Recommended Uses of Basil Essential Oil

Basil is known for its culinary benefits, but basil essential oil has a variety of uses for both the mind and the body.

The basil plant and basil oil is rich with linalool, a naturally occurring chemical, which is beneficial in decreasing feelings of tension and reducing anxious feelings. Diffusing Basil oil can also help to promote a sense of mental alertness and focus. All of this makes this well-rounded essential oil a great addition to your home or office.

Chemical Components 

The most prominent chemical component, linalool, is also found in a variety of plants and flowers. High linalool content in both plants and flowers has the unique ability to help relax the mind and body. Especially when concentrated into an essential oil.

The linalool found in the basil plant and basil essential oil is known for its ability to reduce feelings of tension and sadness when ingested. Scientists recently found that linalool affects the monoaminergic system of the brain. This includes such familiar neurotransmitters as serotonin and dopamine, and the adrenaline/noradrenaline adrenergic system. Linalool is extremely effective on these neurotransmitters because it acts on multiple receptors in this monoaminergic system (source).

Benefits of Basil Essential Oil

Supports the Nervous System

One study showed that linalool “may be able to facilitate the normal process of relaxation of blood vessels” (source). Researchers report “that this may happen because linalool activates biochemical pathways in the endothelial lining of the blood vessels, which in turn relaxes the underlying vascular smooth muscle”.

To use: dilute one drop in four ounces of liquid. 

Relieves Pain

Basil is a powerful essential oil when it comes to feminine discomfort. By internally taking basil, the oil can help alleviate the monthly unease and can help women feel better.

To use: put one drop of basil oil into a veggie capsule and take internally to help provide soothing support when experiencing menstrual pain.

Balances Mood

When substances like linalool target multiple receptors, they are more potent and longer lasting than molecules that only target one receptor. Because linalool supports brain chemistry balance in these receptors, it reduces sad feelings. The high content in basil plants and basil oil provides a great natural solution for balancing mood and reducing sad moods. 

To use: combine basil with geranium, wild orange oil, and fractionated coconut oil for an uplifting aromatic massage. 

Boosts Focus

Basil oil has the capability to promote a sense of mental alertness and lessen anxious feelings when diffused. It’s also known to boost focus.

To use: diffuse basil with lime, bergamot, and peppermint while your children are studying or while you are working.

Purifies Skin

Basil is known for helping keep skin looking clean, clear and healthy. When applied to the skin, it can help cleanse the skin of pollutants, bacteria and excess oil, and may reduce redness.

To use: dilute 1-2 drops of basil oil in a small amount of fractionated coconut oil. Dip a cotton ball into the blend and dab it onto freshly-cleansed areas of skin. 

As a Cooling Agent

By rubbing basil oil into the skin, you will experience a cooling sensation that is perfect for relaxing your body after an active day. It acts as a powerful cooling agent for the skin and can bring a sense of relief when you need it most.

To use: after a lively day playing sports or engaging in activity, apply a few drops of basil oil to the areas of your skin that you feel could use some soothing.

In Cooking

Basil oil is often used to bring a fresh, herbal taste to lots of your favorite dishes.

To use: try these recipes:

• Basil Avocado Pesto with Veggie Noodles
• Parsley-Basil Steak
• Roasted Red Pepper & Manchego Sandwiches
• Vegetarian Black Bean Burger
• Roasted Marina Sauce
• Herbed Pasta Salad

Oils that Blend Well with Basil Oil

Basil oil blends well with bergamot, lavender, marjoram, geranium, peppermint, cedarwood, clary sage, ginger, grapefruit, and lemon essential oils for diffusing.

Click here to get your basil essential oil bundle.

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Leann Forst, MBA, CHC, CEOC — Holistic Health Practitioner

Leann is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Essential Oils Coach. She holds a Master’s degree from Drake University and a Bachelor of Science from Upper Iowa University. Accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, Leann is an award winning author of 2 books “How to Get Your Kids to Beg for Veggies” and “100 Ways to Lose Weight”.

Born and raised as an Iowa farm girl, she moved to Texas in 1998 where she lives with her husband and 2 kids.

As a wife of a brain cancer survivor, Leann has a special interest in anti-cancer nutrition and detoxification. She works with individuals and groups, and speaks regularly at hospitals, schools and organizations. Leann’s goal is to teach people how to attain optimal health by getting to the root cause of chronic and inflammatory conditions, while using healing modalities such as essential oils. Click here to get Leann’s free report, “37 Cancer Facts You Should Know…But Probably Don’t”

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

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