Used in aromatherapy for relaxing your nerves and clearing your mind, basil oil is also used for therapeutic purposes. The greenish yellow colored oil is characterized by a sweet and crisp scent. In the past, the oil was used in various rituals.
Basil Oil
The plant originated in parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Today, it is grown in Europe and USA. North Africa, Seychelles, Cypress and Europe are the major producers of basil oil. In parts of India, the plant is considered to be very auspicious. The oil is used in many Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines. Oil is extracted from the leaves of the Ocimum Basilicum, by steam distillation process. The word “basilicum” is derived from the Greek word “basilicos,” which means “royal” or “king.” The plant, which grows to a height of about a meter blooms pink and white flowers.
Uses of basil oil
- Basil oil is used for the treatment of many female conditions, owing to its emmenagogue properties.
- Suffering from migraine or headaches? The oil is effective in soothing the effects of stress. In aromatherapy, the oil is used for clearing the mind.
- Acne, insect bites and other skin conditions are also treated with the use of this oil.
- The oil is effective in minimizing uric acid and relieves the pain of gout as well as arthritis.
- Basil oil is also used for treating respiratory diseases.
Tips for using basil oil
- Basil oil should not be used by anyone below 16 years of age.
- Do you have a sensitive skin? If yes, then do conduct a patch test before using this oil.
- The oil is best avoided during pregnancy.
- Germanium, lavender, verbena, fennel, bergamot, neroli and cedearwood are some of the oils, which can be used together with basil oil.