Uses And Benefits Of Basil Essential Oil
Not only valued for its warm and uplifting aroma, in aromatherapy the benefits of Basil Essential Oil are known to stimulate, invigorate, clarify, calm and energise the mind.
Because of its natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibiotic, antiviral and diuretic properties, it’s no surprise that the uses and benefits of Basil Essential Oil are well-known, specifically in traditional Asian medicine. Not to mention, Basil Essential Oil uses are extensive, from treating headaches, migraines, nausea and vomiting, to easing inflammation and various skin complaints such as acne, eczema and dry skin.
What Is Basil Essential Oil?
Basil Essential Oil, also known as ‘Basil Sweet Essential Oil’ or ‘Basil Oil’, is derived from the leaves of the Ocimum Basilicum – what we know as the basil herb. In saying this, the benefits of Basil Oil are highly appreciated across several religions and spiritual practices.
In aromatherapy, Basil Essential Oil benefits are known to bring clarity to the mind and ease feelings of stress, mental fatigue and exhaustion. This is because Basil Oil naturally carries linalool, a chemical that is known to reduce stress and nervous tension.
Popular Ways To Use Basil Essential Oil
The uses for Basil Essential Oil range from diffusing to topical application. The way that you decide to use this essential oil will depend on what Basil Oil benefits you are wanting to achieve.
Here are some common ways to use Basil Essential Oil:
- In aromatherapy the benefits of Basil Essential Oil are known to assist with easing headaches, migraines and menstrual related cramping.
- You can receive many Basil Essential Oil benefits when using topically. Some of these benefits can be seen when treating insect bites, inflammation and other skin complaints such as eczema, acne and minor abrasions.
- Other Basil Essential Oil uses are known to help treat respiratory related illnesses, such as bronchitis and asthma.
- The benefits of Basil Oil are also known to be useful to those experiencing muscle and joint pain, spasms, cramps and gout.
Pure Basil Essential Oil
An essential oil is a concentrated mixture of natural compounds that have been extracted from plants using different techniques.
Here is a brief overview of how pure Basil Essential Oil is made:
- To produce 100% pure Basil Essential Oil, the steam distillation extraction method is used.
- This is when steam passes through the basil plant to withdraw the aromatic compounds. The Basil Oil then rises from the floral water and is collected.
For those wanting to purchase Basil Essential Oil, we always recommend finding a Basil Oil that is 100% pure. When an essential oil is not 100% pure and has been synthetically enhanced, added ingredients can be harmful to your health.
Here are some tips on how to know if an essential oil is 100% pure:
- Find a reputable supplier who is always willing to provide product documentation and information.
- Essential oils that are 100% pure will often be labelled as a ‘100% pure essential oil’.
- Check the ingredients list, 100% pure essential oils should only contain one ingredient, that being the botanical species of the plant.
Organic Basil Essential Oil
Like pure Basil Oil, Organic Basil Essential Oil is also extracted via steam distillation. The only difference is Organic Basil Essential Oil is guaranteed to be produced in an environment that is free from pesticides and other synthetic fertilisers.
How To Use Basil Essential Oil?
Basil Essential Oil In Aromatherapy
- To receive the aromatic benefits of Basil Essential Oil you can add a few drops to your aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer.
- Basil Oil blends well with a variety of other oils therefore, you can create your own essential oil blend and add this to your aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer.
- You may also wish to dilute your Basil Essential Oil in your preferred carrier oil, add it to a roller bottle and apply to pressure points (temples, chest, forehead and behind the ears). This is a convenient way of receiving the benefits of Basil Oil whilst on the go!
- Other basil essential oil uses include adding your Basil Oil to a warm bath.
Basil Essential Oil Topical Application (On The Skin)
- For those wanting to treat various skin complaints such as acne or eczema, you can use Basil Essential Oil topically. However, it is important to first dilute your Basil Oil in a carrier oil. We always recommend using a carrier oil that does not have a fragrance, as this will not alter the aroma of the basil essential oil.
- You can also dilute your Basil Essential Oil into a daily moisturizer and apply topically.
- Diluting: When diluting your essential oils, we recommend a 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and a 1 - 2% dilution for facial application.
Popular Uses And Benefits Of Basil Essential Oil
Whilst there are many Basil Oil uses, here are some of the most popular ways to use Basil Essential Oil:
Basil Essential Oil For Hair
Basil Essential Oil For Hair
- Because of its natural stimulating properties, Basil Essential Oil for hair growth is known to be effective. When diluted and massaged into the scalp, Basil Oil not only treats dandruff, but it is also known to improve scalp circulation, which in turn, stimulates hair follicles and encourages the development of healthy hair.
Basil Essential Oil For Skin
Basil Essential Oil For Skin
- Basil Oil is highly moisturizing, which makes it one of the best essential oils for wrinkles and fine lines.
- Because of these moisturizing properties, the benefits of Basil Essential Oil can also assist with improving skin complexion by removing dead skin cells that may be contributing to an uneven skin tone.
- Basil Essential Oil naturally carries antibacterial properties, which makes it a great natural skin cleanser. Creating your own natural skin cleanser using Basil Essential Oil can help remove impurities that land on the skin, such as dust and excess oil.
Basil Essential Oil For Acne
Basil Essential Oil For Acne
- According to a study conducted by Alternative and Complementary Therapies, the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties within Basil Essential Oil can ease acne.
- The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties within Basil Essential Oil work together to reduce the formation of breakouts.
- To receive these benefits of Basil Essential Oil dilute your Basil Oil in your preferred carrier oil, we suggest a fast absorbing oil such as Apricot Kernel, Rosehip or Grapeseed. Using a cotton ball, apply your dilution to the affected area.
Basil Essential Oil For Mosquito Bites
Basil Essential Oil For Mosquito Bites
- There are various Basil Essential Oil uses that can be beneficial when treating insect bites. To receive these benefits, simply dilute your basil essential oil in your preferred carrier oil and apply topically.
Basil Essential Oil For Arthritis
Basil Essential Oil For Arthritis
- Because Basil Essential Oil naturally carries anti-inflammatory properties, it is known to ease joint inflammation. Those who suffer from arthritis may find these Basil Essential Oil benefits advantageous.
Basil Essential Oil For Inflammation
Basil Essential Oil For Inflammation
- The anti-inflammatory properties within Basil Essential Oil further assist in easing swelling and tightness. To receive these Basil Oil benefits you can dilute your essential oil in a carrier oil and apply topically. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of your Basil Essential Oil to a warm bath.
Basil Essential Oil For Ear Infections
Basil Essential Oil For Ear Infections
- Basil Essential Oil naturally contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Because of this, there are some Basil Essential Oil uses that can help fight off bacterial infections.
- To use Basil Essential Oil for ear infections, dilute your Basil Oil in a carrier oil that does not carry a strong fragrance and apply behind the ears, avoiding the interior ear canal.
Where To Buy Basil Essential Oil
For those looking to buy pure Basil Essential Oil, it can generally be found in various health and well-being stores however, it is important to remember that quality will vary. To ensure that you are purchasing high quality essential oils, we always recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO, we offer 100% pure Basil Sweet Essential Oil in both an Organic and Non-Organic version. You can view the range on our website.
What Customers Are Saying About Basil Essential Oil
“I found the Basil Sweet Oil to be of high quality, well presented and packaged. Fast delivery”
Pam (Verified Customer)
“I love those oils that will pretty much blend with any others… Beautiful when diffused”
Jessica (Verified Customer)
"A great oil with a lovely fresh scent. I use this oil mixed in a carrier oil with Peppermint and Eucalyptus for a great muscle rub!"
Nicole (Verified Customer)
Basil Essential Oil Safety
Whilst essential oils are natural, they are incredibly powerful and can be potentially harmful when used incorrectly. Pure Basil Essential Oil is extremely concentrated and for this reason we do not recommend that it is taken internally. It is also important to ensure that your Basil Essential Oil is stored somewhere that is not accessible to children and/or pets.
Because Basil Essential Oil is so potent, it can cause irritation when directly applied to the skin, therefore it is important to dilute your essential oils when using topically. For skin application we recommend a 2-4% dilution and a 1 -2% dilution for facial application.
Resources
Yarnell, E & Abascal, K, 2006. Herbal Medicine for Acne Vulgaris. Alternative and Complementary Therapies. Ed. Vol 12 (6), pp. 303 – 309. DOI: 10.1089/act.2006.12.303
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.