Basil Essential Oil
Basil is an annual herb to 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m) tall with green stems (usually woody at the base) that are square in cross section. Basil has opposite leaves, 2-4 in (5.1-10.2cm) long, and tiny purple or white flowers arranged in flattened whorls that encircle the stems. Plants are leafy and branch freely with a pair of opposing branches in a flat plane, then another pair above in a plane perpendicular to the last, and so on. There are many cultivars of basil, selected for their fragrances and colors. Basil is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia, having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years, basil is now widely cultivated throughout the world, especially in Europe, North and South America. Sweet Basil essential oil is produced mainly in France, Italy, Egypt, Bulgaria, Hungary and the USA.
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| Botanical Name: | Ocimum basilicum L. |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Common basil, joy-of-the-mountains, basilic, sweet basil, true sweet basil, European basil. |
| See Also: | African Basil Exotic Basil |
| Parts Used: | Flowering tops |
| Extraction Method: | Steam Distillation |
| Appearance: | Pale clear to hint of green liquid |
| Aroma Description: | Sweet, spicy, green and slightly balsamic odour |
| Perfume note: | Top to Middle |
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| Blends well with: | Bergamot, geranium, hyssop, neroli, marjoram, melissa, lavender. |
| Historical Uses: | Basil has offered a wide rage of health benefits, principally supporting the respiratory system and digestive complaints. Herbalists have recommended basil for many years for stomach cramps, vomiting and constipation. Basil has been described as having a slight sedative action, which would explain why it is sometimes recommended for headaches and anxiety. |
| Modern Uses: | Basil has been used for colds, memory, digestion, regulating the menstrual cycle, and applied to boils and stings, decogestant of the veins and pulmonary arteries. |
| Cautions: | Use sparingly and with caution. High doses may be carcinogenic due to its methyl chavicol content. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with cancer or liver damage.
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