Properties of Basil Essential Oil
Anti-inflammatory: The components of basil help reduce respiratory congestion, bronchitis, sinusitis, and cough from inflammatory processes.
General Anti-infectious: Basil has the ability to eliminate a large number of bacteria and viruses, especially in the respiratory system.
Antirheumatic: Useful for relieving symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.
Nervous tonic: Stimulates our nervous system.
Antispasmodic: Has the ability to eliminate intestinal and muscle cramps; relieves stomach and menstrual pains.
Digestive tonic: Facilitates the elimination of gas, abdominal bloating, nausea, and dizziness.
Nervous system balance: Calming, relaxing, and anti-stress.
Practical Uses and Applications of Basil Essential Oil
Basil essential oil has traditionally been used to help in the following situations:
Nervous system and emotions: Anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, fatigue, insomnia, migraines, and nervous tension; revives the mind and concentration.
Musculoskeletal system: Rheumatic pain, muscle fatigue, and gout.
Respiratory system: Cough, sinusitis, bronchitis, and earache.
Recipes with Basil Essential Oil
IN MASSAGE
- To improve digestion and relieve gas: Use a mixture of 3-4 drops of Basil E.O. along with 3-4 drops of Lavender E.O. and 2 drops of Roman Chamomile E.O., with a teaspoon of St. John's Wort oil on the solar plexus.
- For menstrual pain: Apply 3-4 drops of Basil diluted in a teaspoon of Apricot Kernel oil on the lower abdomen and lower back, twice a day.
IN DIFFUSION
- To calm allergy symptoms and improve breathing: Add 4-5 drops to a diffuser or an inhaler stick along with Laurel and Ravintsara E.O.
Basil Essential Oil Pairs Well With:
Recommended Dilutions for Basil Essential Oil
Maximum generic dilution recommended for adults: 2%
Maximum generic dilution recommended for children: 0.25% (over 6 years old)
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and should be diluted in almost all uses. Use our dilution chart to get a more detailed idea of the correct use of essential oils:
ESSENTIAL OILS DILUTION GUIDE
Notes from Our Aromatology Experts
“Exotic Basil is one of the great remedies of Ayurvedic tradition. Its effect goes beyond the physical, being of great help in situations of emotional stress and energy imbalance. The Greeks named it “basilikos,” referring to its condition, worthy of kings.”
Luís Rodero, expert in Aromatherapy.
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Identification
Botanical Name: Ocimum Basilicum, Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Origin: India
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (without solvents or refining processes).
Distilled or Extracted Part: Whole plant.
INCI: Ocimum Basilicum Herb Oil
Safety
Keep out of reach of children.
Some natural components of this essential oil may pose an allergy risk to some people. Always perform a tolerance test prior to use by applying a few drops to the inside of the elbow.
Topical use: Suitable when diluted
Diffuser: Suitable
Phototoxicity: No
Sensitizing: Yes
Irritant: Yes
Naturally Present Allergens in This Essential Oil:
- Limonene
- Linalool
- Citral
- Geraniol
- Eugenol
Preserving Essential Oils
It is equally important to know how to preserve essential oils, to ensure their good condition and that they do not become toxic or irritating due to oxidation or contamination. We recommend reading this short guide:
Storage of Essential Oils
Important
The oil information provided by Essenciales comes from popular sources and is for educational purposes only, and does not intend to offer or sell this product as a diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. The International Federation of Aromatherapists does not recommend the ingestion or internal consumption of essential oils except under the strict supervision of a doctor or qualified aromatherapy and clinical phytotherapy professional. Always dilute essential oils well. If you are pregnant, suffer from epilepsy, liver failure, or have a health problem, use essential oils only under medical prescription. Never use essential oils in children without the proper knowledge or instructions from a professional. Never ignore professional medical advice.
Essenciales does not give medical advice or engages in the practice of medicine.