Basil

Botanical name:       

Ocimum basilicum – Sweet basil

Ocimum sanctum – Holy basil

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Origin:

Comoro Islands, Egypt, France, India, Nepal, Madagascar, Seychelles, South Africa, Thailand, United States

Method of extraction:

Steam distillation

Color of oil:

Clear to pale yellow

Viscosity:

Thin

Extracted from:

Leaves and flowering tops

Note clarification:

Top

Aroma:

Herbaceous, warm, and spicy

Blends well with:

Bay Laurel, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, coriander seed, cyprus, eucalyptus, clove bud, cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, manuka, marjoram, sweet orange, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, tea tree, thyme

Therapeutic uses:

Basil is often included for its anti-bacterial, anti-spasmodic, anti-septic, and anti-microbial properties. It helps with headaches, muscle spasms, and joint pain.

Safety:

Due to its high estragole content, do not use during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or on or around children and infants.

It may irritate sensitive skin for all ages. 

Basil essential oil is not phototoxic.

Do not use it if you have any blood clotting or bleeding disorders.

(Source - Tisserand and Young, Essential Oil Safety, Second edition page 203 - 209)

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Approximate shelf life:

(Undiluted)

5 years (refrigerated)

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Note:

Basil is distilled immediately after it is harvested because it loses its aroma once it’s dried.

It is a sacred plant in several countries including India.

Sweet basil is also known as Comoran basil or Reunion basil.

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Sources:

Please refer to the 'References and Certifications' page. 

Disclaimer:

Do not use any essential oils or essential oil blends if you have any underlying health conditions. Some oils are not safe for children, pregnant women, or pets. Always check with your doctor or certified aromatherapist, if you are unsure about the benefits or contra-indicators of a recipe or its ingredients. ‘A Scented Story’ is solely my platform to share my experiences with essential oils and other natural products. I do not prescribe any treatments.