Ocinum basilicum oil – In aromatherapy helps to focus and stimulate the mind. It is also said to repel insects, eliminate odor-causing bacteria, soothe headaches, and relieve respiratory as well as digestive discomforts. When used on the skin, it helps to nourish, repair, balance, calm, soothe, exfoliate, and brighten the complexion.

About Basil

Basil (Ocinum basilicum) – is sourced from India.  It has a lovely strong sweet herbal fragrance. The leaves are most famously used to make pesto.  Basil essential oil is a warm oil and also a top note. The oil has a strong herbal taste but is wonderfully fragrant when used in culinary recipes.  You can take it internally, if done responsibly. See our responsible usage guide here.

Benefits

Firstly, Basil is known to be a strong bactericidal oil. Not only does it have anti-bacterial properties, it is known to help kill off bacteria.  This study shows that it’s as strong and effective as some known antibiotics.  This means that it will quite effectively help the body deal with bacterial infections such as bacterial skin conditions including colds and flu caused by bacteria.  Not only is it anti-bacterial but also anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-septic.  You can keep this one in your medicine cabinet alongside our castor oil for days when it’s called for. The combination is known to sort infections of any kind out in no time.

Basil essential oil is also a good anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory oil. It is good for inflammatory skin conditions. It will also help work against pain.  Not only will it assist the body deal with inflammatory conditions it will also help build the immune system and body’s strength to deal with difficult stressful situations.

Furthermore, it is great for digestion.  Taken internally, responsibly, it will help calm inflammation in the gut – effectively working from the inside out. This way, sorting out the gut will bring clarity of mind while also dealing with fatigue. Use alongside other digestive essential oils such as Aniseed, Ginger, Clove Bud and Peppermint essential oils. It even has diuretic properties.

An interesting fact about Basil oil is that it is known to treat melancholy, depression and mood, especially after child birth.  It has the added benefit of stimulating milk production after birth and calming down any swelling.

Main Chemical Compounds

The main chemical compound found in our Basil is methyl chavicol (between 75-87%) and linalool (8-18%).  These two compounds make up up to 98% of the total constituents in this oil. The linalool acts as a minor sedative which can calm the nervous system and act as an anxiolytic – calming anxiety and depression. The chavicol chemicals are majorly responsible for the bactericidal properties of Basil essential oil.  So not only is it known to be anti-bacterial – it actually kills off bacteria completely according to this study.

How do I use Basil

You can use it in culinary recipes. Use it the way you would usually use the herb. In chicken and lamb dishes, even savoury baked goods. We have a recipe pack that will help guide you to use essential oils in culinary recipes.  Refer to our responsible usage guide to see how to use essential oils responsibly internally.

When using medicinally in a blend for topical use, always dilute properly in a carrier oil.  And when using it in capsules for internal usage – always dilute properly in Fractionated Coconut Oil inside each capsule.

Blends well with

Don’t know how to make a blend? Keep an eye out on our Facebook page to see when the next Masterclass will be presented.  However, here is a list of single pure natural oils that blends well with Basil:

• Bergamot
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Rose Geranium
• Peppermint
• Cedarwood essential oil
• Clary Sage
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Lemon

Cautions

• Always consult your medical practitioner before using essential oils you are unsure of or if any side effects are experienced because of its use.
• Do not use topically or diffused around children under the age of six unless very diluted.
• Keep away from the eyes.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in glass, in a cool dry place away from sunlight to preserve longer.
• Do not use during pregnancy since it might cause uterine contractions resulting in miscarriage or preterm labor.
• Do not ingest undiluted. Can be taken orally – 1 drop mixed with honey to emulsify properly, added to a jug of tea or lemon water.
• Again, see our responsible usage guide here