Basil Sweet ct Linalool MNB

Albahaca dulce ct linalol

Botany

Basil is an annual herb, which grows to about 0.5 m in height. It is native to tropical Asia and Africa, but it is cultivated as a popular garden annual herb worldwide. The genus Ocimum L. consists of 70 species and subspecies found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Arica, and central and southern America, as well as the Mediterranean. The chemical composition of the oil varies significantly depending on generic factors, geographic factors, geographical origins, nutritional status and the part of the plant used (stem, leaf or flower). 

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Leaves: The leaves allow the plant to breathe. They also protect the plant from water loss and support photosynthesis.  We can use oils made from leaves to support respiration and deeper breathing. These oils can also protect us from infection.  They can help us breath when we feel stress and anxiety, while supporting expansion and creativity. Leaf oils can also support us when we get into over-thinking and need a calm, clear mind.

Flowers: Flowers are abundant in the springtime and represent new growth. Flowers are beautiful, colorful and gentle. They produce aromas to attract insects for pollination. The oils made from flowers are often used for emotional support. Giving flowers, or blends made from flowers, is about supporting love, friendship, forgiveness and soothing the heart and mind. Flowers are associated with the head, good for facial skin care, and to calm the mind

Basil oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of Ocimum bacilicum

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Anti-infectious, immune stimulants over the long term, healing for the skin; activate white blood cells (Apply in lymphs) 

  • linalol is effective against bacterial, geraniol to be effective against fungi, and terpinen-4-ol activates white blood cells that deal with infection.
  • Menthol and geraniol make the site of application feel cool
  • Linalool provides a significant sedating quality, making oils such as Clary Sage, Lavender or Ho Wood ideal for insomnia.
  • Linalol, menthol, citronellol, and borneol are especially antispasmodic to smooth muscles
  • Linalol rich oils are very calming to the nervous system.
  • Linalool  56.83%  Airborne antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antifungal, (candida), antioxidant, antitumoral, antiviral, immuno stimulant, hypotensive, Antibacterial, anesthetic, sedative, anti-anxiety, anti-infectious, antispasmodic, calming
  • Geraniol  3.83 %   Antifungal, cooling, airborne antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory (acting via inhibition of NO and PGE2 in macrophages), antispasmodic, antibacterial, antifungal (candida), antioxidant, antitumoral. 
  • Ternpinen-4-ol  2.18%    Antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory,  anticonvulsant, antifungal, antifungal (candida), antispasmodic, antitumoral, antiulcerogenic, cns depressant, hypotensive, kills head lice, treats scabies, Activates white blood cells, fights infections, antibacterial, antiviral, immune stimulant
Basil-sweet

Anxiety and stress: Basil’s cephalic activity means that it can blend well with oils that relieve anxiety, such as Geranium and Lavender. These can be inhaled or incorporated into a massage blend, especially if there are somatic manifestations such as muscle tension, nervous cough, or digestive dysfunction.

Digestive discomfort: Basil can be added to a blend for gas or cramping after eating. It works well with other digestive oils such as Cardamom, Roman Chamomile, Sweet Fennel, and Peppermint.

Headache: I like to rub a cream with Sweet Basil on my neck to relieve headaches. For this application, it can be used on its own or blended with Lavender and Frankincense. It seems to work best if the headache is stress or tension related.

Mental fatigue: If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, or are experiencing mental and emotional ‘burnout,’ Basil can be diffused, inhaled, or incorporated into a massage blend with Rosemary ct. cineole, Thyme ct. linalool, cineole-rich Eucalyptus, and Lemon.

Musculoskeletal: Basil can be very useful in massage blends for pain and inflammation, and also for spasms. It blends nicely with Geranium, Clary Sage, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary ct. Camphor, and Black Pepper.

Respiratory: Basil is excellent for soothing a chest cold accompanied by a spasmodic cough. It is a very effective antispasmodic, and can stop coughing for several hours after each application to the chest. It combines well with Sweet Fennel, which also has expectorant and antispasmodic actions, and with Lavender, which has decongestant and antispasmodic effects.

Vomiting: Try putting a drop of Sweet Basil on a tissue and inhaling slowly to calm your stomach and stop vomiting. You can add a drop of Peppermint as well.

Analgesic: Basil has demonstrated pain relieving properties (Rivot et al. 2002, Daniel et al. 2008).

Anti-inflammatory: Although we can’t attribute the therapeutic properties of an oil solely to specific constituents, the major constituents of Sweet Basil—linalool and sometimes eugenol—are notable for these actions, and it’s highly likely that they play a major part in the activity of the essential oil (Batista et al. 2008, Batista et al. 2011).

Antiemetic: Anecdotal evidence. This action might be due to synergistic interactions between major, minor, and trace constituents.

Antibacterial: (Belaiche, Tantaoui-Elaraki and Ibrahimy 1995, Edwards-Jones et al. 2004, de Rapper et al. 2013) Eugenol is known for its antibacterial actions (Lang and Buchbauer 2012). Linalool may be synergistic with other components to enhance antimicrobial action.

Antifungal: (D’Auria et al. 2005, Abad, Ansuategui and Bermejo 2007) Probable anti-Candida activity. Isolated linalool has antifungal properties (Alviano et al. 2005), as have eugenol and 1,8 cineole.

Antioxidant: Oxidative stress is thought to be one of the root causes of chronic inflammatory and degenerative conditions. So antioxidant oils can be used in blends with preventive intentions, or when maintenance or enhancement of general well-being is the main goal (Wei and Shibamoto 2010).

Antispasmodic: This action may be due to the presence of eugenol and ethers, and synergistic interactions between major (linalool), minor, and trace constituents.

Antiviral: Basil has been shown to have antiviral actions (Chiang et al. 2005).

Carminative: Possibly due to the presence of ethers and synergistic interactions.

Cephalic: The aroma can ‘clear the head.’ 1,8 cineole may contribute to this effect.

Expectorant: This possible action may be due to the presence of 1,8 cineole. Basil’s antispasmodic action may help relieve coughing.Skin penetration enhancer: Including Basil oil in a blend may enhance the absorption of other components in the blend (Jain et al. 2008 cited by Adorjan and Buchbauer 2010). This is particularly relevant for massage blends and other topical applications.

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

Actions commonly cited in aromatherapy

Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carinative, cephalic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, restorative, stomachic, sudorific. 

Actions supported by clinical studies

Antifungal, antimicrobial, anxiolytic, digestive, insecticidal,  nervine

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Digestive system: Basil oil is useful in digestive disorders such as vomiting, gastric spasms, nausea, dyspepsia and hiccups.

Immune system: Basil’s sudorific and febrifuge properties mean it may be used for reducing all types of fever. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is combined with black pepper for malarial fever.

Musculoskeletal system: Basil oil is recommended for the relief of gout, muscular aches and pains and rheumatism.

Nervous system: Basil oil is reputed to clear the head, relieve intellectual fatigue,  and give the mind strength and clarity. It may be used in all types of nervous disorders, especially those associated with weakness, indecision or hysteria. Basil oil is recommended for those in need of protection, due either to debilitating illness and low resistance levels, nervous exhaustion, a constitutional weakness or a change in life resulting in feelings of vulnerability. Mailhebiau states that Ocimum bacilicum is remarkably relaxing, due to its high methyl ether content. We recommend it for people with schizoid tendencies as it soothes, calms and relaxes; it is the anti-stress essence par excellence.  It is recommended as a carminative and sedative for digestive insomnia – people who ‘digest’ their worries during the night.

Reproductive system: Basil oil is recommended for delayed menstruation, scanty periods and abdominal cramps. 

Respiratory system: Basil’s antispasmodic property has a beneficial action on the respiratory system and is used for the relief of sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, influenza and whooping cough.

Skin care: Basil oil has been used in low dilutions to improve the tone and appearance of the skin.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, restorative, stomachic, tonic.

Muscular spasm and contraction, rheumatism, digestive problems, nausea, flatulence, menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, headache, migraines, tension, stress, physical and mental exhaustion.

Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.

Analgesic, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune support, skin penetration enhancement.

Musculoskeletal (pain and inflammation), psyche (stress, fatigue), energetic (promotion of emotional connection with others, final resting places).

Rhind, Jennifer. Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy. Singing Dragon, 2016

Emotionally and mentally uplifting. Assists concentration and spiritual transition

personalities as the entrepreneurs of the world. They see opportunities everywhere. They have ambition and drive and are determined  to achieve their goals. She explains that they can be very direct and blunt, particularly if you don’t always understand them.

They like to set goals and provide directions. They see obstacles as challenges.

are physically or mentally exhausted, suffer from nervous depression or have become complacent and melancholic. 

Worwood recommends basil to encourage positivity, assertiveness, decisiveness, clarity and strength. Basil opens our heart to those who have lost their self through constant sacrifice to others. Zeck states that the sharp spicy scent of basil will bring balance and clarity of our inner emotions and allow us to take a risk to express ourselves. She compares basil with the power of positive thinking, and states that it will generate a sense of security as we express ourselves in a positive manner.

Basil is a warming oil which tonifies Yang and strengthens the Shen. It is recommended for people who are physically or mentally exhausted, suffer from nervous depression or have become complacent and melancholic. 

It warms the Lungs and expels phlegm and relieves coughing. According to the principles of the Five Elements, basil’s strong  invigorating action on the mind and digestive system associates it with the Wood, Fire and Earth Elements.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Offers energetic protection

Strengthens self-confidence and motivation

Brings clarity to the mind

Emotionally uplifting

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

Worwood describes basil personalities as the entrepreneurs of the world. They see opportunities everywhere. They have ambition and drive and are determined  to achieve their goals. She explains that they can be very direct and blunt, particularly if you don’t always understand them. They may seem patronising at times, but they mean no harm.  They love taking on responsibility and the power of being a boss. 

Worwood also describes basil personalities as the protector of ideas, imagination and free will. She also states that they are drawn to mysterious and can be very spiritual. 

According to Myers-Briggs personality types, the basil personality is likely to be an ENTJ. ENTJs are dynamic, energetic, confident and competent. They naturally move into positions where they can take charge. They enjoy confrontation and they like to engage in intellectually stimulating exchanges. They like and respect people who challenge them and have little or no respect for those that don’t. They have an improvement plan for everything, including their leisure. They like to set goals and provide directions. They see obstacles as challenges. They dislike inefficiency, incompetence and indecisiveness. They are competitively driven and often considered to be workaholics. They can be very honest and direct and do not hesitate to express themselves. When stressed they can have explosive outbursts or be judgemental on themselves and others.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Jewish mysticism teaches that every person is a word of God, and each life is a page of scripture. Indeed, we are unique and precious beings, and have a spiritual purpose that reflects our authentic self and the magnificence of Spirit.

Some questions that are at the heart of the spiritual journey may include: Who am I? Why am I Here? What is my spiritual purpose? Humanistic astrology claims that every birth chart, and therefore every person, is the answer to a need of the Universe. Finding and embodying our calling, is not only a source of great personal satisfaction, but also serves this beautiful cosmos in which we live.

Basil helps us discover our spiritual purpose. It strengthens us as we seek for it and helps us identify it. It invigorates and uplifts our minds to promote clarity and understanding. It also helps us to feel secure during those times of change, when our spiritual journey is shifting, and we transition into another stage.

General: Brings in positive energy. Strengthens and supports.

7th: Helps us discover our spiritual purpose. Strengthens and supports during spiritual transitions.

6th: Clears, uplifts, and invigorates the mind. Promotes positive thinking. Promotes the ability to concentrate. Supports the ability to make decisions. Promotes the understanding of one’s spiritual purpose.

5th: Promotes clear, strong, positive communication.

4th: Promotes a strong, positive, heartfelt response to life. Encourages trust.

3rd: Promotes self-esteem and the ability to manifest. Encourages enthusiasm and assertiveness. Supports personal integrity and reliability.

2nd: Promotes emotional strength and clarity.

1st: Promotes a sense of security. Strengthens and supports during life changes.

  • When we are seeking our spiritual purpose.
  • When we are concerned that we will not be able to manifest our spiritual purpose.
  • When our spirituality is in transition.
  • When we need strength and encouragement to pursue our spiritual purpose.
  • When we want to strengthen our self-esteem.
  • When we need to be more assertive.
  • When we want to be more enthusiastic.
Keim, J., & Bull, R. (2016, November 10). Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Revised & Expanded: Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies, and Affirmations (2nd ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Musculoskeletal: for pain and inflammation with stress and anxiety, consider blending with true lavender, clary sage, sweet marjoram and geranium; or with rosemary, bergamot and black pepper if lethargy/burnout is a factor.

Psyche: for anxiety, blend with true lavender and geranium; for fatigue, confusion, or feelings of being overwhelmed you might consider spike lavender, lavandin, rosemary CT cineole, sweet fennel, coriander seed, or the citrus oils bergamot, lemon and lime, or cineole-rich eucalyptus.

Rhind, Jennifer. Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy. Singing Dragon, 2016.

For the relief of indigestion, consider blending sweet basil oil with essential oils such as aniseed, ginger, sweet orange or peppermint.

To alleviate mental fatigue, consider blending sweet basil oil with essential oils such as black pepper, ginger, lemon, peppermint, pine or rosemary. 

The German Commission E provides us with some interesting basil oil combinations:

  • For wound treatment, rheumatic discomfort, colds, bruises and painful joints – a blend of basil oil, rosemary oil, cinnamon oil and peppermint oil.
  • For nasal catarrh, temporary shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, congestion, muscle pain, nerve pain, lumbago, sparins, flatulence and travel fatigue -a blend of basil oil, anise oil, lemon oil, sweet fennel oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, juniper berry oil, citronella oil, bergamot oil, Siberian pine oil, rosemary oil, orange peel oil, cinnamon oil, spearmint oil, wintergreen oil, nutmeg oil and wild thyme oil.
  • I consider this way too many oils in one blend, however, it gives you a good idea of the essential oils that blend well with basil
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

5 drops Rose

5 drops Geranium

2 drops Basil

10 drops Lavender

2 drops Rosemary

Blend together, then dilute 3-5 drops per 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil.

Worwood, V. A. (2016). In The Complete Book of Essential Oils and aromatherapy. Over 800 natural, nontoxic, and fragrant recipes to create health, beauty, and safe home and Work Environments. story, New World Library.

Blend for Vomiting

Try using a drop of Sweet Basil on a tissue and inhaling slowly to calm your stomach and stop the vomiting. You can add a drop of Peppermint, as well.

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

Saturate the nasal inhaler wick with these stimulating essential oils:

6 drops of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

6 drops of basil (Ocimum basilicum)

4 drops peppermint (Mentha piperita)

This blend is very stimulating, best to stop using this inhaler four to six hours before sleep.

Dechen, Shanti. Harmonized Aromatherapy for Seasonal Wellness. 2019. P.41

It is believed to have been introduced to ancient Greece by Alexander the Great (356-323 BC). The name basil originates from the Greek word, basileus, which means ‘royal’ or ‘king-like’ because of the royal fragrance of the herb. In India, basil is dedicated to Vishnu and is regarded as the incarnation of his wife, Lakshmi, goddess of fortune and beauty. The basil species that we are referring to in India is Ocimum sanctum, also called tulsi. Tulsi is called upon for life and death, for various acts of life, and above all for giving children to those who want them. According to tradition, basil protects from unfortunate destinies and evil spirits. The sixteenth century herbalists John Gerard wrote:  The smell of basil… taketh away sorrowfulness and maketh a man merry and glad.

Basil was recommended by Pliny against jaundice and epilepsy, and as a diuretic. It was also known as an aphrodisiac. In the Middle Ages it was prescribed for melancholy and depression.

 Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. p.152

Hazards: May contain estragole and methyl eugenol; skin sensitization (low risk).

Contraindications: None Known

Maximum dermal use level (based on carcinogen content):  EU: 0.2%  IFRA: 0.2%  Tisserand & Young: No limit

Maximum dermal use level (based) on eugenol content):  EU: No legal limit  IFRA: 3.3% Tisserand & Young: 3.3%

Tisserand, Robert, et al. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014.

3-4 years

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