Do you think that Basil has magical powers? Thousands of years ago, many did. Basil was used as an antidote for snake bites, and was believed to give strength during religious fasting. It also was used by the ancient Egyptians for embalming. And in India, Basil was considered a powerful protector and so was planted around temples and buried along with the dead to protect them in the afterlife. It was also once known as the ‘herb of poverty’ because it was believed to provide protection to the poor.[1]
The popularity of Basil, which is an herb, has not diminished over the year. Most associate it with food because of its nice aromatic flavor. Yet Basil offers an abundance of health benefits. Basil [2]
- Is a powerful antioxidant, full of polyphenolic flavonoids, which shield the body against cell-damaging free radicals
- Offers an excellent source of magnesium, basil promotes blood flow.
- Is a source of vitamin A, which promotes healthy eyesight.
- Provides eugenol, which is a component of the oil from the herb’s leaves. Eugenol has shown to be effective as an anti-inflammatory.
Topical benefits
Basil Essential Oil is derived through steam distillation from the leaves and flower/buds of the herb. Used topically, Basil Essential Oil massaged into the skin may improve the luster of dull-looking skin as well as hair. For this reason, Basil Essential Oil is used in many skin care supplements to improve skin tone. [3] It also is used to treat symptoms of skin infections.
Basil Essential Oil is possibly an analgesic, providing relief from pain. In this regard, it is used for treating arthritis, wounds, injuries, burns, sports injuries, sprains and more.[4]
Popular oil for aromatherapy
Due to its calming aroma, Basil Essential Oil commonly is used in aromatherapy to treat nervous tension, mental fatigue, melancholy, migraines, and depression. For individuals facing mental or emotional exhaustion, basil essential oil is said to bring energy and clarity back into thoughts.
Basil Essential Oil blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Clove Bud, Geranium, Lime, Lemon, Hyssop, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Neroli, Marjoram, Rosemary, Melissa, and Lavender.[5]
You will find Basil Essential Oil in BIOTONE Elation Balancing Blend. A blend of Lemongrass, Orange, Basil, Rosemary inspires, uplift and create a feeling of happiness.
[1] “The History of Basil,” MySpicer.com, Accessed May 27, 2023. https://www.myspicer.com/history-of-basil/
[2] P Zach, “Why basil is good for you,” Unpacked, Accessed May 27, 2023. https://jewishunpacked.com/why-basil-is-good-for-you/
[3] Nagdeve, Meenakshi, “11 Amazing Benefits of Basil Essential Oil,” Organic Facts, August 11, 2021. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/basil-essential-oil.html
[4] “11 Amazing Benefits of Basil Essential Oil”
[5] Ibid