatherapy. They vary in height, color and scent. The plant can have dark green leaves, lighter and hairy leaves or narrow and straight leaves with insignificant white or pale pink flowers. The leaves have a very strong aromatic scent when crushed some with an aroma somewhat like Fennel or Tarragon. For aromatherapy you usually want the plant that has hairy oval leaves and its scent is somewhat like Thyme but more hotter and spicy, but can vary.

Essential Oil
Basil linalool, Extracted by steam distillation from the flowering tops and leaves, it is clear or pale yellowish-green in color and is strong, warm, rich, and spicy. The aroma can vary being minty, herby, woody, and balsamic, licorice-like, sweet and occasionally camphoraceous. It is hot as it is one of the spice oils.

Basil linalool has a scent that is somewhat like thyme, peppermint and licorice combined.

The reunion type essential oil is not safe for aromatherapy use and is distilled from varieties grown on the Reunion and Comoro Islands. The Reunion chemotype oil has a woody-camphoraceous aroma due to the lack of linalool and the content of methylchavicol and camphor.

Containes
linalool, methyl cinnamate, cineole and other terpenes

Blends well with
eucalyptus, lavender, bergamot, camphor, fennel, geranium, hyssop, rosemary, pine, and resins

Safety
Be sure you are using basil linalool chemotype. It is a hot spice oil so be sure and dilute properly. Do not use during pregrancy – possibly abortive. Do not use in a bath. May cause skin irritation if you have sensitive skin.

You have to be careful as to what basil oil you use for aromatherapy as most have high levels of methyl chavicol – which is irritating to the skin, moderately toxic and may be carcinogenic. The two most known types of essential oils are the Reunion essential oil and the European or sweet basil essential oil. The Reunion oil should not be used.

The sweet basil oil (basil linalool chemotype) has a very low level of methyl chavicol and a high percentage of linalool (a terpene alcohol), it has a sweet, fine aroma and is safe to use. It may be hard to find and is expensive but is a wonderful aesthetic healing essential oil.

Beneficial Effects - Physical
anti-catarrhal, antispasmodic, antiviral, general decongestant, diuretic, emmenagogic, digestive tonic, hepatic

Specific Conditions – Physical
circulation, varicose veins, hypertension, muscular cramps and spasms, gout, rheumatism, jaundice, digestive problems, stomach cramps, flatulence, constipation, gum infection, mouth ulcers, gallbaladder, sluggish liver, urinary cystitis, insect bites, herpes, shingles, earache, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, sinusitis, colds

Beneficial Effects – Mental
balancing, clears the brain, relaxant, nerve tonic, uplifting, refreshing, energizing, stimulant, antidepressant

Specific Conditions – Mental
headache, migraine, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, mental fatigue, sadness, fear, hysteria, nervous insomnia, nervous hiccups

Approximate drops per use (30 ml = 1 ounce): For 25ml use 3 drops; 50 ml use 6 drops; 100 ml use 12 drops. This is just a gage to go by, it can vary, depending on the oil, the method of use and what it is being used for.

Basil is derived from the Latin word basilisea meaning royal, and basileum meaning king. It has been used to anoint kings and in rituals to honor goddesses. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine in India and valued in Greece as a medicinal herb and for cooking. The food industry uses it extensively. Other names it is known by are ‘Joy of the Mountain’ and ‘Boy’s Joy’, maybe because it is such a cheering, uplifting and healing fragrance.

Throughout the ages it has been used for digestive problems, jaundice, chest infections and even as an aphrodisiac. It was widely used to give relief from head colds, headaches and migraines as early as the 16th century, they would grind the leaves into a powder and inhale it. Today we can inhale the essential oil from the bottle or a tissue for relief from these conditions. This oil is cephalic and very balancing, aiding the nervous system. It cheers you up and clears and strengths your mind so you can think better. If you are overworked with mental strain it will help to relive mental fatigue. If you have hysterical conditon, or nervousnes and indecision it will do the opposite – calming and grounding you. Inhale from a tissue or use a diffuser

You can help treat all kinds of respiratory infections with basil oil and also many feverish conditions. Even difficult respiratory problems like bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma and emphysema. It is a great addition to other treatments. Diffuse the oil in a diffuser or properly dilute in a carrier oil for a massage on the chest and other areas like the back or bottom of feet. If you feel a fever coming diffuse in the room with a diffuser while soaking in a bath of hot water with lavender or eucalyptus added to the bath. When you have stubborn hiccups try inhaling some basil oil from a tissue.

Dilute properly in a carrier oil and massage over the stomach for digestive problems, flatulence (gas), and vomiting.

Also massage over the abdomen for painful menstrual periods.

Use as an inhaler for fainting.

Add a drop or two to your mouthwash for mouth ulcers and gum infections.

Blend with lavender and dilute properly for a massage oil to soothe tight, tired and overworked muscles after strenuous physical activities.

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