Basil Oil :-
Basil essential oil is extracted from the leaves of common basil, otherwise known as Ocimum Canum.
It’s a woody oil that has a touch of spicy sweetness that creates a refreshing and lingering tone.
The basil tree is native to tropical Asia and Africa, although today it is grown all over the world, with more than 70 species to choose from.
Once extracted, basil essential oil is pale yellow to pale green in colour.
It blends extremely well with a variety of carrier oils and is also sometimes used in oral products, due to its antimicrobial properties
How does basil oil work?
Basil oil benefits can be enjoyed through a variety of applications, giving people lots of different ways to experience its health properties.
Aromatherapy is a popular way to inhale and enjoy the unique scent of basil oil, which can also do wonders for the mind in terms of relaxation and creating a calm atmosphere.
Some candle and soap makers include basil essential oil in their recipes, allowing people to incorporate the oil’s properties into their daily routines.
You can dilute basil oil and add it to warm bath water before soaking, apply it as a hair mask or simply dilute and massage into the skin, as needed.
Benefits of basil oil
The benefits of basil essential oil:
1. Provide antimicrobial protection
Researchers have learned that basil oil contains antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, allowing it to be used in a wide range of applications.
A study published in 2014 [1] TRUSTED SOURCESemantic ScholarEffect of Natural Antimicrobials on Foodborne Pathogens and Shelf Life: A ReviewGO TO SOURCE stated that basil oil demonstrated its effectiveness against the E.coli bacteria.
In another study, [2] TRUSTED SOURCEResearchGateAntibacterial activity of essential oils and their active components from Thai spices against foodborne pathogensGO TO SOURCE researchers found that when basil oil was included in the water fresh produce is washed in, food-borne pathogens and bacteria could be decreased.
Basil oil’s antiviral properties have also been shown [3] TRUSTED SOURCEWILEY Online LibraryAntiviral activities of extracts and selected pure constituents of Ocimum basilicumGO TO SOURCE the ability to combat colds and flu by directly attacking the source of the virus.
2. Calm inflammation and swelling
Basil oil benefits also include anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it ideal for use in massages to soothe sore and swollen muscles.
There have been numerous studies that have highlighted this, with two papers published in 2012 [4] TRUSTED SOURCE Research Gate Ocimum Basilicum: A Review on Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies GO TO SOURCE and 2017 [5] TRUSTED SOURCE PubMed Central Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases GO TO SOURCE demonstrating basil oil’s ability to ease acne inflammation, whilst also reducing its appearance on the skin.
The 2012 study also revealed that even if the oil left behind some redness on the skin, it would disappear within minutes, with no side effects present.
Suggestions have also been made that basil oil could help to cure ear infections. This is based on a 2005 study [6] TRUSTED SOURCE Oxford Academic Effective Treatment of Experimental Acute Otitis Media by Application of Volatile Fluids into the Ear Canal GO TO SOURCE that found the infected ear canals of animals could be improved by applying basil oil to the affected area.
3. Work as an insect repellent
Not everyone is comfortable using chemical-based insect repellents, as some of the ingredients used in commercial products can cause irritation.
It is believed by some scientists [7] TRUSTED SOURCE PubMed Central Effectiveness of Herbal Essential Oils as Single and Combined Repellents against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles dirus and Culex quinque fasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)GO TO SOURCE that basil oil benefits the skin by providing protection against bugs and pests.
They suggested that its ability to work as a natural bug repellent could be due to the oil’s naturally volatile chemicals.
This is something you could try at home, by mixing a solution of water, basil essential oil and an emulsifier, such as dish soap.
Once combined in a glass spray bottle, spritz the solution in areas of the home you want to keep bug-free.
4. Support better digestion
For centuries, traditional medicine practitioners have used basil oil for its carminative properties, which helps to improve digestion and ease flatulence.
Some people apply a small amount of diluted basil essential oil on the stomach in the belief that it helps to cure gas and constipation, whilst also reducing any associated pain.
This is the safest way to try this method, as it is not advisable to consume basil essential oil, as it could cause unexpected health complications due to the high concentration levels.
5. Help to lift low moods
During the Middle Ages, basil oil was regularly used to treat signs of melancholy and stress. This association continues today, with many people using the oil in oil burners and diffusers to combat stress and anxiety.
Researchers looking into basil oil’s mood boosting abilities pushed the results of a study in 2017 [8] TRUSTED SOURCE PubMedThe antidepressant-like effect of Ocimum basilicum in an animal model of depressionGO TO SOURCE confirming that when it was tested on mice, they saw a significant improvement.
An earlier study, published in 2012, [9] TRUSTED SOURCEPubMedEffect of inhaled essential oils on mental exhaustion and moderate burnout: a small pilot studyGO TO SOURCE concluded that mental fatigue and burnout could be reduced through the inhalation of basil oil, which helped to increase concentration and alertness over time.
6. Eliminate bad odours
Common uses of basil oil include applying it as a natural odour cleanser to eliminate unwanted smells around the home.
As we mentioned above, basil oil contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that can allow it to work as an effective cleanser.
So, using it to remove odour-causing fungus will leave behind a fresh, pleasant scent whilst also stopping the pathogens from spreading and creating further issues.
When basil essential oil is combined with baking soda, you can use it to remove stains and bacteria from pans and pots, and it can also be very effective if sprayed in showers, toilets and rubbish bins.
7. Improve oral health
Basil oil has long been used as a traditional remedy for tooth decay and headaches.
One study involving 40 children, [10] TRUSTED SOURCEPubMedA comparative evaluation of the anticaries efficacy of herbal extracts (Tulsi and Black myrobalans) and sodium fluoride as mouthrinses in children: A randomized controlled trialGO TO SOURCE found that antibiotic activity was present in the oil once it had been directly applied into the tooth root canal.
Other species of basil have also demonstrated similar qualities. For example, in a clinical trial involving 20 people, [11] TRUSTED SOURCEPubMedClinical effect of a mouth rinse containing Ocimum gratissimum on plaque and gingivitis controlGO TO SOURCE gum disease and plaque were effectively reduced after the application of clove basil.
The benefits of basil oil also suggest that the spasmodic effect of menthol as part of basil essential oil may be able to reduce migraine pain. [12] TRUSTED SOURCEKargerThe Efficacy of Topical Basil Essential Oil on Relieving Migraine Headaches: A Randomized Triple-Blind StudyGO TO SOURCE
8. Lower blood sugar levels
According to a research paper published in 2015, [13] TRUSTED SOURCESpringerLinkBiological activities, antioxidant properties and phytoconstituents of essential oil from sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leavesGO TO SOURCE the activity of two enzymes, amylase and glucosidase, that are responsible for raising blood sugar levels, could be reduced through the use of basil.
In another clinical trial [14] TRUSTED SOURCEPubMedRandomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitusGO TO SOURCE that involved a group of people with diabetes, blood sugar levels were lowered before and after meals following the application of holy basil leaves.
Holy basil is not the same as basil, as it contains different properties, so whilst the results of the clinical trial are promising, more studies and research is required to further develop and confirm these findings.
9. Offer hair and skin support
Basil essential oil is also believed to offer support for hair and skin, helping to cleanse, refresh and rejuvenate its appearance.
It can easily be added to your skincare routine, by simply placing a few drops of the oil into a lotion or cream before application.
Alternatively, you can dilute with a carrier oil and apply directly to the skin.
Many believe basil essential oil can help to balance natural oil levels in the skin, even skin tone and also calm itchiness and irritation.
To test the benefits of basil oil on your hair, you can add it to your shampoo or conditioner, or use it as an ingredient in a hair mask recipe.
Make sure to perform a patch test before use.
10. Ease asthma symptoms
Many people believe that basil oil benefits the respiratory system when inhaled as part of a steam treatment.
This explains why the oil is often used to ease sinus, asthma and bronchitis symptoms, as the properties released through the vapours can open airways to make it easier to breathe.
When seen in conjunction with basil oil’s antiviral qualities (as mentioned earlier in this article), it could provide a natural remedy for anyone who wants to complement existing treatment methods.
