Basil oil

Common Name: Basil oil

Botanical Name: Ocimum Basilicum

Other Names: Common Basil, Sweet Basil, Linalool Basil.

Introduction

Sourced from the herb, Ocimum basilicum, Basil oil has many uses. The plant is a native of India and it belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. Also known as Saint Joseph’s Wort, the plant is cultivated in Europe and South East Asia. The oil is derived by steam distillation process from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. The chemical composition of the oil includes camphene, limonene, a-pinene etc. It is also a good source for minerals like calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. This yearly herb can grow up to 1 meter in height, and the flowers are either white or pink. 

Uses of Basil oil

Aromatherapy: Sweet and slightly campherous, basil oil is widely used in aromatherapy for achieving various purposes. It helps to stimulate the mind and increases concentration. This energizing oil is best utilized in the daytime hours. It is a powerful antiseptic and generally used for inhalation, baths, massages. Basil oil is used as a massage to enhance the luster of dull looking skin as well as hair.

Medical uses:  Basil oil is analgesic, antidepressant, digestive, carminative, expectorant, insecticide, nervine, stomachic and stimulant. Used widely for the treatment of cold and bronchitis, it is also used for the treatment of other conditions like sinusitis, rheumatism, muscle aches, flu and indigestion.  

Culinary: The leaves and seed of basil are widely used in cooking and are particularly popular in making Italian dishes such as pesto and pasta.

Other uses: Basil is considered sacred to the Hindu deity Krishna or Vishnu, and the leaves of the basil are often chewed before starting a devotion to the God.