Basil Sweet

Botanical Name

Ocimum basilicum

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Basil Essential Oil Uses

antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bronchitis, carminative, cephalic, colds, coughs, digestive, emmenagogue, exhaustion, expectorant, febrifuge, flatulence, flu, galactagogue, gout, insect bites, insect repellent, muscle aches, nervine, prophylactic, restorative, rheumatism, sinusitis, stimulant of adrenal cortex, stomachic, tonic

Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 45-46.

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Leaves and Flowers/Buds

Color

Clear

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Top

Strength of Initial Aroma

Medium

Aromatic Description

Basil Essential Oil smells sweet, herbaceous and somewhat licorice-like.

Possible Substitute Oils

Black Pepper, Thyme (linalool and geraniol CT), Marjoram, Lavandin, Lavender

Blends Well With

Balsam Fir, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Black Spruce, Blue Spruce, Boronia, Camphor, Cardamom, Cedarwood, Chamomile (Roman), Cistus, Clary Sage, Copaiba, Coriander, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Geranium, Hyssop, Juniper Berry, Labdanum, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Linden Blossom, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, Niaouli, Oakmoss, Orange, Oregano, Palmarosa, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Rosemary (Verbenone), Sandalwood, Spearmint, Verbena, Ylang Ylang.

Source: Dr. Scott A. Johnson, Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy The Ultimate Guide to the Therapeutic And Clinical Application of Essential Oils (First Edition) (Scott A. Johnson Professional Writing Serices, LLC), 53-55.

GRAS Status	Safe for Kids	Pregnancy Safe	Nursing Safe	Fur-Baby Safe	Shelf-Life
Yes	Yes	No	Yes (follow nursing guidelines)	No	3-4 years

Major Constituents

• Linalool
• Fenchol
• Eugenol
• Methyl Chavicol
• Beta-Caryophyllene

Source: Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook (Hammersmith, London: Thorsons, 1993), 54-55.

Recommended Dilution Range

3%-20%; neat for some conditions

Basil Essential Oil Safety Information

Use Basil Oil sparingly and with caution. High doses may be carcinogenic especially for those basils that contain a significant amount of methyl chavicol (Eugenole). Tisserand and Young suggest a dermal maximum of 15% if the estragole content does not exceed 0.8%. Reading Tisserand and Young’s full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 208.]

Avoid Basil Oil during pregnancy. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 186.]

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.