Basil Essential Oil Health Benefits And Uses

Basil (ocimum basiculum) is a herb that is widely used in Italian, Provençal (South Of France) and South-East Asian cuisine. This herb, native of India, is not only indispensable in our kitchen cupboard, but also in our medicine chest. Basil offers us a very powerful essential oil, which is obtained by steam distillation of its fragrant heart-shape leaves.

Basil has been used for centuries by several civilizations. It was used by the Greeks to anoint the new kings, by the Romans to relieve painful muscles, by the Chinese for its diuretic action (on kidney affections and digestive problems). In India, basil is supposed to have a divine spirit and is used for the sacrament of the god Krishna. And in folk medicine, it was supposed to be an aphrodisiac...

Basil essential oil has antispasmodic, stomachic and emmenagogue properties. It is also a nervous tonic and an intertinal antiseptic. That's why basil essential oil is recommended in case of migraine, nervous fatigue, insomnia due to nervousness, digestive problems, gastric spasm, , gout, dizziness, anxiety, intestinal infections, epilepsy, whooping cough.

• To relieve stiff muscles: mix in half a cup of vegetable oil 20 drops of basil essential oil and 20 drops of lavandin essential oil. Massage the painful muscles with it.
• To fight insomnia due to nervousness, anxiety and nervous fatigue: dilute 2 drops of basil essential oil in a teaspoon of honey, then mix it in half a cup of lukewarm water. Drink it. Caution: always dilute basil essential oil in honey before taking it internally.
• To get rid of stinging insects: basil essential oil can be used as an insect repellent. Just diffuse a few drops of basil essential oil in the air to drive them away.
• to flavor your dishes: you can make yourself this basil olive oil. Mix in a liter of extra virgin olive oil 35 drops of basil essential oil. Use this basil oil on your pasta, rice, vegetables, meats...
• To get rid of flatulence, digestive problems and nausea: mix in a cup of vegetable oil 20 drops of basil essential oil, 15 drops of peppermint essential oil and 15 drops of ylang ylang essential oil. Massage your abdomen in circular motions with this oil.
• To relieve menstrual cramps: mix in a tablespoon of vegetable oil 3 drops of basil essential oil. Massage your belly with the mixture in circular motions several time daily.
• To relieve migraine / headache: mix in a teaspoon of vegetable oil 2 drops of basil essential oil and 1 drop of peppermint essential oil. Massage your temples, forehead and back of your neck with it.

Caution: Avoid using basil essential oil: pure on your skin, if you are pregnant, or on children under 12.