Basil Essential Oil

Basil Essential Oil

Ocimum basilicum
Basil essential oil is extracted from the herb which has the botanical name Ocimum basilicum. There are two species which yield essential oils – exotic and European basil.

What does basil essential oil smell like?

Fresh, sharp, herbaceous, spicy, liquorice, sweet.

Which part of the plant provides the oil?

The leaves and flowers.

Where has basil oil been sourced from?

This particular basil oil originates from Central Macedonia, Greece.

How is basil essential oil extracted?

Basil oil is extracted by steam distillation.

This involves using steam from boiling water to extract the essential oil from the plant.

The heat from the steam causes the plant’s cell walls to open allowing the essential oil to be released.

What other oils blend well with basil oil?

Basil oil blends well with bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender, lemon, lime, marjoram, neroli, rosemary and sandalwood.

How can I benefit from basil essential oil?

Basil isn’t only just a favourite herb or dried spice. Basil essential oil can be the perfect remedy for common respiratory conditions like bronchitis, colds and coughs.

Aromatherapists also report excellent results when treating patients for exhaustion, flatulence, flu, gout and insect bites.

In addition many sufferers of sinusitis, an infection of the sinuses that causes headaches, running or stuffy nose and a feeling of intense pressure in the face, can find relief when using basil essential oil. It can also help with mental clarity and can aid your concentration levels.

Are there precautions I should know about?

Basil CT linalool may be hazardous due to the estragole (methyl chavicol) and methyl-eugenol content as well as possible skin sensitisation. Basil oil shouldn’t be used by children under 16 years of age or by anybody who is pregnant. Using too much can cause a confused or stupefied effect.