Basil essential oil is sourced from the Ocimum basilicum plant, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family. While fresh basil herbs are beneficial to one’s health, basil essential oils are more potent. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and diuretic properties. In fact, basil essential oil has been used in traditional Asian and Indian medicine for centuries. Then oil can be used in conjunction with culinary applications, aromatherapy, topical medications, and massage. It is also known as the ‘the royal oil’ and has a fascinating story with many superstitions attached to it.
Nutrition Info (per 100 g)
Folates 68 µg – 17% RDA
Niacin 0.902 mg – 6% RDA
Pantothenic acid 0.209 mg – 4% RDA
Pyridoxine 0.155 mg – 12% RDA
Riboflavin 0.076 mg – 6% RDA
Thiamin 0.034 mg – 2.5% RDA
Vitamin A 5275 IU – 175% RDA
Vitamin C 18 mg – 30% RDA
Vitamin E 0.80 mg – 5% RDA
Vitamin K 414.8 µg – 345% RDA
Potassium 295 mg – 6% RDA
Calcium 177 mg – 18% RDA
Copper 385 mg – 43% RDA
Iron 3.17 mg – 40% RDA
Magnesium 64 mg – 16% RDA
Manganese 1.15 mg – 57% RDA
Zinc 0.81 mg – 7% RDA
Carotene-ß 3142 µg RDA
Crypto-xanthin-ß 46 µg
Lutein-zeaxanthin 5650 µg
11 Impressive Benefits of Basil Essential Oil
1. Exhibits Antimicrobial Properties
Basil essential oil is a good safeguard against disease-causing bacteria. It exhibits potential in inhibiting bacterial strains that are immune to antibiotic treatments according to studies. In fact, a group of researchers from the Medical University of Lodz in Poland can attest to its potency. They conducted a test involving sick patients and showed that basil essential oil is highly effective in inhibiting the bacterial activity of E.coli and other strong types of bacteria.
Furthermore, basil essential oil can also inhibit a broad spectrum of viruses and yeasts including Candida, which is among the toughest and most resilient fungi to kill.
2. Provides a Number of Skincare Benefits
Basil essential oil’s skincare properties make the oil an effective remedy for a number of chronic skin conditions such as acne. Acne can result from overactive sebaceous glands. Accumulation of excess sebum and dirt manifests the growth of bacteria and thereby produce painful red swellings on your face. Applying a face pack using basil oil on a daily basis is beneficial for acne-inflamed skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. You may also add other ingredients such as lemon juice or rose hip oil to amplify its effects.
Likewise, basil essential oil can help unclog blackheads and whiteheads to give you a clearer and smoother complexion. Moreover, basil essential oil’s potent antibacterial properties can remedy ringworm infections. You can also relieve itchy skin with the assistance of basil essential oil.
3. Eases Leg Cramps and Sore Muscles
Leg cramps or muscle spasms occur when leg muscles are under severe stress brought by strenuous activity or due to a prolonged fixed position. Leg cramps are harmless but it can be very painful and frustrating, especially if it disrupts your good night’s sleep. The pain can last anywhere from a few minutes to a quarter of an hour. Fortunately, basil essential oil is a natural analgesic and provides fast relief from pain. You can always keep a bottle of basil essential oil on your bedside table so you can massage your legs with the oil when needed. Likewise, basil essential oil can ease tired and sore muscles. It is also helpful in the treatment of arthritis, sprains, and sports injuries.
4. Aids in Stress Management and Prevent Adrenal Fatigue
Basil is among the best essential oils for the healing of the mind. In fact, basil has been traditionally used in royal families to strengthen resolve, provide clarity, and to raise the spirit. These traits of basil are especially beneficial to those who have debilitating illnesses or are prone to mental fatigue brought by workplace stress. Work stress can be chronic and takes a toll on your job productivity as well as your general physical and emotional health. A basil steam can help keep your stress in check. Its aromatic vapors can eliminate brain fog and improve your concentration so you can perform any task at hand.
5. Promotes Proper Digestion
Poor digestion can hamper the proper absorption of vitamins and minerals that our body needs to stay well nourished. Fortunately, basil essential oil promotes proper digestion by restoring the body’s pH level. By doing so, this helps the good bacteria within the gut to flourish and improve digestive function.
Before prescription drugs, people use basil oil to treat acid reflux, bloating, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, as well as kills intestinal parasites. Such theories have already been supported by modern studies. It shows that basil essential oil exhibits carminative properties that can provide immediate relief from constipation, indigestion, and flatulence.
6. Assists in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
Basil essential oil alone has a broad spectrum antimicrobial properties that helps speed up the healing process of such infections. Moreover, basil essential oil is a diuretic that increase urine production and helps expel excess salt and water from the body.
7. Helps Treat Earache and Mouth Ulcers
Basil essential oil can help cure minor ear infections and alleviate pain associated with the infection. All you need is a few drops to ear canal. You can also rub basil essential oil around your ear to reduce inflammation.
Likewise, adding a few drops of basil essential oil can prevent halitosis as it eliminates odor-causing bacteria. It also helps protect your mouth from ulcers and sores.
8. Treats Respiratory Ailments
Breathing in the enticing aroma of the basil essential oil can help you get through cold wintry weathers. As temperatures drop, the air begins to dry and burdens your respiratory system. Fortunately, basil essential oil exhibits favorable respiratory effects due to its antispasmodic properties. It helps decongest clogged sinuses, treats asthma, coughs, and bronchitis. Moreover, basil essential oil also has properties that induce sweat and antipyretic properties that relieve fever.
9. Basil Essential Oil Fights Allergies
The majority of illnesses are rooted to inflammation. When your body deals with high inflammation, allergens amplify an increased reaction. Basil essential oil can diminish the inflammatory response of allergens and lessen your body’s vulnerability to outside sources to prevent the overreaction of your immune system. Likewise, basil essential oil helps detoxify your body and flushes out toxins and harmful microorganisms that act as allergens.
10. Nourishes Hair
Massaging your scalp with basil essential oil stimulates hair growth. It is also very effective in eliminating excess oil in the scalp, which can lead to dandruff. Likewise, its anti-fungal properties can treat existing dandruff and prevent it from reoccurring. Basil essential oil also adds luster while it strips away grease buildup on your hair.
11. Natural Insect Repellent and Air Freshener
Basil essential oil is the best substitute to harmful aerosols and expensive air filtration systems. Diffusing basil essential oil is a natural, low-cost, effective, and therapeutic way to purify and scent your home. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties eliminate foul odors caused by bacteria and mold; thus, preventing contamination. Likewise, you can effectively repel mosquitoes using basil essential oil. You can also massage basil essential oil to relieve itch caused by insect bites.
Conclusion
Though basil essential oil is notable for its culinary benefits, it also features a variety of uses for both mind and body. Its uses extend far beyond the kitchen and can help treat several ailments. Furthermore, its warm and uplifting aroma can promote a sense of focus and eliminate stress.