BASIL ESSENTIAL OIL
A stimulating essential oil traditionally valued for mental clarity, respiratory support, and emotional balance.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Family: Lamiaceae / Labiatae
Origin: Asia and Africa
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the flowering tops and leaves
Note: Top-Middle
Colour: Colourless to pale yellow
Aroma: Sweet and spicy, crisp and clean with a prominent aniseed aroma
About This Essential Oil
Sweet Basil Essential Oil is a stimulating and uplifting essential oil traditionally valued for supporting mental focus, respiratory wellbeing, digestion, and emotional balance. Its fresh, herbaceous aroma makes it a popular choice for study blends, concentration formulas, and wellness applications.
Key Benefits
• Traditionally supports mental clarity and concentration
• Supports respiratory wellbeing
• Uplifting and stimulating aroma
• Traditionally valued for digestive comfort
• Encourages emotional balance and resilience
• Popular in study and focus blends
History
Takes its name from the Greek word 'basileum', meaning king. Basil was highly prized and considered the king amongst plants, or possibly used in oils for anointing kings. Although native to Asia, it has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine where it is known as Tulsi. Traditionally it was used as an antidote to snake bites and during outbreaks of malaria and fevers. It has also been valued for supporting immunity and helping the body combat parasites.
Main Chemical Components
50% Alcohols, 25% Phenols, 15% Monoterpenes
Properties
• Analgesic
• Antidepressant
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Carminative
• Cephalic
• Decongestant
• Digestive
• Emmenagogue
• Expectorant
• Febrifuge
• Nervine
• Sudorific
• Uplifting
Traditional Uses
• Skin – Traditionally used for insect stings, mouth ulcers, gum infections, and acne.
• Nervous System – Traditionally valued as a brain stimulant for mental clarity, study, intellectual fatigue, anxiety, confusion, memory support, and tension headaches.
• Respiratory – Traditionally used for chest infections, sinus congestion, colds, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, flu, allergies, and supporting the sense of smell.
• Digestive – Traditionally used for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, intestinal infections, gastric spasms, hiccups, dyspepsia, and travel sickness.
• Menstrual – Traditionally valued for scanty or painful periods and uterine congestion.
• Muscular – Traditionally used for muscle spasms, tight muscles, back discomfort, and shoulder tension.
Psychological & Emotional Uses
• Traditionally used for protection during times of change
• Helps encourage balance between mind and body
• Supports forward thinking and personal growth
• Traditionally valued for focus and clear thinking
• May help with indecision, self-doubt, fear of failure, negativity, resentment, conflict, and emotional stagnation
Blends Well With
Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Rosemary, Peppermint, Thyme, and Tea Tree.
Health & Safety
• If used excessively, Basil may have the opposite effect and become depressing rather than uplifting.
• A very strong oil and best used for short periods.
• May negate homeopathic remedies.
• Do not use during pregnancy.
• Not recommended for children under 10 years of age.
• May irritate mucous membranes.
• For external use only.
