OVERVIEW
Basil Oil, Ocimum basilicum L., is a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, and the most cultivated variety in the world (especially in Mediterranean countries). Basil is most popular in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Europe. It is also considered sacred in India as it’s such an amazing source of antioxidants, antibacterial agents, and anti-inflammatory compounds. In history, basil was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat cold symptoms, constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, and skin illnesses. The flavours and scents of basil are so diverse that you can come across tastes and scents like citrus, licorice, cinnamon, and more. Basil leaves can be used fresh or dried, as a spice, to enhance the flavor of foods. Basil essential oil is steam distilled from fresh basil leaves, stems, and flowers to form an extract that contains high levels of antioxidants and other beneficial phytochemicals. This makes it much more beneficial than fresh or dried leaves alone.
Essential oil extracted from fresh leaves and flowers can be used as aroma additives in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Every drop of essential oil is so concentrated that one drop can be compared to pounds and pounds of the plant used for extraction. However, basil has an estimated 50 to 150 number of species all over the world, so how a basil essential oil smells will depend on the species and where it’s grown.
The European type, cultivated in Europe, USA, and Africa, is characterized by linalool and methylchavicol as the major oil constituents. The Reunion type, located in the Comoros and Seychelles Islands, Africa, and Reunion Island, is characterized by a high concentration of methyl chavicol. Tropical type originated from India, Pakistan, Guatemala, Haiti, and Africa is rich in methyl cinnamate.
This essential oil has an aroma that can be calming and refreshing. The medicinal parts of the basil plant are the leaves and the seeds.
Basil essential oil also has proven antioxidant effects that can fight chronic infections and respiratory illnesses like bronchitis. Its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can also benefit heart health and cognitive function. It has also been investigated for its properties in reducing cancer cell formation.
APPEARANCE
Pale yellow to amber colour liquid
ODOUR
Herbaceous, anise-like, fresh odour
ORIGINAL PLANT
Ocimum basilicum
CAS NUMBER
8015-73-4 ; 84775-71-3
FEMA NUMBER
2119
EINECS NUMBER
283-900-8
PRODUCT CODE
AFE003003
SYNONYM
Common Basil, Sweet Basil, St. Joseph's Wort
PARTS USED
Leaves and Flowering Tops
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distillation
SHELF LIFE
24 Months
FLASHPOINT
78°C
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
0.880-0.925 @ 20°C
REFRACTIVE INDEX
1.470-1.490 @ 20°C
QUALITY
100% Pure and Natural
SOLUBILITY
Insoluble in Water; soluble in alcohols
IMPROVES SKIN AND HAIR
Basil essential oil is well known for treating symptoms of acne and other skin infections. As skin breakouts are mainly caused by built-up bacteria, excess oil, and small infections, basil oil can help because of its antibacterial properties. It improves scalp circulation, and thus promotes hair growth. When applied, it produces a warm tingling sensation that soothes you. Circulation leads to stimulation of hair follicles, and the production of new and healthy hair starts all over again.
ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES
Basil essential oil has been proven to be extremely effective against microbes, food-borne bacteria, yeasts, and mold. Linalool is one of basil oil’s main components, its status as an antimicrobial agent makes basil oil effective against many strains of bacteria. A highly effective antibacterial spray can be made by combining basil essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Also, basil essential oil can prevent viral infections that enter the body through cuts or wounds.
EXCELLENT INSECT REPELLENT
The volatile oils found in basil can repel mosquitoes and prevent bug bites, just like citronella essential oil and thyme oil. Basil insect repellent not only keeps stinging bugs away, but it has a pleasant aroma as well. Basil is also excellent in treating itchiness from mosquito bites and stings.
TREATS COLD AND FLU
Basil essential oil can help fight bacteria and viruses in the body while fighting inflammation, pain, and fatigue. Due to its antispasmodic nature, it is frequently used to treat symptoms of a whooping cough. Basil essential oil is effective in providing relief from colds, influenza, and associated fevers. You can relieve the symptoms of your cold or flu by diffusing basil oil or adding one or two drops to a hot bath.
PROVIDES PAIN RELIEF
Basil essential oil is also an analgesic that provides relief from pain, it rich in monoterpenes, which helps manage pain in humans. It decreases the excitability of pain nerves, which reduces pain. This is the reason this multi-functional oil is used frequently in the treatment of injuries, burns, bruises and surgical recovery.