BASIL (Occimum basilicum)
Different oils are steam distilled from different varieties of the plant-there are over 100. Basil is produced in England, France, Europe, India, Northern Africa. “Holy basil” is produced in India, “Exotic basil” is produced in Comoro.
SAFETY: Very low ketone content. Avoid during pregnancy, lactation, or with very small children. Classified as phenol methyl-ether.
USAGE HISTORY: Established usage in Chinese, European, Arabic, ancient Egyptian, and Hindu herbal medicine. Possibly one of the oldest aromatics still in use today.
PROPERTIES:
- Internal-oral at homeopathic dosage only, suppository; topical; inhalation
- Relieves hiccups, vomiting, gastric spasm (Antispasmodic, digestive, hepatic, galactogogue)
- Vapors open sinuses and relieve congestion, coughing (Expectorant)
- Relieves aches and pains, menstrual discomfort (Analgesic, estrogenic, anti-inflammatory)
- Disinfectant (Antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral)
- Treats colds, fever, flu, infections (Febrifuge)
- Helps herpes, eczema, shingles, dry skin
- Laxative, blood purifier, stimulates adrenal glands
- Neutralizes toxins from insect bites
- May be experienced as warming or cooling
- Systems: Immune, integumentary, respiratory, muscular-skeletal, digestive, cardio-vascular, lymphatic, endocrine, genito-urinary, reproductive, nervous
PERFUME NOTE: Top note
EMOTIONAL/SPIRITUAL:
- Relieves anxiety, nervousness, fatigue
- Enhances memory, mental clarity
- Sharpens the senses
- Expands lateral axis, gives a feeling of width
- Opens heart meridian-clears energy movement between heart and hands
- May create spinal column adjustments with application to spine
- A spiritual oil, used for meditation
- Chakra: Heart, navel