7 Benefits of Basil Essential Oil

Basil comes from the botanical family Lamiaceae and has been used for centuries, not only as a flavor enhancer in cooking but also as a natural remedy for various ailments. 

Basil essential oil is extracted via steam distillation of leaves, stems, and flowers and can be used aromatically, topically, and internally. Its potent healing properties can help with anxiety, concentration, chronic mucus, poor memory, and more! 

This article will explain the benefits of basil essential oil and show you how you can use it to promote health and wellness in your life.

Basil Essential Oil Benefits 

Properties: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticatarrhal, antidepressant, antispasmodic, antiviral, decongestant, diuretic, disinfectant (urinary, pulmonary), stimulant (nerves, adrenal cortex), uplifting, energizing, restorative

Blends well with: bergamot, cypress, white fir, geranium, helichrysum, lavender, lemongrass, marjoram, peppermint, and wintergreen 

Possible Uses: 

1. Alertness, concentration 
2. Poor memory 
3. Anxiety, nervousness, depression 
4. Chronic colds, mucus 
5. Insomnia 
6. Adrenal fatigue 
7. Poor digestion 
8. Fainting 
9. Headaches 
10. Hiccups 
11. Skin soother 

(1)

Aromatic influence: increases clarity of thought; helps one maintain an open mind. 

7 Benefits and Uses of Basil Oil 

Muscle Relaxant 

Basil’s antispasmodic properties make it an incredible natural muscle relaxer great for suppressing spasms and twitching (1). Its anti-inflammatory properties can help with aches, tension, and pain. To use basil oil as a natural muscle relaxant alternative, mix 2 drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and gently massage into the area of concern. Another awesome way to use basil essential oil for muscle spasms and pain is to add 3-4 drops to a cup of epsom salt and add it to a warm bath and mix well. Combine with lavender for an even more relaxing effect. 

Cold and Flu Treatment 

Basil essential oil is a great choice for when cold and flu season comes around. It has powerful antiviral properties that help protect and fight against nasty viruses. As an expectorant and decongestant, basil essential oil can work to bring chronic mucus out of your body – which can be especially helpful when suffering from a cold or flu. 

The antiviral activities of basil oil have been long known and used in traditional Chinese medicine and can still be harnessed today to help heal and overcome a virus. 

Try doing a steam distillation with basil oil when you feel cold symptoms coming on or when you’re trying to get rid of mucus. Simply boil a small pot of water and add 2-3 drops of the oil and inhale deeply with a towel over your head. You can also try diffusing 5 drops of basil in your home to help protect against viral infections. 

Ear Infection Remedy 

A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases looked at the effects of basil essential oil in the ear canals of animal subjects with ear infections. They found that basil oil healed over half of the subjects with ear infections caused by H influenzae bacteria. 

To help reduce recovery time and pain that comes with ear infections, try adding 2-3 drops to a teaspoon of a carrier oil and rubbing it behind and around the ears and on the bottoms of your feet. 

Brain Fog & Adrenal Support 

Aromatically, basil oil can help promote open-mindedness and increase clarity of thought (1). Put intense feelings of overwhelm to bed with basil essential oil. 

Basil works to properly energize the brain and give it a much-needed refresh. To properly support your brain, use basil’s trusty sidekick rosemary essential oil. 

Rosemary is known to help improve memory and concentration. Combine that with basil’s ability to promote healthy hormone function (core problem that comes with adrenal fatigue), and you’ve got yourself an herbal oil masterpiece! 

The fresh aroma of this killer combo can help revitalize the brain and body to aid in mental clarity and retention. 

Add 4-5 drops of each to your diffuser and breathe deeply when your brain feels like mush and your body feels entirely run down. 

Allergies 

Basil is one of the top essential oils for allergies. The main problem with allergies is the body’s response. It overreacts with the particles in the air resulting in mucus and other irritation. Basil comes in to deal with the symptoms and with how the body responds to allergies. ‘

As we’ve learned, basil oil supports the adrenal system, and a working adrenal system helps your body respond appropriately to allergens and keep your system from going crazy! Basil also works to detoxify and reduce inflammation and pain in the body. These characteristics make basil incredible for fighting the source of allergic reactions – from the inside-out. 

Dilute 1-2 drops of basil with coconut oil to create a respiratory rub for your neck or chest. You can also ingest this oil for its potent effects. Try adding a drop or two to your homemade marinara sauce. You can also open the oil bottle and insert a toothpick. Swirl it around in the dish to get the flavor intensity you’re looking for. 

Flavor Enhancer 

Basil has been used in cooking to create vibrant flavors. Sometimes though, keeping fresh basil on hand can be a challenging feat. If you keep basil essential oil on hand, you don’t need to worry about running out to the store in the middle of cooking a big Italian feast! Add basil to meals it would compliment for internal benefits. 

Basil essential oil can aid in liver detoxification. Fatty liver is becoming an epidemic in America, and if you’re feeling sluggish or moody, you may be in need of a liver detox. Support detoxification by adding a drop or 2 to meals or combining with a teaspoon of honey and drinking a delicious tea. 

Energy & Mood Booster 

Basil is a natural stimulant that has positive effects on the nervous system and adrenal glands. As mentioned above, basil can help with adrenal fatigue, sluggishness, and brain fog. When you feel down like that, there’s a good chance that you can also feel overwhelmed, sad, and overburdened. Using basil essential oil for emotions can help bring you back into balance and enhance your mood. 

To help boost mental alertness, fight chronic fatigue, and reduce feelings of blah, inhale directly from the bottle or diffuse a couple of drops throughout your workspace or home. 

Morning Burst Tea 

• 1 drop basil essential oil 
• 1 drop peppermint essential oil 
• 1 teaspoon raw honey (more to taste) 
• 1 cup hot water 

Instructions: Mix oils and honey. Add and mix into hot water. Enjoy for adrenal support. 

And there you have it! The top benefits of basil essential oil and how you can use it in your everyday life. Let me know in the comments below how you are going to use basil oil! 

Cites:

1. Modern Essentials Handbook. AromaTools, 2019.