Uses and Benefits of Basil Essential Oil

Have you heard of Basil Essential oil?  How is it prepared? Why is it so beneficial? Basil Essential is prepared from a plant, called Ocimum basilicum plant. This plant is used in many recipes to raise their flavor. Particularly, in Thai curries, it’s mostly used to add up aroma to the food, for example, if used in tomato soup, it brings a delightful fragrance.  

Of course, its benefits go far beyond the cooking world. It has been used for centuries to treat various kinds of health concerns. As it has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibiotic and diuretic properties, today, basil essential oil is being used mostly for health issues like stomach spasms, appetite loss, fluid retention, head colds, warts and even intestinal worm infections. Basil Essential oil is extracted by the steam distillation of the flowering herb.

Basil essential oil is composed of chemical substances like linalol, methyl chavicol, eugenol, limonene and citronellol and can be used for following problems:

1.      Treating Cold and Asthma

2.      Treating  Infections

3.      Reduce stress, anxiety, insomnia and migraines

4.      Improve blood circulation

5.      Used in Skin care

6.      Used as a Digestive tonic

7.      Hair booster 

History of Basil Essential Oil

Basil essential oils were first used by ancient Greeks hundreds of years ago for bathing and body massage practices, because the aroma of this oil attracted them. On the other hand, Egyptians use this for worshiping gods and also use for preserving the dead bodies. In India, this is called “Tulsi”. People believe and worship because their belief is that it protects the soul and is very sacred. God resides in it.

There are many varieties of essential oils that are very successful in killing bacterial infections. But, Basil essential oil is very popular for bacteria-killing properties. In fact, one study revealed that basil oil can kill life-threatening bacterial infections like Listeria and Salmonella.