Basil is a plant that most people will know from the kitchen. Many people regularly use basil as an herb on their food. However, basil also has a completely different side, it can also be used as an oil. The oil has a medicinal effect on many different things.
Basil
Basil oil is extracted from the basil plant. The oil is obtained by water vapor distillation when the plant is in bloom. 1 liter of pure oil requires approximately 500 kilos of basil plant material. The yield is only 0.1-0.2%. It is a herb with white flowers and an intense scent. It is a very easy plant to keep. You can keep it in the kitchen or on the windowsill. The basil oil has a transparent color and smells fresh and sweet.
The herb was first used in India against all kinds of ailments. India is still the largest basil producer, followed by Italy, France and Egypt. The name comes from the Greek word for king ‘Basileum’, which indicates that the plant used to be highly respected. In India, basil was even seen as a sacred plant by the Hindustani. Leaves of the plant were placed on the chest of a deceased person to protect them from evil spirits that might arise during the afterlife. Basil plants also grew at almost every temple. In some countries, basil leaves are the sign of fertility. Basil was previously used in India against coughs, bronchitis, asthma and as an antidote for insect bites.
Operation
Basil oil is a natural remedy for many different ailments:
- Basil oil is used to repel insects.
- Basil oil ensures that the muscles can relax more quickly after exercise and makes the muscles stronger.
- Basil oil makes the skin look better, skin fungi disappear faster after using this oil. It can also help against acne.
- Basil oil ensures that respiratory infections disappear faster. It is especially helpful against nasal and sinus infections. It ensures that mucus dissolves faster.
- Basil oil is good for the heart. It ensures that the heart beats more regularly. It can also help if your heart rate is too slow.
- Basil oil can help when a person is depressed, it provides mental stability. The oil can also ensure that you can concentrate for longer.
- Basil oil is also used in the perfume industry.
Dosage
- On the skin: mix the oil one to one hundred with water.
- In the bath: use a maximum of four drops of basil oil on a full bath. You can mix the basil oil with a neutral oil.
- As a steam bath: use a maximum of three drops of oil in a bowl of hot water.
- There is also an aroma lamp. You can put a few drops of oil in this lamp. The light has a positive effect when you need to concentrate or when you want to have a nice rest.
Cons
Do not use when you are pregnant, it can act as an unwanted contraction inducer! Also be careful if you have sensitive skin, it can cause irritation. Always dilute the oil very well when applying it directly to the skin. Never apply the oil to your entire skin at once, try it out on a small area first to check whether you are sensitive to it. Do not use basil oil more than three times a day and not for longer than two weeks in a row. Too high a dose can cause nausea and vomiting.
