Sweet Basil

Ocimum Basilicum

Sweet Basil essential oil is probably best known for its use in cooking and as a dietary supplement but you may be surprised to learn that it can also be applied topically.

In fact, it has been known to be very effective both physically and mentally and you may want to consider having some in the house at all times.

Read on and I will share with you some of the health benefits you can receive from this very versatile oil.

What is Sweet Basil Essential Oil?

Let's start with some basic information; a brief description of where the oil comes from, what it contains and how it is obtained. The following information is provided by Bill Fifield in his book "Integrated Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy".

This is a book that I highly recommend by the way.

About Sweet Basil

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Origins: Produced mainly in India. Also grown in tropical Asia and Africa. Widely cultivated in the Mediterranean region, the Pacific Islands, and North and South America. The oil is distilled mainly in France, Italy, Egypt, Bulgaria, Hungary, and the USA.
Other names: Common basil, joy-of-the-mountain, "true" sweet basil, European basil, and French basil
Description: A tender annual herb with dark green leaves and green and pink flowers.
Extraction: Essential oil by steam distillation
Botanical Part Used: Flowering herb

Principal constituents: Linalol (40 - 45%), methyl chavicol (23%), small amounts of eugenol, limonene, citronellol, and others. Is it a pure tropical or sweet or in between. You need to know from Liebermuth. Change use of the oil. . Very important! I've asked for this information to be confirmed.

Integrated Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
by Bill Fifield  (forward by Dr. Daniel Penoel)

This aromatic oil comes from a flowering herb with dark green leaves and green and pink flowers. It is mainly grown in India but also in Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, as well as North and South America.

The method used for extraction is steam distillation.

It is known for addressing respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and flu.

It has been used as an antidote for poisonous snake bites; as medication for rheumatic pain or inflammation; to improve circulation, digestion, stomach and kidney ailments.

In the past it has even been used to treat malaria and the plague.

Methods of Application

• Aromatically - Can be inhaled or diffused into the air
• Topical - Can be applied to the skin (may require dilution with a carrier oil)
• Internal - Can be taken internally in foods or beverages
• Dilute - Requires dilution with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil

Suggested Uses

Arthritis

Sweet Basil Essential Oil is an analgesic and is known for providing effective relief from pain. 

This oil has shown to be an anti-inflammatory with the ability to reduce joint swelling from arthritis.

Basil can be gently rubbed directly on your skin to soothe inflammation or consumed in a gelatin cap as a dietary supplement.

Take a relaxing bath with 10-15 drops in a cup of Epsom salts.

Circulation

Apply topically to cool a fever or inflammation.

Cooking

I am sure I don't have to tell you that Basil tastes wonderful when added to various dishes. I especially love adding it to rice before dishing up.

Take a look in your cook books and wherever they say to add fresh basil you can replace it with 1 drop of oil. If the oil is clinical grade it will be very powerful so 1 drop should be enough.

Digestive System

If you are experiencing nausea, gas or gastric spasms put a drop in your drinking water or tea and drink it to calm your digestive system.

For abdominal issues try massaging with a carrier oil in a 50:50 blend or diffuse Sweet Basil directly into the air.

You can also take 2-3 drops in a gelatin capsule and use it as a dietary supplement. Gelatin caps are available through Amazon.

Emotional Balance

Sweet Basil oil has been used in aromatherapy to awaken the mind, calm the nerves, and provide clarity of thought. If you are suffering from nervous tension, depression, anxiety, fatigue or insomnia, give one of the following a try.

• Use with a carrier oil in a 50:50 blend and massage the areas of your body that appear to be affected
  
• Apply a couple drops directly to your forehead, to promote alertness
• Rub a couple drops into your palms and inhale through your nose and mouth
  
• Take a relaxing bath with 10-15 drops and a cup of Epsom salts.
• Use a diffuser to put the aroma in the air you breathe.

Headache/Migraine

To treat or prevent a migraine add 10 drops to a half cup of cold water and soak a wash cloth. Wring it out and apply it to your forehead or the back of your neck.

If you want to use it as a compress you can place a dry towel over it and keep it cold with an ice pack.

Inflammation

Sweet Basil can be gently rubbed directly on your skin to soothe a sunburn, a fever, or other inflammation.

Pain Management

If you are suffering from gout, rheumatism or various aches and pains, mix with some carrier oil in a 50:50 blend and massage the affected areas. This mixture also works great on spasms: muscles, respiratory and digestive. Or you could apply 1 or 2 drops to your strained muscles to relax them and relieve the discomfort.

If you are like me you can also try adding 10 to 15 drops along with a cup of Epsom salts and take a nice relaxing bath to ease your pains.

Skin Treatment

Sweet Basil can be applied to skin and hair to relieve a variety of issues:

• to cool your skin,
• add a few drops to shampoo if you have oily hair,
• dab some on an insect bite to ease the itch and promote healing,
• use it as an insect repellent. 

Stress Management

Sweet Basil oil has been used in aromatherapy to awaken the mind, calm the nerves, and provide clarity of thought. If you are suffering from nervous tension, depression, anxiety, fatigue or insomnia, give one of the following a try.

• Use with a carrier oil in a 50:50 blend and massage the areas of your body that appear to be affected
  
• Apply a couple drops directly to your forehead, to promote alertness
• Rub a couple drops into your palms and inhale through your nose and mouth 
  
• Take a relaxing bath with 10-15 drops and a cup of Epsom salts
• Use a diffuser to put the aroma in the air you breathe

Vertigo

Sweet Basil Essential Oil is one of the most effective oils at relieving conditions involving the inner ear. Sweet Basil is a culinary oil which can be taken internally. 

Mix the oil 50:50 with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut and take 3 capsules a day. One or two drops can also be added to an herbal tea, a juice or favorite recipe if preferred.

Weight Management

Sweet Basil can even be applied to assist with your weight management goals.

The aroma can help you restrict your food intake so diffuse the oil into the air or put some on the back of your hand before each meal.

Other places to apply this oil include the front and back of your ear lobes as well as the back of your neck.

Combine with Other Oils

Sweet Basil blends well with:

*** Please Share Your Comments Below! ***

Where Can I Get These Oils?

I don't sell oils but here are my
recommended sources.

The companies I use and recommend guarantee the quality of their oils and I believe you will be satisfied with all your purchases, I am.

If you have any questions/concerns feel free to contact me.

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