Basil

Basil - (find some here!!)

Basil originates from tropical Asia and the Pacific Islands, but is now cultivated throughout Europe and the USA. The plant is an annual hairy herb growing up to 1 meter (3 feet).

The flowers range from white to pink, depending on the species and attract swarms of bees in summer time. Basilicum comes from the Greek word 'Basilicos' meaning 'king' or 'royal'.

A much favored herb in India, it is held sacred to Krishna and Vishnu, and the leaves are even chewed before taking part in religious ceremonies.

One of the worlds oldest medicinal herbs, basil was used in ancient India to treat colds, coughs and mucous discharges, diarrhoea, dysentery and gastric conditions, headaches, heart disease, inflammation, malaria, poisoning and venomous bites, skin diseases and vomiting. It would be administered as a juice or in teas, infused for massage, or the fresh leaves were applied to wounds.

It is said to have protective qualities, a Basil leave is placed on the chest of a Hindu when resting.

 The Roman naturalist, philosopher and writer, Pliny (24-79 AD), considered basil to be an aphrodisiac and good for treating flatulence and fainting fits, whilst the Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed basil for headaches.

 It is also used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.

The sweet and refreshing aroma of basil essential oil will be familiar to most people, since unlike some oils it is very similar in aroma to the popular herb it is obtained from. The three most commonly available ‘basil’ essential oils are derived from the following species; Sweet Basil (O. basilicum ct. linalool), Exotic Basil (O. basilicum ct. methyl chavicol), and Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) which is also known as Tulsi or Tulasi. Essential oils from other species are mainly used in the perfumery and flavouring industries and for various reasons are best avoided in aromatherapy.

Therapeutic properties

 The therapeutic properties of basil oil are analgesic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti- venomous, carminative, cephalic, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, nervine, stomachic, sudorific, tonic and stimulant. It is considered anti-bacterial/anti-viral, and it also helps keep one alert.

Uses -

 It has a beneficial action on the respiratory tract and is often used for asthma, bronchitis and sinus infections. It furthermore is also effective in cases of constipation, nausea, vomiting and cramp, and is also good when used for menstrual problems.

 Due to the emmenagogue properties, it is often used to relieve scanty periods and normalizing menses.

 It helps to minimize uric acid in the blood, thus relieving gout. It is useful in arthritis as well and when used on the skin, it helps to control acne. In general it refreshes the skin and can also be used on insect bites.

Uses in aromatherapy-

 With a vast array of healing properties, sweet basil is an outstanding essential oil and in my experience virtually every one of its uses in traditional medicine have proven effective in aromatherapy.

 Basil Essential Oil is amongst the oils that I immediately think of when I want an oil that can help stimulate my mind and allow me to focus on the task at hand. Basil Oil is an energizing oil and is best used during the morning and daytime hours.

  Basil oil is a good tonic for the treatment of nervous disorders and stress related headaches, migraines and allergies. It is unsurpassed at bringing clarity and strength of     mind to those suffering from stress, fatigue, mental exhaustion and headaches.

 Basil oil also has a direct action on the digestive system, easing colic, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, and stomach cramps when massaged onto the abdominal area in a clockwise direction. Due to its action on the nervous system, sweet basil essential oil is particularly effective when treating digestive disorders caused by stress and nervous tension.

  Although there is still divided opinion on the subject it is better to avoid the use of any type of            basil essential oil during pregnancy.

 IDEA:

  § Burners and vaporizers

   □ In vapor therapy, basil oil can be used for migraines, headaches and to help increase concentration and clear the mind.

  § Blended in the bath

   □ When adding basil oil to a warm bath, it can help relieve gout and arthritis, as well as muscular and menstrual pains.

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