Basil essential oil may not be your go-to oil, but it has some surprising natural health benefits that you may be missing out on. In this oil spotlight, find out more about basil essential oil uses and benefits. Basil diffuser blends and recipes are also included.
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 that 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
- Shelf Life 3 to 4 years
- Kid Friendly Yes
- Pregnancy Friendly No
- Adult Max Dilution Dilute to a max of 3.3% in a carrier oil for topical applications
Safety Concerns for Basil Oil
May irritate sensitive skin, best to test a small area of skin first. Always dilute before applying to the skin. Avoid during pregnancy. Keep out of reach of children and pets. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. External use only.
DIY Essential Oil Recipes Guide
Aromatherapy Recipes with Essential Oils Guide with 150+ Easy and Effective Recipe Blends by Jennifer Lane, Loving Essential Oils Owner and 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 dissipate heat and assist with fever resolution
- Soothes rheumatic problems
Basil Diffuser Blends
Basil oil blends well with various 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 uses for basil oil, but this is one way to start enjoying it!
Add drops of essential oil from the diffuser recipe to your diffuser with recommended water and turn it on. Learn more about diffusing oils.
Fresh Air Blend
- 3 drops Lemon oil
- 2 drops Juniper oil
- 1 drop Basil oil
After the Rain
- 2 drops Basil
- 2 drops Jasmine
- 2 drops Lemon
Serene Diffuser Blend
- 5 drops Sandalwood
- 3 drops Fennel
- 2 drops Basil
Herby Citrus Mint
- 3 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Basil
- 2 drops Lemon
- 2 drops Spearmint
Maintaining Balance
- 3 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Basil
- 2 drops Rose Geranium
Shamrock Shuffle
- 2 drops Basil
- 2 drops Orange
- 1 drop Patchouli
- 1 drop Peppermint
Adventure Ready
- 2 drops Basil
- 2 drops Grapefruit
- 1 drop Cypress
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 it in your home or office will positively affect 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.
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 the rest of the 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 the inhaler as directed. To use, place the inhaler under the 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, it is 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 the rest of the bottle with water, leaving room for the sprayer top. Shake well before use, and spritz throughout the 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 the nose and inhale deeply. It will stimulate your mind while allowing you to focus on the task. |
Newbie to Oils? Read More: Essential Oils for Beginners
Basil Essential Oil Emotional Benefits - Renew Your Mind and Spirit
Basil oil is known as "The Oil of Renewal". It can relax the mind and alleviate fatigue, stress, and low energy levels. The smell of basil oil can help with 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 and 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.
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 and pets.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a skin patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Get more information on essential oil safety issues.
Basil Oil vs Holy Basil Oil - What's the difference?
When it comes to choosing between Basil and Holy Basil essential oils, one must consider their aroma preferences. While both plants offer similar therapeutic benefits they have different chemical compositions that result in distinct fragrances.
The milder scent of Basil is described as herbal with hints of spice and licorice, while the stronger smell of Holy Basil has been compared to warmth mixed with sweetness and freshness.
Ultimately its up to you which oil suits your needs best based on personal preference.
Can basil essential oil help with respiratory issues?
Yes, basil essential oil is known for its ability to help with respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and congestion. It can be used in a diffuser or inhaled directly for relief.
How do I choose a high-quality basil essential oil?
Look for basil essential oil that is 100% pure, organic, and steam-distilled. Check for third-party testing and certifications to ensure its quality and potency.
Basil Essential Oil Uses for Spiritual Practices
Basil is a powerful herb that has been used in various spiritual practices. Its ability to cleanse negative energy from your space while enhancing intuition and empathy makes it an essential tool for those seeking balance within themselves.
To harness its power during meditation or other personal rituals consider applying diluted basil oil onto the forehead (third eye) area or heart center on chest. Doing this will deepen your connection with yourself.
Alternatively, diffusing this oil can create a serene atmosphere ideal for introspection and contemplation. With basil's healing properties, one could experience profound shifts towards greater harmony both internally and externally!
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FAQs
what is basil essential oil good for?
Basil essential oil is good for reducing stress and anxiety, improving digestion, relieving pain and inflammation, boosting immunity, and promoting skin health.
Is basil essential oil safe to use?
Basil essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, such as aromatherapy, massage therapy, skincare products, and as a natural remedy for various health issues. When used correctly and in moderation, basil essential oil is generally safe for most people. However, it is important to do a patch test before using it on your skin and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or medical conditions.
