Description:
The herb was used for diarrhea, coughs and mucous discharges,constipation and indigestion, and skin diseases.Health Benefits of Basil Essential Oil
The health benefits of basil essential oil include its ability totreat nausea, motion sickness, indigestion, constipation,respiratory problems, diabetes, etc. Basil oil is also a goodsource of VitaminA, magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium.
Leaves and seeds are the important medicinal parts of this herb,which has gained prominence in recipes all over the world. Basilessential oil has been popular in Europe, Central Asia, India andSoutheast Asia. The oil was extensively used for culinary purposesin the Mediterranean region and still forms the active ingredientof many Italian recipes such as pesto. It is also used in makingpasta and salads.
Basil has been widely used by ancient cultures such as India formedicinal purposes (Ayurveda). The herb was used for diarrhea,coughs and mucous discharges, constipation and indigestion, andskin diseases.
Health benefits of basil essential oil include the following:
1.Cosmetics:
Basil essential oil is used topically to massage the skin. Itenhances the luster of dull looking skin as well as hair. As aresult it is extensively used in many skin care supplements thatclaim to improve the tone of your skin. It is also used for acneand skin infections.
2.Digestion:
Basil essential oil is also used as a digestive tonic. Since basiloil has carminative properties, it is used for treatingindigestion, constipation, stomach cramps and flatulence. Itprovides immediate relief from the gas in your stomach andintestines. It is also colic and hence is used for bowel pain.
3.Cold:
Basil essential oil is effective in providing relief from cold,influenza and associated fever. Due to its antispasmodic nature, itis used in case of whooping cough.
4.Respiratory:
Apart from its usage in cough, it is used for asthma, bronchitis,and sinus infections.
5.Infections:
Basil oil is good for treating a variety of infections such ascuts, wounds, skin infections, bladder infections, etc., due to itsantibacterial properties. It is also good for viral infections.
6.Stress disorder:
Basil essential oil has a refreshing effect and hence it is usedfor treating nervous tension, mental fatigue, melancholy, migrainesand depression. Due to this calming nature of basil essential oil,it is widely used in aromatherapy. It regular use gives mentalstrength and clarity.
7.Blood circulation:
Basil oil improves blood circulation and thus helps in increasingthe metabolism.
8.Pain relief:
It is analgesic and provides relief from pain. Hence it is used inarthritis, wounds, injuries, burns, bruises, scars, sportsinjuries, sprains, headaches, etc.
9.Eye treatment:
It is ophthalmic and hence relieves bloodshot eyes.
10.Anti vomiting:
Basil essential oil can be used as an anti vomiting agent in motionsickness and many other vomiting cases.
Basil essential oil is also a good treatment for itching from bitesand stings from honey bees, insects and even snakes. Other usesinclude curing motion sickness and vomiting.
Basil essential oil and basil in any other form should be avoidedby pregnant and breastfeeding or nursing women. On the other hand,some people suggest that it increases milk flow.
Basil essential oil blends well with bergamot, clary sage, clovebud, geranium, lime, lemon, hyssop, juniper, eucalyptus, neroli,marjoram, rosemary, melissa and lavender.
