Basil Essential Oil (Ocimum basilicum) Basil Essential Oil has a strong, spicy aroma that is invigorating to both
body and spirit. Used topically, it can help refresh the mind and restore mental
alertness during times of fatigue. In massage, it can be relaxing to aching
muscles.* It may also stimulate and sharpen the sense of smell and give relief
from migraines and painful menstrual periods.*
Basil is also known as Albahaca, St. Joseph's Wort,
and Sweet Basil. It is a tender low-growing annual herb, originally native to
tropical Asia. It grows to between twenty and sixty centimeters tall, with
opposite, light green, silky leaves one and a half to five centimeters long and
one to three centimeters broad. It tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong,
pungent, sweet smell. Most essential oils work best when blended
with each other. The right combination will enhance the effects and power of the
essential oils. For some basic "oil recipes", check out our Recipe page or visit
our Essential Oil Blends store for some outstanding "Ready-Blends", created by
Young Living.
Body Systems Affected: Cardiovascular
System, Muscles and Bones
Uses: Basil essential oil may be beneficial for Migraines,
mental fatigue and menstrual problems. Other suggested applications include
aches and pains, anxiety, bronchitis, chronic colds, earaches, mental fatigue,
insomnia and intestinal problems. It is also very effective for insect bites,
snake bites, wasp stings and whooping cough.
Historical Uses: Basil Essential Oil has been used for
respiratory problems, digestive problems, kidney ailments, epilepsy, poisonous
insect bites, snake bites, fever, epidemics and malaria.
Properties: Anti-bacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory,
stomach and intestinal antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-viral, decongestant for veins,
arteries of the lungs and prostate. Basil oil is also known as a nerve and adrenal cortex stimulant.
Aromatherapy Effects: Basil essential oil helps one to keep an open mind and increases
clarity of thought.
How to use: Diffuse. Apply to tip of nose, on temples and on location of stings and bites.
For mental fatigue, inhale first, and then apply to crown of head, forehead, heart and navel.
Dietary Supplement Uses: When using as a supplement, dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of
liquid such as goat's or rice milk or 1 drop in a tsp. of honey. Generally regarded as safe (GRAS)
for internal consumption by the FDA
Safety: Avoid during pregnancy. Not for use for people with epilepsy.
Possible skin sensitivity, test a small area first. If under a doctor's care, consult your physician.
* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This
product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
To receive Distributor Pricing, explore our
Starter Kits
Basil Testimonials
"I find that applying basil essential oil to areas that I
bruise (e.g., if I bump into a chair in the night) prevents a bruise from
actually forming. I also add some wintergreen, just for good measure." Caitlin
"If by chance my legs do begin aching, I grab different oils. I have had good
results with Orange oil, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint and Basil.
I just apply these singly as the intuition guides. I also have a blend made up
with Black Pepper and some other oils. I take Thyromin before bed also. Drink a
lot of water during the day and try to stay alkaline. Yes, it would be nice to
find the cause of my problem but it seems to change from emotional, lactic acid
build-up, etc. This probably is not very helpful but I know how frustrating it
can be to lose hours of sleep because your legs hurt. Mine are much improved,
but can flare up for weeks without a break. I do love these oils though." Barb
"Basil will melt away a knot in a muscle. It relaxes any
spasms. I have even used for menstrual cramps. I also used once for a canker
sore in my son's mouth. Just a drop on a finger tip. Rub in inside the mouth on
the sore and his was gone the next morning!!! He was so happy. It was
very annoying and painful." Karen
"I had an important concert performance and had been practicing all week.
However, 2 hours before the performance I got terrible menstrual cramps and was
doubled over in pain. I tried lavender and peppermint on my abdomen and back,
but they didn't do much. I was contemplating some strong pain killers, however
there were none in the house. I felt like I needed to be near a bathroom to
either throw up or empty my bowels. I decided that the pain was too great to
perform. In one last attempt, my sister insisted I try a few drops of
Basil on my ankles, as it had worked for her cramps.
She had to literally place the basil oil in my hands as I was not moving. I
barely had the strength to reach down to my ankles. However, within minutes I
felt a difference and could move from the fetal position.
Halfway through the concert, my sister asked how I was feeling and by then I had
almost forgotten that I was inso much pain just hours before. Thank you God,
Gary Young and Young Living for these therapeutic, EFFECTIVE natural
painkillers." Hope
Did you know. . . There are many rituals and beliefs associated with basil. The French call
basil "herbe royale". Jewish folklore suggests it adds strength while fasting.
It is a symbol of love in present-day Italy, but represented hatred in ancient
Greece. African legend claims that basil protects against scorpions while
European lore sometimes claims that basil is a symbol of Satan.
Holy Basil, also called 'Thulsi' or 'Tulsi', is highly revered in Hinduism
and also has religious significance in the Greek Orthodox Church, where it is
used to prepare holy water. It is said to have been found around Christ's tomb
after his resurrection. In Europe, they place basil in the hands of the dead to
ensure a safe journey. In India, they place it in the mouth of the dying to
ensure they reach God. The ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks believed that it
would open the gates of heaven for a person passing on.
In Boccaccio's Decameron a memorably morbid tale (novella V) tells of
Lisabetta, whose brothers slay her lover. He appears to her in a dream and shows
her where he is buried. She secretly disinters the head, and sets it in a pot of
basil, which she waters with her daily tears. The pot being taken from her by
her brothers, she dies of her grief not long after. The story is already told of
the Longobard queen Rosalind.
Additional testimonials and application suggestions for Basil
Essential Oil can be found at Oil Testimonials.
