Basil essential oil is extracted from the Ocimum basilicum plant. It is usually used to improve the flavor of many dishes today. However, its use is extended beyond the culinary world.
Basil essential oils, also known as sweet basil oil, have been in use for centuries to treat different health concerns.
Basil has been a part of the traditional Indian medicine for decades. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, and diuretic properties.
Today basil is popular for its role in treating loss of appetite, stomach spasms, head colds, fluid retention, warts, and intestinal worms.
Why should you consider adding basil to your daily regimen? What are its benefits to your health? Keep reading to know the answers.
Benefits of Basil Oil
Ocimum basilicum L. belongs to the family of mint or Lamiaceae. This family includes almost 200 species of basil which are grown all over the world. Basil oil has a naturally warm, sweet, herbal, and spicy smell.
There are two ways to use basil oil; topical and internal.
Some of the benefits of basil essential oil include:
Fighting viruses
Fighting infections
Treating bacterial attacks
Reducing nasal congestion
Stimulation of the central nervous system
Decreasing the inflammation caused by diseases
Regulating the urine output
Stimulation of the adrenal cortex
Fighting the free radical
While basil leaves are an amazing way to enhance the flavor of your dishes, it’s essential oil is much more potent and concentrated. The components of this oil are steam-distilled from the fresh stems, leaves, and basil.
Benefits of the Basil Essential Oil
Strong Antibacterial
Basil oil possesses strong antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria, molds, and yeasts. Research has shown that basil oil is also quite effective against E.coli, a common foodborne bacterium.
You may use this oil at home for removing bacterial strains from bathrooms and kitchens. It can reduce the surface contamination and may help in purifying the air.
You can either use basil oil in a diffuser or may combine it with water and fill it in a spray bottle. This spray bottle can then be used to rub down the surfaces in your house.
The basil oil spray can also be used to clean the products.
Flu and Cold Treatment
Don’t be surprised to know that basil essential oil can help relieve the symptoms of cold and flu. It is also included in the list of substances that possess anti-spasmodic effects.
Basil essential oil works best when used during steam inhalation. You may also use it in herbal teas to get immediate relief from cold.
How can basil oil help manage a case of flu or cold? Both cold and flu are diseases caused by virus, and basil has been found to hold strong anti-viral properties.
Natural Cleaner and Odor Eliminator
Do you always feel a faint, unpleasant smell in your kitchen? Do you wish your house to smell nice and fresh? Basil is here to help you.
Basil is capable of destroying odor-causing fungi and bacteria from your house. Additionally, this herb can also make your furniture, appliances, and even your car smell nice all thanks to its antifungal and antibacterial effects.
In fact, the word “basil” has a Greek origin which means “to smell”.
Basil has been used in Indian areas in a lot of culinary applications such as reducing unpleasant smells from kitchen equipment and cleaning them.
It can be combined with baking soda for removing stains and to make pots and pans free from bacteria. You may also spray some basil oil solution in your shower, toilet, and garbage cans for hygiene.
Flavor Enhancement
You must be familiar with how fresh leaves of basil for enhancing the taste and smell of a dish. Basil oil, on the other hand, can also infuse a broad range of recipes due to its characteristic flavor and aroma.
All you need to do is to add one or two drops of this oil in smoothies, juices, sauces, and dressings instead of adding fresh basil leaves in torn form.
As you add basil in your dishes, you will eventually end up making your kitchen smell great as well as reducing the risk of food contamination.
Isn’t it a win-win situation?
Muscle Relaxing Effects
Basil essential oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties which can ease the pain of aching muscles. This oil is as useful as any other medical muscle relaxer and all you need to do is to place a few drops of it along with coconut oil on the swollen area and rub it.
For further improvement, fill your bathtub with water. Add a cup of Epsom salt and a few drops of basil and lavender oil. Soak your body in this water for half an hour.
Relief from Ear Infection
Basil oil is sometimes suggested for using as a natural treatment for ear infections. As per a research published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, basil oil can be used for treating middle ear infections in animal models.
The scientists found that basil oil could heal or cure more than half o of the animal subjects with ear infections secondary to the H.influenzae bacterium.
For using this remedy, take a few drops of antibacterial basil oil and dilute it with the help of carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil. Use this solution behind the ears and under the bottom of the feet.
This may help in fast recovery from ear infections. At the same time, they may also reduce swelling and pain.
Homemade Mouthwash and Toothpaste
For removing bacteria and the resultant odor from the mouth, you can add some drops of this oil into your toothpaste or mouthwash. You may also add it in your homemade toothpaste if you are habitual of making it at home.
Due to the antibacterial and antioxidant abilities of this oil, it is a great way to boost the dental health and protect the gums and teeth from damage.
Mood Enhancer and Energizer
Inhalation of basil oil can help in the restoration of mental alertness. It can also fight fatigue since it is a natural stimulant of the brain and the adrenal cortex.
Basil oil can also be beneficial for decreasing the symptoms such as brain fog, sluggishness, and poor moods that may be associated with chronic fatigue or adrenal fatigue.
To use basil oil for enhancing mood, diffuse it throughout your home or inhale it directly from the bottle. You may also mix it in a carrier oil such as jojoba and place it on your wrists for an instant boost,
Insect Repellent
Similar to all other essential oils such as thyme oil or citronella oil, the volatile components in basil can act as mosquito repellents. They can also be used for preventing bug bites.
In order to make a homemade bug spray or lotion, take a few drops of basil essential oil and dilute it with a carrier oil. Massage the solution into the skin or on the swollen area as and when required.
Acne Remedy
Skin breakouts are often due to a buildup of bacteria and oil on the skin. Because basil oil has anti-bacterial properties, it can be used as a home remedy for acne.
This oil can actively kill pathogens responsible for breakouts. In addition to this, basil oil can come in handy in the treatment of wasp stings and insect bites.