Basil

1. Botanical name: Ocimum Basilicum
2. Family: Labiatae (Lamiaceae)
3. Origin: The essential oil comes from North Africa, Pacific island, Asia and is cultivated throughout Europe.
4. Characteristics: Sweet, herbaceous, licorice-like, slightly campherous aroma
5. Blend well with: Bergamot, Black pepper, Cedarwood, Fennel, Ginger, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Nerol
6. Precautions:

• It can have a stupefying effect
• Not to be used during pregnancy due to Basil has an emmenagogue properties
• Avoid use in children under 16 years old
• Used with care on sensitive skin
• Avoid in case of liver problems
• A skin irritant if used in excess.

       7. Common Uses:

• Basil’s antispasmodic property has a beneficial action on the respiratory system and is used for the relief of sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, influenza and whooping cough.
• Its sudorific and febrifuge properties mean it may be used for all types of fever.
• Basil is stimulating the lungs, dries damp, expels phlegm and relieves wheezing.
• Basil is useful in digestive disorder such as vomiting, gastric spasms, nausea, dyspepsia and hiccups.
• The anti spasmodic and emmenagogue properties make basil effective for treating menstrual problems such as scanty periods.
• Basil used as an inhalation in a vaporizer, it reputed to clear the head, relieve intellectual fatigue and give the mind strength and clarity.
• It may be used in all types of nervous disorders, especially those associated with weakness, indecision or hysteria.