CountryOfnature

Essential Oil Basil 

Perfumery Note: Top

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum

Aromatic Description: Basil Essential Oil smells sweet, herbaceous and somewhat licorice-like.

Consistency: Thin 

Basil Essential Oil Uses

• Bronchitis

• Colds

• Coughs

• Exhaustion

• Flatulence

• Flu

​

• Gout

• Insect Bites

• Insect Repellent

• Muscle Aches

• Rheumatism

• Sinusitis

Basil Essential Oil tends to be one of the first oils that I select when I have a cold. It is considered anti-bacterial/anti-viral, it acts as an expectorant and it also helps keep me alert. Basil Oil is also said to help with headaches, though it's not one I commonly use for that purpose.

The chemical composition of Basil Essential Oil can vary greatly between varieties, batches and suppliers. Ideally, look for Basil Essential Oil that has a a significant percentage of Linalool and that is weak in Methyl Chavicol (Estragole), a suspected carcinogen. Basil Oils that are higher in Linalool tend to have a more appealing aroma. Additionally, Linalool is said to act as an insect repellent. Though I love Basil, I rarely use it alone. Instead I typically enjoy the most benefit from it as a part of a synergistic blend. But beware... Basil can easily dominate a blend. Go easy on the ratio of Basil Oil that you add to blends until you are more familiar with working with it, and be sure to heed all safety precautions.