Basil essential oil may not be a go-to oil for you, but it does have some surprising natural health benefits that you may be missing out on. Find out more about basil essential oil uses and benefits in this oil spotlight, basil diffuser blends and recipes are included as well.
Benefits of basil oil for your skin, joints, and mind are numerous.
The best way to use basil essential oil is by diffusing it in the air or applying it to your skin with a carrier oil. It can also be mixed with other oils like lavender or peppermint to create unique combinations of scents!
Sweet Basil Essential Oil Facts
Basil has a long history of use, going back more than 5000 years. Many cultures have attributed spiritual and healing properties to it. The basil oil is extracted from the green leaves of the herb.
Basil essential oil is also known as sweet basil or common basil oil. There are at least 35 different species of basil. So you may find other types of basil oils, like holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum).
You may also see basil written as Basil Linalool or Ocimum basilicum ct linalool. The ct stands for chemotype.
Chemotypes are plants of the same species which look identical but have a variation in the chemical components of their oils due to different conditions of growth. In basil linalool, there is a high linalool count present.
Basil is highly valued in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used as a protector of both physical and mental well-being.
Botanical Name |
Ocimum basilicum ,Ocimum basilicum ct linalool. |
Botanical Family | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
Aka | Sweet Basil, Basil Linalool |
Note | Top |
Aroma | Sweet, herbaceous, licorice-like |
Extraction Method | Steam distilled |
Plant Part Used | Leaves and flowers |
Shelf Life | 3-5 years |
Kid Safe? | Yes |
Safety Concerns | May irritate sensitive skin, best to test a small area of skin first. Always dilute before applying to skin. Avoid during pregnancy. |
DIY Essential Oil Recipes Guide
Aromatherapy Recipes with Essential Oils Guide with 150+ Easy & Effective Recipe Blends by Jennifer Lane, Loving Essential Oils Owner & Certified Aromatherapist:
Basil Essential Oil Blends Well With
There are many oils that Basil blends well with, this is not an exhaustive list, just some suggestions:
- Bergamot
- Lavender
- Cypress
- White Fir
- Geranium
- Helichrysum
- Peppermint
- Lemongrass
- Marjoram
- Cedarwood
- Clary Sage
- Ginger
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
Therapeutic Uses:
Muscular spasm and contraction, rheumatism, digestive problems, nausea, flatulence, menstrual cramp, dysmenorrhea, headache, migraines, tension, stress, physical and mental exhaustion.
Therapeutic Properties:
Antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, restorative, stomachic, tonic.
Basil Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
Traditionally used as part of religious and spiritual ceremonies to enhance inspiration. Here are several benefits of using basil oil:
- Helpful as a respiratory aid
- Use to clarify and focus thoughts
- Aligns concentration and intention
- Promotes clear thinking to refocus on the task at hand
- Stimulating tonic for congested skin
- Sharpens the senses and can act as a pick me up.
- Cooling qualities dissipates heat, assist with fever resolution
- Soothes rheumatic problems
Basil Essential Oil Recipes
Basil essential oil has many benefits including being a natural mosquito repellent, calming stress and anxiety, and relieving pain. Basil is also great for your skin, hair, and nails!
There are numerous ways you can use basil oil - diffusing in your home or office will have a positive effect on the whole space. You can also try inhaling it from the bottle or add a few drops to your bath water before bedtime.
1. Eases Aches and Pains
Basil oil has demonstrated pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. One favorite way to use basil is to help ease unwanted muscle spasms. This oil also acts as a powerful cooling agent for the skin and can bring a sense of relief when you need it most.
Achy Body Oil Recipe |
Add 1-2 drops of basil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, like jojoba oil, massage into achy joints and muscles. You can also add to unscented lotion or body cream and rub on affected areas. |
Tension Headache Roll On Blend |
Try using this oil to help relieve a tension headache as well.
Directions: fill rest of bottle with jojoba oil. Shake to blend. To use, roll onto temples (avoid the eyes) and back of neck/shoulders. |
2. Calms Anxiety and Stress
Basil oil is rich in linalool, which makes this oil very relaxing and beneficial for decreasing feelings of stress and anxiety.
Soothing Inhaler Blend |
Use this basil oil blend before bedtime to help you wind down and transition into bedtime.
Directions: Add essential oil drops onto the blank inhaler wick. Assemble inhaler as directed. To use, place the inhaler under nose and inhale deeply. Read more about using aromatherapy inhalers. |
3. Clears Congestion and Soothes Cough
Basil is useful for respiratory issues, colds, and the flu. It is an expectorant and offers antispasmodic actions which may help relieve coughing.
Chest Compress Recipe |
Make a warm compress by placing 3 drops of basil oil into bowl of warm water. Soak a washcloth in the bowl and wring out. Lay down, place washcloth onto chest, and just relax. |
4. Eliminates Odors and Germs
You can use basil oil to remove bacteria from surfaces and freshen the air, especially beneficial for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. It is a potent antibacterial and antiviral oil.
DIY Purifying Air Freshener |
Add 6 drops of basil, 7 drops of tea tree and 12 drops of grapefruit to 4 oz glass spray bottle. Fill rest of bottle with water, leaving room for sprayer top. Shake well before use, spritz throughout kitchen and bathroom to encourage clean air, especially during cold and flu season. |
5. Focuses The Mind
Difficulty focusing while at work, reading or studying? Try basil essential oil to promote a sense of mental alertness and clarity of thought. It is also incredibly uplifting and helps one maintain an open mind.
Mental Fatigue Inhaler Blend |
Add 6 drops rosemary, 4 drops peppermint, and 2 drops basil to a blank inhaler. To use, place the inhaler under nose and inhale deeply. It will stimulate your mind while allowing you to focus on the task at hand. |
Basil Essential Oil Emotional Benefits - Renew Your Mind and Spirit
Basil oil is known as "The Oil of Renewal". Is has the ability to relax the mind and alleviate fatigue, stress and low energy levels. The smell of basil oil can help nervousness and anxiety.
Putting a few drops of Basil on the bottom of your feet before bed and smelling the oil will force your body to enjoy the much needed rest it desires. It will help you sleep, it will relax you, but most importantly, it will calm your entire body down. It is a great stress reliever.
Basil oil will even help the person who is in or has adrenal fatigue and exhaustion. Used daily, you will see the great benefits of getting enough rest. Even if you don't get a full 8 hours sleep, with Basil essential oil, you'll sleep more deeply and FEEL like you got a restful nights' sleep, regardless of how many hours of sleep you actually got.
In the morning when you wake up, simply use White Fir essential oil and you will feel EVEN MORE energized for the day.
Basil Diffuser Blends
Basil oil blends well with a variety of oils like black pepper oil, lemon oil, fennel oil, geranium oil, grapefruit oil, lavender oil, cedarwood oil and ginger oil.
Diffuse basil oil in your home with an oil diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle to receive the benefits of basil oil. There are many basil oil uses, this is merely one way you can start enjoying it!
Add drops of essential oil from diffuser recipe to your diffuser with recommended water and turn on. Learn more about diffusing oils.
Serene Diffuser Blend |
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Herby Citrus Mint |
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Maintaining Balance |
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Adventure Ready |
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General Essential Oil Safety Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. Plant Therapy clearly labels their oils "KidSafe" on the bottle if the oil can be used for children ages 2–10.
If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil, read more here.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues here.
Newbie to Oils? Read More: Essential Oils for Beginners
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