Basil Essential Oil
Basil has a sweet, herbaceous scent, it has analgesic, anti-depressant, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Not only can it help to relieve mental fatigue and poor concentration but it is also effective for easing respiratory tract infection such as asthma, coughs and colds. It can also be used to help soothe migraines and gout.
Basil can also be used to help regulate menstrual cycle and to ease digestive disorders and vomiting. It is also an effective insecticide and can be used on wasp, mosquito and insect bites.
BENEFITS
Basil essential oil has the following healing properties:
Analgesic, Anti-depressant, Antiseptic, Expectorant, Insecticide and Tonic
Stress – can help calm and relax the mind.
Headaches and migraines – can soothe headaches and migraines and the nervous tension that can cause them.
Mental clarity – can reduce brain fog.
Blood purifier – basil can help to flush out toxins from the blood.
Skin – can help prevent acne and itchy skin conditions.
Muscle and joint pain – basils natural analgesic properties can help provide relief to arthritis pain and muscle aches and pains.
Fatigue relief - basil is a natural energising, stimulating oil that targets the nervous system, it can clear the mind and revitalise and restore mental and physical energy.
Ear infections – due to its anti-microbial properties’ basil can ease the discomfort of ear infection, be careful not to use directly in the ear though! Use mixed with a carrier oil around the outside of the ear.
Asthma – due to its effects on the respiratory system basil can help ease the shortness of breath associated with asthma.
BLENDS
Whilst most essential oils can be used together some oils can overpower other oils. Basil goes particularly well with oils such as:
Bergamot
Black Pepper
Cedarwood
Fennel
Ginger
Geranium
Grapefruit
Lavender
Lemon
Marjoram
Neroli
Verbena
WAYS TO USE
DIFFUSE
Basil essential oil can be used in diffusers or oil burners. Using Basil essential oil in this way is particularly beneficial in relieving headaches and migraines as well as boosting concentration, focus and clearing the mind. Basil also make a good natural air freshener, clearing the air and creating an uplifting atmosphere.
Diffuse 1 - 3 drops of Basil essential oil in an oil burner or diffuser.
BATH
Basil essential oil can be added to a warm bath to relieve muscle aches and menstrual pains.It can also relieve pain associated with arthritis and gout.
Adults - Add 1 - 3 drops of Basil essential oil to a warm bath.
Note: Care should be taken not to use more than 3 drops to prevent the bath from becoming too slippery. Essential oils should be added to a carrier oil before adding as oil and water do not mix and essential oils will float on the surface of the water and if used neat can burn the skin.
INHALATION
Inhaling basil essential oil is effective in helping to relieve symptoms associated with asthma and respiratory tract infections such as colds and bronchitis, coughs. Steam inhalation helps to clear congestion in your head, nose and chest.
Simply add 1 - 3 drops of Basil essential oil to a bowl of hot water, place a towel or blanket over your head and shoulders to enclose your head over the bowl and inhale for 5 – 10 minutes.
Note: Steam inhalation may be too strong for children, instead place the bowl in the room or close by and allow the steam to infuse in the air.
MASSAGE
Massage is a great way of relaxing the body and mind and easing aching muscles
Adults - up to 7 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
Children over 2 years old - up to 3 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all essential oils it should not be used neat on the skin, essential oils are very concentrated oils that can irritate the skin unless mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils should not be used internally unless under the supervision of an aromatherapist.
Basil should not be used during pregnancy and if used in excess can act as a depressant.
Pets can be particularly sensitive to the effects of essential oils and can even be toxic so where possible should either be avoided or used where a pet is able to go into another room.