Basil

Species name: ocimum basilicum.

Basil essential oil is extracted by steam distillation, from the herb Ocimum basilicum, of the family, Lamiaceae (Labiatae).

Also known as: Basil is also known by the names French, European, common or sweet basil.

Basil was originally found in the tropics of Asia and the Pacific Islands, but is now grown in both the United States and Europe.

The plant is an annual herb, and is hairy in appearance. The oil is a light greenish-yellow color, and has a clear, light, slightly spicy fragrance. 

The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and the flowers. Basil essential oil has various chemical compounds that include a-pinene, eugenol, and others that lend themselves to this versatile essential oil.

Home Remedies using Basil Essential Oil:

Protective qualities are often attributed to basil essential oil, and people of the Hindu faith often place a leaf on their chests to protect them while they sleep. 

Basil is also a pivotal ingredient in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines. Ayurvedic medicine is an internal cleansing ritualistic type of medical practice in which the entire alimentary canal is cleansed to promote health through full body cleansing.

Benefits of Basil Essential Oil:

This crisply scented essential oil is often used in aromatherapy, to promote clear headedness and nervous stability. Basil oil is also often used to relieve congestion in the sinuses, to treat menstrual problems, and reduce fever.

Uses of Basil Essential Oil:

The therapeutic properties of basil essential oil are analgesic such as those fond in pain relievers, treating depression, as a muscle relaxant, and as a purgative that brings about sweating, acts as an expectorant, stomach and digestive aid, as well as a stimulant, insecticide, and the properties of a general tonic.

• In vapor therapy, basil essential oil can be inhaled, used in steam therapy, or used for migraines, headaches and to help increase concentration and clear the mind.
• When adding basil oil to a warm bath, it can help to relieve gout and arthritis, as well as muscular and menstrual pains.

Side Effects of Basil Essential Oil:

Although basil oil usually stimulates, in excess it can have the opposite effect, and should not be used during pregnancy or on children under sixteen. 

Basil essential oil can irritate sensitive skin, so a standard sensitivity test should be done before beginning to use basil essential oils.

It also has properties that stimulate blood flow to and from the uterus, so it must be avoided during pregnancy.