Basil
All about Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Basic Information
Basil has a warm, spicy, yet herbal aroma known to enhance memory function while reducing stress and tension. There are many rituals and beliefs associated with basil. The French sometimes call basil “royal herb”, Jewish folklore suggests it adds strength while fasting. In Portugal, dwarf bush basil is traditionally presented in a pot, together with a poem and a paper carnation, to a sweetheart, on the religious holidays of Saint John and Saint Anthony. Basil has religious significance in the Greek Orthodox Church, where it is used to sprinkle holy water.
Basil provides restorative benefits to both the mind and body due to its high linalool content, making it an ideal application for sore muscles and joints and to reduce tension when applied to the temples and back of neck. Basil is commonly used in cooking to add a fresh, herbal flavor to meats, pastas, and entrée dishes, but it is also cooling to the skin and can be used to soothe minor irritations. When diffused, Basil helps promote clear breathing and healthy respiratory function while sharpening focus and lessening anxiety.
Introduction
- Plant Part: Leaf
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Aromatic Description: Warm, spicy, herbal
- Main Chemical Component: Linalool, 1,8-Cineol, Bergamotene <trans-alpha>
Usage
- Aromatic: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
- Internal : Add in capsule or use in cooking
- Topical : Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
Main Function
- Acts as a cooling agent for the skin, help soothing the acne skin.
- Soothes migraine caused by premenstrual syndrome
- Promotes mental alertness and lessens anxiety, improve quality of sleep.
- Soothes sore muscles and joints
- Support the digestive system
- Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is the most common cause of burn and outer ear infections
Application
- After exercise or work, apply to fatigued or sore muscles and joints.
- Diffuse to sharpen focus while studying or reading.
- Diffuse with Lime, Bergamot or peppermint to keep you energized.
- Apply with wintergreen and carrier oil on back neck to ease the tension.
- Apply to minor skin irritations. For sensitive skin, dilute with carrier oil.
- Diffuse or apply topically to promote clear breathing.
- Diffuse or spray around doors and window seals to deter flies and insects.
Cautions
If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using essential oils topically or aromatically.
Plant Science
Analgesic
Animal research suggests that linalool (a major constituent of basil essential oil), when administered orally, has an analgesic effect in rats. The effect, while subtle, is also seen when the administered by inhalation. The effect was seen to reverse with naloxone, an opioid antagonist. (1)
Anti-Acne
Human clinical research (n=28) suggests that basil essential oil applied topically to face may reduce acne in patients. The results were comparable to that of acetic acid treatments of acne.(2)
Anti-Depressant
- Human research suggests that inhaled basil essential oil may cause patients to perceive mental tasks more favorably. (3)
- Preliminary human research (n=5) suggests that a blend of oils that includes basil essential oil used during aromatherapy massage twice a week for 30 min may help the subjective level of depression that patients experience. (4)
Anti-Flatulent
An in vitro model suggests that basil essential oil may reduce methane production during microbial fermentation. (5)
Anti-Microbial
- In vitro study suggests that linalool (a major constituent of basil essential oil) may enhance the antibacterial efficacy of Clove oil against multiple bacterium including E. Coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. P. Aeruginosa is the most common cause of burn and outer ear infections. This blend also showed antifungal activity. (6)
- In vitro research suggests that basil essential oil may be effective against Leishmania parasites with some level of specificity. Leishmania are parasites that cause skin ulcers affecting 2 million people each year. (7)
- In vitro research suggests that basil essential oil (high in linalool) may be effective against Giardia lamblia. G. lamblia is a parasite that most commonly affects the unsanitary living conditions of developing countries, usually in un-sanitized water.(8)
Oral Hygiene
Human research (n=40) suggest that a blend of oils including basil essential oil has antiplaque, antigingivitic and antibacterial properties when used as a mouth wash. (9)