Basil Essential Oil│Uses, Benefits, & Where to Buy

Basil Essential Oil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an edible, fragrant leafy herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, sporting deep green leaves on the upper side and green-gray underneath.⁷ Hailing from the Greek word basileus meaning ‘king’ basil is popular for its fragrant leaves, and often referred to as ‘king of the herbs’.²

The herb originated in India and was introduced to the Mediterranean on the spice routes during ancient times. Holy basil, or ‘tulsi’, is the most notable of the more than 50 different types of basil now grown in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Canada and the United States.³

Basil leaves are sweet when picked early and become spicy as they ripen. They produce an aromatic essential oil, that is extracted through steam distillation. This process involves boiling the plant material until the oil is separated and captured in an inhaler.⁴

Basil essential oil, is often said to be the “oil of renewal” that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and nervousness, while soothing sore muscles and helping alleviate mental exhaustion.

Read more: Essential oils for stress, anxiety and nervousness.

Basil Essential Oil Uses

Basil oil is an additive in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, toothpastes and mouthwash. It’s also used in medical preparations, insect repellents and various household products.⁵ Basil essential oil can be used topically or inhaled. The most common basil essential oil uses are detailed below.

Basil Essential Oil Aromatherapy

Basil essential oil is said to help increase mental acuity and focus through inhalation. The inhalation of this essential oil has been reported as a calming way to ease migraines and headaches, while having an uplifting effect on mood.¹ Add 2-4 drops of basil essential oil to a diffuser or bowl of hot water and let the aroma fill the room. 

Natural Basil Insect Bite Relief

With natural antimicrobial properties, reach for basil essential oil you have an insect bite. Add 2-3 drops of basil essential oil to a carrier oil such as grapeseed, jojoba or almond, and apply topically for minor skin irritations or itchiness caused by insect bites.⁷

Natural Basil Household Cleaner

Basil essential oil can be used as a chemical-free, household cleaning spray. Combine 2 cups water, 1 cup white vinegar, 20 drops of lemon essential oil, 15 drops of basil essential oil and add to a spray bottle. Mist over household surfaces before wiping clean with a wet cloth.

Basil in the Bath

Sprinkle 2-3 drops of basil essential oil in your bath for a soothing and calming effect.⁷ 

Basil Essential Oil Massage

For a stress-relieving massage, add 1-3 drops of basil essential oil to a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut. Gently massage over the affected areas to help relieve aching muscles.⁷ For a full body massage, apply the mixture at the sacrum up the spine to the neck, and evenly massage into the skin.⁶

Create a blended massage oil by adding a drop of bergamot or ginger essential oil to the mixture.

Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms with Basil Essential Oil

Basil essential oil has been reported to help ease a cold through inhalation. Add 4-5 drops of the oil to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl to inhale the steam.⁷

Benefits of Basil Essential Oil

In recent years, basil essential oil has been evaluated for its therapeutic properties. Due to advances in clinical studies, researchers suggest that the essential oil of popular herb may even help reduce symptoms of common maladies. Here are the top scientifically studied benefits of basil essential oil.

The Benefits of Basil Essential Oil are:

1. Reducing Mental Fatigue
2. Antimicrobial Properties
3. Antifungal Properties
4. Antioxidant Properties

Reduce Mental Fatigue with Basil Essential Oil

A pilot study in 2012 investigated the effectiveness of a mixture of basil, peppermint and helichrysum essential oil on mental exhaustion and ‘burnout’ due to work or stressful conditions. Using a personal aromatherapy inhaler, test subjects were randomized into a control group which used rose water, or the experimental group. The mixture was inhaled at home or at work, up to 7 times a day for three weeks.¹

Read More: Essential Oils for Focus and Concentration

Results suggest that while both groups experienced improvements in the perception of mental exhaustion or moderate burnout, the aromatherapy group reported a 21% improvement, compared to 11% in the control group.¹

Antimicrobial Properties of Basil Essential Oil

Preliminary research shows basil essential oil as having effective antimicrobial properties in the battle against infections. One study looked at the effects of basil essential oil on Giardia lamblia (a parasite in the small intestine), and found that linalool, a pure concentrate of basil, killed 100% of parasites after one hour of incubation.⁸

While preliminary laboratory studies show promise for basil essential oil having antimicrobial benefits, it should be noted no human trials have been conducted and further research is still required before human use. Conventional treatments should not be replaced by essential oils⁸.

Antifungal Activity of Basil Oil

Basil has shown antifungal properties in some studies, particularly in linalool, a pure concentrate of basil. A 2005 study on the antifungal activity of basil essential oil, investigated the effects of linalool on the fungi Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Mucor sp which cause decay in peach fruit. The linalool contributed to inhibiting the growth of the fungi in vapor form using different doses during the experiment.⁹

Basil Essential Oil as an Antioxidant

Basil essential oil has been observed to have potent antioxidant properties, demonstrating natural antidiabetic and antihypertensive behaviors. A recent clinical study suggests that basil essential oil could one day have an application as a nutraceutical ingredient for type 2 diabetic patients.¹⁰

Side Effects of Basil Essential Oil

Basil essential oil is considered generally safe for inhalation and topical use. For topical application, always dilute basil essential oil before applying to the skin. To avoid potential adverse reactions, always read and follow the label’s directions.

Ingesting essential oils can be harmful and toxic. Never consume an essential oil unless under the direct supervision of a health care professional.

Consult a healthcare professional before using basil essential oil on children, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Where to Buy Basil Essential Oil

Previously, high quality essential oils could only be bought at specialty health stores, or through expensive multi-level marketing companies. Now, due to advancements in technology, extremely high grade essential oils can be purchased over the internet at very reasonable prices.