Basil in aromatherapy

First Use with Care:
• Do Not Use Directly on Skin. Must be diluted in a Carrier Oil* First.
• Use in low concentrations
• Avoid on sensitive skins.
• Do not use in pregnancy.

Those who should avoid using Basil Essential Oil include Pregnant Women, People who experience seizures; have epilepsy, cancer or liver problems. Consult a professional before using to treat children.

*Carrier oils are used to dilute essential and other oils prior to application. They carry the essential oil onto the skin. My favorite carrier oils are Jojoba Oil, Meadowfoam Oil and Fractionated Coconut Oil.
Here’s a list of other relatively easy accessible oils; Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Rose Hip Oil, and Grapeseed Oil. An estimate of 4 drops of essential oil per 1 tablespoon of carrier oil is suggested.

Skin Concerns: Basil essential oil has anti-bacterial, antiseptic, antifungal and analgesic properties.

The pain-relieving properties of basil oil also work to relieve pain associated with arthritis, and sore muscles. There are a few ways to apply Basil Essential Oil to such areas.

• 1. A hot compress is a wonderful way to use Basil Essential oil for such pain and soreness. Fill a bowl with very hot, but not boiling water. Add 2 to 3 drops of Basil Essential Oil. Fold a clean folded towel into the water. Squeeze out excess water. Place the wet cloth on the affected area. Leave on until it reaches your body temperature. Can be repeated to up to three times a treatment.
• 2. You can also use blended with a carrier oil as a Massage Oil. Rub it on sore muscles or arthritic joints. Relief should soon follow.

Through history women used massage oil with basil essential oil to improve skin tone and add shine to their hair.

It can also relieve acne, eczema, mosquito bites, bee stings and other insect bites. Remember always use in a carrier oil first, never directly onto the skin. While relieving the pain, it will also help with the itching, and irritation while eliminating the risk of infection that comes with any skin puncture or irritation.

Respiratory Concerns: Using Basil Essential Oil in a diffuser or simply in a pot of low simmering water on the stove is great during cold, allergy and flu seasons. Besides the fresh scent being a delight to the senses, it has been said to help break up congestion in the chest and sinuses.

Digestive Concerns: It is believed that the oils in Basil can help relieve flatulence and excess gas almost immediately upon ingestion. So chewing a few basil leaves might be just what is needed in these situations.

Psychological Concerns:
Basil Essential Oil . . .
 lifts the mind
 clears mental fatigue
 helps in enhancing creative awareness
 clarifies thought processes

A few good ways to use Basil Essential Oil to gain these benefits . . .
o In a diffuser
o Placing a few drops on a cotton ball and sniff from time to time
o Rub a tiny bit of the massage oil on your wrist. This will allow the scent to fill the air as you move your hands, even during such a simple task as typing.
o You use a warm or cold towel compress around your neck.
Soon you will feel restored and stimulated.

Female Concerns:
Hot Flash: Inhale a blend of Basil and Peppermint Essential Oils.

Menstrual Cramps and Bloating: A hot towel compress helps reduce the discomfort, as well as relieve muscular aches and pains.