Ocimum basilicum, also known as Sweet Basil, is a tender annual herb that’s easily grown and has a powerful aromatic scent. As Sweet Basil has a higher percentage of the chemical linalool it is safe to use in aromatherapy over and above some varieties.
Basil takes its name from Latin for a royal ‘Basileum’, possibly because the plant was so highly prized that it was considered a king amongst plants.
As an essential oil it may help to:
- reduce anxious feelings & help maintain an open mind
- increase focus while studying
- soothe skin
I remember taking basil leaves into all my therapy exams, once I knew about basil possibly helping with memory and focus – it’s a lovely refreshing smell and I know it certainly brightens up my thinking and mood. We would share the leaves out, quite funny really! I don’t know why I didn’t just use some basil essential oil on a tissue. It made exams fragrant at least! 🌱
There are over 150 types of basil, which makes for many variations in chemistry. The brand I use (doTERRA), choose the locations of their plant material based on best chemical compound ratios and outcomes. Their basil comes from Egypt where it is grown during the winter months.
Along with linalool as the main compound for its soothing effects, it also contains eucalyptol (cleansing) and bergamotene (antioxidant support) as part of the chemical composition.
With the guaranteed 100% purity and safety of how to use the best brand I’ve ever met, some (not all!) can be enjoyed as food flavourings. Wow! They really pack a punch to the taste buds, if you haven’t tried, you must try for a tasting workout (the citrus oils, A M A Z I N G! ….. back to basil now though!)
All the herby oils are especially handy in the kitchen for food flavouring, I like to add Basil to any Italian dish or perhaps a salad dressing – tomato and mozzarella, add to olive oil if you’re out of basil leaves – yum!
You must be careful though, sometimes one drop of oil is simply too much. It proves just how potent essential oils are. I learned the hard way about dosage when cooking.
I’d made a delicious chicken soup from scratch, even cooking up the stock from the bones. I was wondering which oil to add as flavouring, I reached for the Basil and added 1 whole drop – MISTAKE! It was way too strong, and I had to throw the whole meal away. I was so disappointed with all the love I’d put into my chicken soup. I’ve never done it again…. 😊
Often with cooking with essential oils, we use only a toothpick amount. How this is achieved is by dipping a cocktail stick into the bottle through the hole at the top and then waving it through the food and then stirring. Although this sounds like barely anything at all, it is enough. If you need more you can repeat until you have the right balance.
Please note, essential oils are not safe to ingest unless the bottle indicates you can. I know of no other brand to do this with and would be dubious about trusting or trying anyone else’s oils in this way.
doTERRA is the world’s largest essential oil company and pride themselves on all the scientific work that goes into the production of their oils. For me, they are simply the best.
If you want to purchase some Basil from me, please get in touch or you can visit my webshop here.
| Extraction method | Steam distillation of leaves, stems & flowers. Approximately 4lbs leaves produce 15ml essential oil! |
| Place of origin | France, Italy, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Australia and South Africa |
| Aroma | Sweet, herbaceous, spicy, anise-like, light refreshing aroma |
| Properties | antibacterial, anti-catarrhal, antidepressant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiviral, decongestant (veins, arteries of the lungs, prostate), diuretic, disinfectant (urinary, pulmonary), energising, restorative, stimulant (nerves, adrenal cortex), uplifting |
| Body systems | Cardiovascular system, muscles and bones |
| Blends with | Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cumin, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Marjoram, Neroli, Niaouli, Peppermint, Red Mandarin, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Thyme, Wild Orange |
| Practical use |
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| Historical use |
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| Emotional use | The Oil of Renewal: transmuting anxiety, weariness, overwhelm, tiredness, drained, exhaustion and addiction to feeling energised, renewed, rejuvenated, rested, strengthened |
| Chakras | Helpful for the third eye (clarity), and crown (clear connection) |
| Interesting fact | Basil may help with anosmia (loss of sense of smell) |
| Safety data | Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid during pregnancy. Not for use by people with epilepsy. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Use sparingly & dilute. Remember, the less is more rule! |
