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Benefits of Basil Essential Oil and Uses in Aromatherapy

"A fragrance of reality—the reality of physical existence and the reality of spiritual existence," is how aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood describes the benefits of basil essential oil (Ocimum basilicum) in Aromatherapy For the Soul. She goes on to say the emotional benefits of basil are to encourage positivity, purposefulness, concentration, decisiveness, assertiveness, trust, enthusiasm, clarity, and strength.

Aromatherapy supplies with the words Guide To Basil Essential Oil Benefits and Uses and photo of basil plant.

At least 60 varieties of Ocimum basilicum exist. "The variety of species, subspecies, and chemotypes of basil offer us virtually the entire arsenal of aromatic substances," according to Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy.

Five chemotypes of basil essential oil are available:

  • Linalool
  • Methyl chavicol
  • Methyl eugenol
  • (E)-methyl cinnamate (commonly called cinnamon basil)
  • Eugenol

This profile applies to the linalool chemotype of basil (Ocimum basilicum ct. linalool), also called sweet or French basil. It's probably the most common chemotype used in aromatherapy.

The Indian herb tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a different species—Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum. Holy basil shares some properties with sweet basil but also has different properties.

Basic Sweet Basil Facts

Plant family: Lamiaceae.

Production: Steam distilled from the leaves and flowers/buds.

Aroma: Sweet, herbaceous, warm, rich, sharp.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle to top.

Is basil safe to use during pregnancy? No.

Is basil essential oil safe for children? Some sources recommend not using with children under age 2.

Cautions: In large amounts, basil essential oil can be overstimulating.

Main components of the linalool chemotype of basil:

  • linalool     53.7–58.3%
  • eugenol      9.4–15.2%
  • 1,8-cineole  6.0–6.7%

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed.

Benefits of Basil Essential Oil

Basil ct. linalool is useful for hypotonic/weak conditions and congestive/damp conditions involving fatigue, headache, and irritability, according to Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Vol. 2. (The book has a full profile of basil ct. methylchavicol.)

Conditions for which sweet basil is commonly suggested:

  • Arthritis, gout, and rheumatism
  • Colds, flu, coughs, sinus congestion, and respiratory support
  • Digestive problems, including indigestion, nausea, and flatulence
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Insect bites (and as an insect repellent)
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Muscle and joint aches, pains, soreness, spasms, and contractions
  • Oily skin/hair
  • Skin inflammation and problems such as acne and abrasions
  • Physical and mental exhaustion, stress, tension

Sources:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, basil is a warming oil that tonifies Yang and strengthens the Shen, according to The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Third Edition, Vol. 1. Recommended for people who are physically or mentally exhausted, deal with nervous depression, or have become complacent and melancholic. Five-element affinity: wood, earth, metal.

Mental and Emotional Benefits of Basil Essential Oil

Sweet basil supports focus and relaxation, according to The Heart of Aromatherapy.

Emotionally, basil is uplifting and helps relieve anger, depression, fear, indecisiveness, lack of confidence, mental fatigue, negative thoughts, and stress, according to Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art.

Basil is an excellent oil for the brain, stimulating the intellect, clearing the mind, and supporting concentration, according to The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness. The oil also eases anxiety, depression, hysteria, mental fatigue, and insomnia and promotes endurance and stamina.

Basil Essential Oil Spiritual Benefits

The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing: Basil helps you remember spiritual abundance and awakens your connection to angels and spirit guides. The essential oil improves mental clarity and memory and promotes courage and confidence.

The Blossoming Heart: Basil balances and clarifies inner emotions as the need to control falls away. The oil helps open the throat and heart centers, allowing movement away from fear and insecurity.

Aromatherapy Anointing Oils: Basil brings in positive energy and strengthens and supports. Specific chakra uses:

  • Seventh (crown): Helps you discover spiritual purpose and strengthens and supports you during spiritual translations.
  • Sixth (third eye): Clears, uplifts, and invigorates the mind. Supports positive thinking, the ability to make decisions, the ability to concentrate, and understanding of your spiritual purpose.
  • Fifth (throat): Cultivates clear, strong, positive communication.
  • Fourth (heart): Promotes a strong, positive, heartfelt response to life and encourages trust.
  • Third (solar plexus): Nurtures self-esteem and the ability to manifest. Encourages enthusiasm and assertiveness, while supporting personal integrity and reliability.
  • Second (sacral): Boosts emotional strength and clarity.
  • First (root): Supports a sense of security and strengthens during life changes.

When to use:

  • Seeking spiritual purpose or concerned you will not be able to manifest your spiritual purpose
  • Spiritual transitions
  • For strength and encouragement to pursue your spiritual purpose
  • To strengthen self-esteem, be more assertive, or be more enthusiastic

Mixing Essential Oils for Magic: Basil supports divination skills and is important in developing psychic abilities. Use the oil to attract love, banish negativity, and ease sorrow.

Sweet Basil Essential Oil Uses and Blends

Back Pain Relief Stock Blend

To a 5-ml dropper bottle, add:

  • 42 drops sweet basil
  • 64 drops lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops german chamomile essential oil
  • 8 drops peppermint essential oil

To use, add 6 to 9 drops of the blend to 1 tablespoon carrier oil.

Source: Essential Oils Every Day

PMS Relief

  1. Blend 2 drops each of basil, sage, and rosemary essential oils.
  2. Apply the blend to a warm, moist hand towel.
  3. Place the towel on your abdomen. Relax.

Source: Dr. Axe 101 Ways To Use Essential Oils

Soothe Insect Bites and Stings

In a small glass container, mix:

  • 2 drops basil essential oil
  • 4 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel
  • 1 teaspoon jojoba oil

Apply a small amount of the blend to the bite or sting, as needed.
Source: Rocky Mountain Oils

Gardener’s Hand Scrub

  • 2 tablespoons medium-grain pink Himalayan salt or other medium-grain salt of your choice
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 7 drops rosemary essential oil (verbenone chemotype)
  • 10 drops basil essential oil
  • 2-ounce (60 ml) dark glass jar
  1. Put the salt into the jar.
  2. Add the avocado oil.
  3. Add the essential oils and stir gently with a glass stirring rod or the handle of a stainless steel spoon.
  4. Use as needed.

Adapted from Aromahead

Inhaler For Stomach Upset

This recipe can help ease an upset stomach and a headache at the same time.

  • 7 drops basil ct. linalool
  • 5 drops bergamot mint (Mentha citrata) essential oil
  • 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Add the essential oils to a blank aromatherapy inhaler. Use it as needed to calm indigestion or nausea.

Source: Aromahead Newsletter

Benefits of Basil Essential Oil FAQ

Can I use sweet basil for hair and skin care?

The Aromatherapy Beauty Guide states that you can use a dilution of up to 1% (6 drops essential oil in 30 ml (about 2 tablespoons) carrier oil) for products that are left on the skin. Hand and foot products can contain up to a 2% dilution.

Sweet basil is suitable for most skin types, except sensitive skin, which may react badly. The oil is especially good for oily skin, acne, dull and tired skin, and bacterial and fungal skin problems.

The same 1% guideline applies to products used on the hair and scalp. You can use basal essential oil in blends to promote hair growth; however, Organic Body Care Recipes says rosemary is less expensive and almost as effective for hair growth.

Acne Treatment

  • 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil
  • 10 drops sweet basil
  • 5 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 3 drops lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops geranium essential oil

Add oils to a clean bottle. Close and shake well. To use, apply a small amount to areas with acne.

Source: Organic Beauty With Essential Oil

Can I use sweet basil with dogs and cats?

Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals states you can use sweet basil in very small amounts with dogs. See page 49 for details. Not recommended for direct use with cats.

What are some diffuser blends using basil?

The Healing Art of Essential Oils suggests:

  • For mental focus: 3 drops basil, 3 drops lemon essential oil, 2 drops rosemary essential oil.
  • To boost energy: Equal parts basil, peppermint, and grapefruit essential oils.
  • To uplift your mood: Equal parts basil, rosemary, peppermint, and orange essential oils. Alternately, use equal parts basil and lemon oils.
aromatherapy massage

Carol Wiley is a retired massage therapist and freelance writer. She uses her deep interest in aromatherapy and essential oils to research their benefits and uses and bring you summaries and blends with links to more resources.

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Photo Credit: JeannieNadja [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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