For educational purposes only. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.
Basil (Sweet)
Ocimum basilicum
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Parts used: Leaves
Chakra Association: Third Eye and Crown
Note Classification: Top or Middle note
Aroma: Spicy-sweet, herbaceous, anise-like notes
Largest Producing Countries: France, United States
Traditional Uses: Culinary and medicinal. Due to its action on the nervous system, sweet basil essential oil has traditionally been used to balance the digestive system when upset by stress and nervous tension
Mental & Emotional Effects: Calms yet uplifts, rejuvenates and helps relieve the emotional fatigue of stress. Basil is believed to bring clarity and strength of mind.
Benefits: May have a direct action on the digestive system, easing colic, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, and stomach cramps when massaged onto the abdominal area in a clockwise direction.
Blends well with: bergamot, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, lavender, orange sweet, palmarosa, peppermint, pine and rosemary
Other Interesting Notes: The Roman naturalist, philosopher and writer, Pliny (24-79 AD), considered basil to be an aphrodisiac and good for treating flatulence and fainting fits, whilst the Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed basil for headaches.
Safety Data: Never apply undiluted oil directly to the skin. For external use only. Avoid during pregnancy.