Basil

 

Did you know that this popular culinary herb can be made into an essential oil? The oil is steam distilled from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the basil plant. 

I probably don't have to describe for you what Basil smells like. It's a wonderful spicy, sweet, herbaceous, green, and somewhat camphorous scent.

I grew Basil in my garden last summer and I loved grabbing a couple leaves and crushing them in my hand to release the scent. Bees love the flowers!

Basil essential oil has many therapeutic properties. It is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and a decongestant.

Basil essential oil can be beneficial for your skin. It can help keep it clear and clean. Add a drop of two to your favorite carrier oil such as olive oil or jojoba, which are both also great for your skin.

Just like the herb itself, Basil essential oil can be used in cooking. You only need a drop or two, as it's much more concentrated, and the flavor is intense. Also make sure that the Basil oil you use is certified as food grade and that it's not just a synthetic fragrance.

Basil essential oil can help with focus. Try diffusing it or using it in an inhaler next time you need to study or concentrate on a task.

When shopping for Basil essential oil, you may encounter more than one kind. The two most common are Sweet Basil and Tulsi (Holy Basil.)

Holy Basil is a chemotype of Basil (Sweet Basil), meaning it is a different version of it. It contains a component called eugenol, which is also found in clove and cinnamon. Because of this eugenol, Tulsi basil has a spicy, sweet aroma.

Tulsi Basil essential oil has many therapeutic benefits. It's great for muscle aches and soreness, and can help support your immune system. Tulsi basil essential oil is an adaptogen. This means that it can "adapt" to give you what wellness support your body needs. For example, it can be either relaxing or stimulating. Pretty cool little plant, huh?!

Basil: The Oil of Renewal

Basil essential oil can be helpful for those experiencing adrenal exhaustion, as well as nervousness, anxiousness, and despair. The smell of basil oil can bring strength to the heart, and relaxation to those people under a lot of stress and mental strain.

Basil essential oil may be helpful for those trying to give up stimulants, as basil can help restore our natural energy. It can give hope and optimism. It is a wonderfully supportive oil for those who are tired in both body and mind.

Basil and the Two of Wands

In the Herbal Tarot, Basil is associated with the Two of Wands. In this card, a young nobleman holds a sphere, or globe, and seems to be surveying all that is available to him. This could be a very positive outlook, or a very self-centered view. This card teaches us to not mistake material wealth for spiritual wealth. Basil can help with this by supporting idealism and a clear inner vision. It can help us to follow through on our projects.  

Here is a recipe for using Basil essential oil to make a soothing oil for tired, achy muscles. You can use either Sweet Basil or Tulsi Basil for this blend. Combine the essential oils in the jojoba. Make sure to use a glass bottle or a PET essential oil safe bottle.