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While the word might conjure up images of saucy pastas and cheesy pizza, Basil essential oil has an extensive range of uses beyond the palate. Often used in aromatherapy because of its calming scent, Basil oil is soothing when applied topically or diffused. It is used in perfumery in small amounts to substitute for the fragrance of Lily of the Valley flowers.
For centuries, the Basil plant has been used to soothe the spirit and is said to help overcome a lack of confidence and reduce fear, anger, negative thoughts, indecision, and mental fatigue. The 16th-century herbalist John Gerard used it to comfort sorrowful hearts.
Basil essential oil also has healing antibacterial properties, often used to relieve itchiness from insect bites and soothe skin infections. It can also help repel insects.
A native plant of Africa and Asia, Basil essential oil is derived through a steam distillation process. The bushy plant grows to a height of about 2 feet and has white, blue or purple flowers. There are nearly 150 varieties of basil and our offering is a Sweet Basil linalool chemotype.
Sweet basil (linalool chemotype) has a long history of use throughout India, the Mediterranean and North Africa, due to its beneficial properties. The genus name Ocimum is said to come from the Greek word “to smell.”
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Chemotype / Variety: Linalool/ Sweet
Origin: USA
Method: Steam Distilled
Plant Part: Leaves
Note: Middle - Top
Family: Lamiaceae
Synonym: Sweet Basil
Blends Well With: Lavender and Lemon, and other florals and citrus
Aroma: Sweet, herbaceous, fresh, and true to Basil used in cooking
Consistency: Thin
Color: Clear
Safety: Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult physician. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not use internally unless instructed by a licensed aromatherapist or physician.
OK For Kids: 2+
Kids Max Dilution: 1%
Adult Max Dilution: 3.3%
Shelf Life: 3-5 Years
Pet Safety: Essential oils are generally safe to diffuse around adult cats and dogs intermittently. Ensure the room you’re diffusing in is well ventilated and that your pet can leave if desired. Discontinue use if you notice any adverse reaction. Avoid topical use and diffusing around young pets, small animals or pets with health problems.
- Sweet Basil essential oil has components methyl chavicol and linalool which helps you find the relief you need when emotionally or mentally stressed, especially when this leads to headache or other physical tension - try blending it with rosemary for added mental clarity. Basil is emotionally uplifting and will help to strengthen your confidence and motivate you to finish what needs to be done. Physically, basil essential oil offers pain relief and in massage blends can help reduce muscle spasm when massaged onto the skin. It offers analgesic, antispasmodic and carminitive in massage oil blends with a carrier oil of your choice for digestion issues. It also is antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral and can support the immune system which makes it great in DIY cleaning blends.
- If choosing to use Basil essential oil around your dog, it’s important to look out for warning signs such as behavioral differences, such as whining, scratching or acting loopy. Stop using essential oils around your dog if you notice these signs, and don’t use essential oils around small dogs, puppies and pregnant dogs. We don’t recommend applying essential oils to your pup or administering oils orally without consulting a holistic veterinarian. You may diffuse small amounts of oil around your dog, but be sure to do so in a well-ventilated room where your dog can leave if desired.
- Basil essential oil, known as Ocimum basilicum, is made via steam distillation. In steam distillation, plant material is placed in a still, water is added, then heat is applied to the unit. As water heats, plants release their essential oil, the oil rises with steam droplets that are sucked into a pipe and the oil and water are then separated. While it may not be possible to make Basil essential oil at home without a still, you can make aromatic hydrosol water that contains many of the same therapeutic benefits as essential oil. Click here for instructions on how to make your own hydrosol.
- There are several ways to effectively use Basil essential oil and obtain its benefits, including 1.) Add 10 drops to your essential oil diffuser per 100 ml of water. 2.) Dilute 12 drops per 1 ounce of carrier oil and use in a skin nourishing massage. 3.) Add 6 drops to 1 ounce of castille soap and 1 cup of Epsom salt for added magnesium absorption. Add the mixture to your bath and soak up the goodness. 4.) Add 10 drops to an Essential Oil Inhaler and take it with you for on-the-go therapeutic use. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to do a skin patch test with any new oils before applying in larger areas.
- Essential oils are powerful, concentrated substances so a little goes a long way. Two of the most effective ways to use them are by way of inhalation and topical use. Ingesting Basil essential oil is rarely necessary or recommended, no matter the brand. Ingestion can lead to adverse reactions such as medication contraindications, mucous membrane irritation, sensitization and nausea if done incorrectly. Therefore, if you wish to take essential oils internally, we strongly recommend consulting with a knowledgeable professional with experience in internal use.
Apply Topically: Our Basil essential oil is 100% pure and undiluted. To apply to the skin, dilute with a high-quality Carrier Oil, such as Jojoba or Fractionated Coconut oil. See our dilution chart here. We recommend performing a skin patch test when using a new essential oil topically.
Diffuse & Inhale: Breathe in your favorite essential oils using an essential oil diffuser or personal pocket inhaler. For instructions on how to use your diffuser, please refer to the diffuser's product page.
DIYs: Explore simple and fun recipes on The Drop, our essential oil blog with expert tips, EO news, and informative reads.
DEFEND: Blend together: 5 drops of Basil, 5 drops of Tea Tree and 5 drops of Lemon, then add 5-6 drops to your Scent Ball diffuser and diffuse for 30-60 minutes.
RELAX: Add: 5 drops of Basil, 5 drops of Vetiver, 5 drops of Lavender and 5 drops of Cedarwood (Atlas) to 2 oz of massage oil. Apply after showering to soothe and restore the skin, or in a professional massage treatment. Add 2 teaspoons of massage oil to a full bath and relax.
REVIVE: Add to a personal inhaler and inhale as needed: 5 drops of Basil, 5 drops of Rosemary and 5 drops of Peppermint. Or add 5-6 drops Basil to your diffuser and diffuse for 30-60 minutes.
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