Basil and all its varieties is a strongly aromatic herb and is often referred to as the king of therapeutic herbs. Its name is a Greek derivative of the word "Basilicum" or King/royal. Most of basil’s variants are found growing across France, Cypress, Iran, India, and tropical Asia though a few are also found in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Five species or variants of basil out of the known 50-odd species are particularly popular for their curative properties and culinary usages:
• Ocimum Basilicum - sweet basil
• Ocimum Citriodorum – lemon basil
• Ocimum Tenuiflorum – holy basil
• Ocimum Thyrsiflora – Thai basil
• Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum "Dark Opal" - African blue basil
(Source: Simon, J.E., J. Quinn, and R.G. Murray (1990). "Basil: A source of essential oils". In J. Janick and J.E. Simon (eds.). Advances in new crops. Timber Press, Portland, OR.. pp. 484–489)
Steam distillation is the popular method of extracting oil from basil. Because of its strong spicy/sweet/fresh aroma, very light nature and its property of evaporating quickly, it is categorized as a top note oil.
Basil oil is fast-acting in nature. It takes 20 minutes for it to be absorbed by human blood and affects the person on whom it has been used for 24 hours. It contains volatile chemical compounds such as cineole, alpha-terpineol, ß-pinene, camphene, camphor, cis-ocimene, eugenol, geraniol, limonene, methyl chavicol, methyl cinnamate, myrcene, terpinolene and y-terpineol. (Source: Cornell University, Department of Animal Science. URL: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/medicinal/basil.html)
Some uses of Basil Oil have been highlighted below:
1. Basil oil is used for uplifting or stimulating purposes especially where a person shows a lack of interest in daily activities or exhibits signs of mental exhaustion and depression. Basil oil may stimulate clarity of thought and is believed to enhance mental strength.
2. Conventional cures for colds and flu are supported greatly by basil oil’s property which can stub coughs as well as fever.
3. Basil oil’s nature as an oil that inhibits growth of germs can work towards benefiting patients of bronchitis and other respiratory infections emanating from bacterial causes.
4. Basil oil also may have the ability to reduce uric acid levels in the body if used in the directed way in food, and thus may relieve gout symptoms.
5. Basil oil can relieve symptoms of nausea arising from motion sickness or digestive disorders.
6. Basil oil may be an effective insect repellent and can be used on the body or its vapors can be used when camping outdoors.
7. Application of Basil oil may inhibit the contracting of infections in cuts, wounds, skin and bladder infections.
8. Basil oil is a digestive with carminative properties and may benefit cases of flatulence, colic, constipation and indigestion.
9. Basil oil is said to improve blood circulation and increasing the metabolism and is thus often used as a tonic.
10. Basil oil is also a nervine in patients and may quell anxiety, calming the nerves.
Basil oil blends beautifully with:
• Top note oils such as bergamot
• Middle note oils such as geranium, chamomile, cypress, lavender, peppermint and fennel
• Base note oil such as hyssop, cedarwood, benzoin and frankincense
Cautions:
• Basil oil is not to be used during pregnancy as it may cause bleeding.
• Basil oil is not to be used on sensitive skins prone to irritation.
*Please note that only therapeutic grade oils should be used for treatments. All essential and carrier oils can start an allergic reaction on sensitive skin and most of the oils should not be used during pregnancy. Some oils are harmful to conditions of epilepsy, etc. Do not use any oil that has an aroma you are uncomfortable with. Consult your aromatherapist or holistic health therapist before using any oil.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.), the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India) and Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com