The oil of basil is produced by steam distilling, resulting in a suite, spicy smell evocative of sunny Mediterranean vacations. Basil’s uplifting and strengthening effects make it valuable oil for treating anxiety and depression. Its restorative properties can also help treat stress and tension.

Powerful Decongestants

The anti-septic and anti-spasmodic in effect of basil make it a good abdominal massage oil for clearing intestinal infections. It is also helpful for treating painful digestive disorders. Basil’s decongestant action in a steam inhalation is a very effective remedy for cough and congestion. It also has a beneficial action on the respiratory tract and can restore sense of smell and taste.

Active ingredients of basil oil

Basil’s stimulating effect on the nervous system is due to high concentrations of alcohols. Monoterpene alcohols: these alcohols make up to 60% of basil oil. The principal compound active in the oil is linalol, which gives it a distinctive floral, spicy and slightly citrus aroma. Monoterpene alcohols are considered to be uplifting, warming and balancing. They also contain antibacterial, antiviral actions and stimulate the body’s defensive system to fight infections. Phenols and phenolic esters: basil contains menthol chavicol and eugenol. These help to stimulate the nervous system and strengthen the immune system.

Other ingredients: basil also contains traces of ketones, such as camphol and cineole, and terpenes such as pinene and ocimene.

Basil oil uses

Basil oil is a natural treatment for respiratory and digestive infections and can be used to create a refreshing body rub and a pick me up for work.

Basil for folklore

Basil is a sacred herb in many belief systems and has associations with different deities. According to Christian legend, basil grew on Christ’s tomb after his resurrection. Thoughts, some Greek Orthodox churches use basil to prepare holy water. This native herb is held in great reverence throughout India, where it is sacred to Krishna and Vishnu. It is cherished in Hindu homes, where it is believed to protect the family.

Energizing basil

Wake up the mind and body with stimulating, uplifting basil oil. For an invigorating aromatic start to the day, at 1 to 2 drops each of basil and bergamot oil to your shower gel in the morning. Wake up in the morning with an energizing basil body rub.

Bracing body rub

For an energizing and invigorating body rub, try adding five drops each of bergamot and geranium oil and two drops of basil oil to 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil.

Alertness boost

If you hit an afternoon energy slump in the office, give yourself a boost with two drops of basil oil and six drops of grapefruit oil in a room vaporizer.

Digestive and Respiratory Infections

Use basil’s potent purifying cleansing properties to combat infections. For upset stomachs, place a warm compress over the abdomen using a cloth soaked in hot water containing 2 to 3 drops each of clove and basil oil. Both contain eugenol, which is effective in treating diarrhea.

Relieve congestion and ease breathing within aromatic steam inhalation

Add 5 drops of lemon oil, 3 drops of lavender, and 2 drops of basil to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhaled deeply until the condition clears.

Calm a lingering cough or chest infection with a dry inhalation by adding 2 drops of basil, 4 drops of Rosemary, and 3 drops of lemon oil to a handkerchief. To relieve a tight chest, add lemon, lavender, and basil to hot water.

Uplifting Basil Oil

Treat the misery and lethargy of depression with balancing basil.

Relaxing Basil Bath

After a hectic day, have a relaxing basil bath. Add 5 drops of lavender, 2 drops of basil, and 3 drops of geranium.

Uplifting massage

Blend 2 drops of basil oil and 10 drops each of black pepper and bergamot oil in 2 tablespoons of grape seed oil for a massage to treat apathy and depression.

Revive the spirits

For a fragrance that will relieve nervous tension and lift the spirit, add 10 drops each of ginger and black pepper oil and 2 drops of basil oil to a room vaporizer or diffuser.

Spring cleaning

If you’re doing a spring cleaning of your home, cleanse the air with a room spray of basil oil. Simply add a few drops to a water spray and squirt into the center of the room a couple of times.

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You can harness the healing and uplifting qualities of plant fragrances to help you relax, unwind and even treat minor ailments.

You can find out simply and pleasurably just how beneficial aromatherapy can be by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the next bath that you take. You will notice the difference immediately. As you smell the relaxing fragrance of the oil surrounding you, its peacefulness and tranquility will lift your spirits, promote relaxation and soothe stress.

Aromatherapy is the art of healing with essential oils – distilled essences that have been extracted from plants. These can be used in massage and inhalation techniques, added to bathroom products such as soap, skin creams, bath gel and shampoos, and also used to create room fragrances.

Aromatherapy also involves the use of incense (in loose, powdered form or as Joss sticks), potpourri, steam inhalations, scented candles and fresh flowers.

How Aromatherapy Works

When you breathe through the nose we smell the fragrance, we take its healing molecules into our bodies. Heating essential oils and burning Joss sticks vaporizes the oil so that we can breathe in its molecules more easily. Essential oils applied to the skin are absorbed into bloodstream to take immediate effect. Relaxing in a soothing, fragrant bath will improve your mood as well as your skin.

Getting started with aromatherapy

You’ll no doubt want to start buying yourself the oils and other equipment you need to put your new knowledge into practice such as incense, joss stick, and an essential Oil Diffuser.

Essential and blended oils

The mostly commonly used aromatherapy equipment is essential oil. You can buy small bottles of oil from many stores and shopping malls. Undiluted oils can seem expensive, but you need to use only a few drops in most applications. Undiluted oils can be used in vaporizers, steam inhalation and bath, and can be diluted in a carrier base, such as avocado oil or unscented shampoo, for use in massage, shampoo, toning and moisturizing.

Diluted up to 10 drops of oil in 30 ml of carrier base before using it on your skin. Rub your massage oil into tired muscles to feel an instant benefit. Some stores sell ready blended massage oils. These don’t need to be diluted, but aren’t suitable for use in vaporizers.

Scented candles, candle scented with essential oils are a great way to get relaxing, stimulating and sensual aromas into your atmosphere. Scented candles work better on your mood and emotions than on your body. Their effects are subtle and work well over a long period of time, such as a quiet evening at home, rather than providing quick results. Fragrances such as Centinela and lavender are excellent insect repellent. Use candles scented with these aromas while you’re sitting outside on a warm summer evening. A more intense way to fragrance your environment is to use essential oil in a candle vaporizer, to do this, half filled the vaporizer bowl with water and add up to five drops of oil. Light the candle beneath the bowl. Scented candles fill your surroundings with gentle relaxing aroma.

Joss sticks and incense, another excellent way to feel your room with uplifting sense is to burn incense or Joss sticks. The fragrances used to make Joss sticks and incense are usually very expensive to buy as oils. This is simply a more economical way of enjoying their benefits. Light Joss stick and incense beside a scented candle, vaporizer, or other Joss sticks to blend different aromas. A Joss sticks burn, they will leave behind hot ash, always be sure to place your Joss stick on a surface that will not be damaged, or by a special holder that will catch the ash as it falls. You can also stand your Joss picks up in a potted plant or dish of sand. Incense is especially useful for create aiding a very spiritual atmosphere for meditation, prayer or yoga.

Decorative glass beads, a potted plant or window box, or a small glass of sand all make ideal Joss stick holders.
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