Proud to be working with the Fairtrade Foundation

Made with organic ingredients and recipes

Akoma Skincare is rated great on reviews.co.uk

Basil Essential Oil

From £2.60
Origin: India Colour: Pale Yellow Aroma: Warm, Spicy, Sweet

Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil

Free Shipping For Orders Over £60 To UK Mainland (T&C's Apply)

BOTANICAL / INCI NAME

Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil.

EXTRACTION METHOD

Steam distillation of the flowering tops or entire herb.

SUGGESTED USE & BENEFITS

This powerful essential oil is made by steam distillation of the flowering tops of the herb. Native to Asia and Africa, basil is now cultivated worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean, USA, Egypt, and some Eastern European countries. ‘Basilicum’ comes from the Greek word 'Basilicos', which means 'king' or 'royal'. It is a sacred herb in India and has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes (including Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine) since ancient times.

Benefits and Common Uses

Being fairly potent, this oil must be used with care (see under ‘precautions’ below). Its main action is on the nervous system and can be used to uplift the emotions. Add drops to a room vaporizer or inhale directly from the bottle for the relief of nervous exhaustion, insomnia, tension, and anxiety. It is particularly useful where the exhaustion has an overwrought element – perhaps as a result of overwork or prolonged exposure to a high-stress environment. Its effect on the limbic system is both strengthening and calming.

For digestive problems – especially in cases where indigestion is caused by anxiety and tension – add drops to an appropriate aromatherapy blend and massage over the abdominal area. The oil’s antispasmodic properties will help ease a sense of constriction and relax the digestive system. Applied in the same way, it will also help treat constipation and flatulence and even help counteract intestinal infection.

Drops of this oil can also be used in massage blends and compress to treat muscular aches, pains, rheumatism, and general weakness.

Use the oil in a steam inhalation to treat coughs, colds, sinusitis, and to clear catarrh. The oil is said to help restore a sense of smell. Absorbing the oil via steam inhalation can also be used to treat migraines, clear the mind, and increase focus.

Add a few drops to your bath oil to help ease muscular and menstrual pain and to help relieve arthritis and gout (basil oil helps minimize uric acid in the blood, and is therefore helpful in relieving the symptoms).

The oil can be used to soothe insect bites – and, in particular, mosquito bites. Add drops to an appropriate balm or carrier oil and apply to the affected area.

  • Analgesic (helps relieve pain)
  • Antidepressant
  • Anti-spasmodic
  • Carminative (helps relieve flatulence)
  • Digestive
  • Emmenagogue (helps regulate the menstrual cycle)
  • Febrifuge (reduces fever)
  • Insecticide
  • Tonic
  • Stimulant
  • Stomachic (assists digestion)

A 'GREEN' TOP NOTE BLENDS WELL WITH: 

Bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, marjoram, rose, verbena.

PRECAUTIONS

Avoid during pregnancy and do not use on children under 16 years old. Maybe an irritant for sensitive skin. Possible toxicity if used liberally for a lengthy time period (use sparingly and only for up to three weeks at any one time). Do not use in concentrations over 2%.